Staff Software Engineer (Robotics)

TL;DR

Staff Software Engineer (Robotics): Designing scalable, high-performance software architectures spanning embedded firmware, real-time systems, edge compute, and hardware integration for complex electromechanical platforms like VTOL aircraft, gimbals, and robotic subsystems with an accent on modularity, determinism, performance, and long-term maintainability. Focus on defining system-level abstractions, guiding architectural decisions across firmware, middleware, and edge layers, and elevating standards for modern C++ in production-grade robotics software.

Location: Onsite in Torrance, CA. Must be U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident (ITAR/EAR restrictions, no sponsorship)

Salary: $176k–$198k, plus equity and bonuses

Company

hirify.global builds robotics and autonomous systems for defense and enterprise, including VTOL aircraft and unmanned systems.

What you will do

• Define and evolve software architecture for robotics systems spanning firmware, middleware, and edge compute.
• Design modular abstractions for sensors, actuators, state estimation, and control subsystems with deterministic real-time behavior.
• Guide embedded firmware architecture for motors, sensors, and hardware peripherals under tight latency constraints.
• Partner with controls, hardware, and systems engineers to define software-hardware interfaces and integration workflows.
• Establish modern C++ standards, testing strategies, and CI/CD for firmware and robotics software.
• Drive verification infrastructure including SIL/HIL, telemetry, and performance analysis; mentor engineers on architecture.

Requirements

• 7+ years building software for robotics, autonomous systems, aerospace, or embedded platforms; shipped production products
• Proven software architecture across embedded/distributed systems, hardware-software interfaces, real-time constraints
• Deep modern C++ (14/17/20) proficiency: memory management, concurrency, performance-critical code
• Hands-on with microcontrollers (ARM Cortex-M, STM32), RTOS (FreeRTOS, Zephyr), drivers (SPI/I2C/UART/CAN)
• Solid kinematics, sensor integration, control systems exposure, telemetry/diagnostics
• Physical ability to navigate facilities, lift 25lbs, use PPE; occasional off-hours work

Nice to have

• PX4, MAVLink, simulation (URDF/Gazebo/Isaac), SIL/HIL infrastructure
• Linux edge compute (Jetson), safety-critical/aerospace environments

Culture & Benefits

• Generous equity package and potential bonuses
• Cross-functional collaboration with controls, hardware, and systems teams
• Focus on engineering excellence, mentorship, and raising architectural standards
• EEO employer; background check required