Lead Embedded Firmware Engineer - Austin, TX

Lead Embedded Firmware Engineer

About Very

Very is a fully distributed IoT technology firm led by expert problem-solvers to create efficient, scalable solutions that move commercial, industrial, and consumer IoT projects from pilot to production in record time.

We’ve built a collaborative, tight-knit team that thrives and we have the results to prove it. Over the years, we’ve won numerous workplace awards for being a Great Place to Work, and have been listed in Parity.org’s list of Best Companies for Women to Advance. Most recently, we’ve been ranked as one of the fastest-growing companies in the U.S. by Inc. 5000 and recognized by Clutch as one of the top B2B companies in 2023.

We believe that everything we build — and the people we build it with — has the potential to change the world. Our client list includes numerous well-known brands determined to leverage the power of IoT to drive material outcomes — such as Vizio, Peloton, Clear, iHeart Radio and Fellowes. Our goal for each and every client we partner with is to create high-value solutions through a collaborative and user-centered process.

About This Role

As a Lead Embedded Firmware Engineer, you will be leading teams that work across multiple technologies developing IoT systems, with a focus on firmware. This requires an interest in RF communications protocols, RTOSs, firmware security, and reliable OTA update strategies.  We value well-tested, reusable code and expect our engineers and data scientists to be as good of practitioners as they are leaders and teachers. 

In this role, you will work with tools and technologies that include:

• Bare Metal and RTOS C/C++
• Zephyr RTOS
• Embedded Linux, most likely leveraging the Nerves Framework (Elixir)
• Python for build/test automation
• Cloud Providers managed with Terraform and/or  Serverless Framework: 
  • AWS
  • GCP
  • Azure

Engineers who apply for this job should be master practitioners in C/C++, along with an interest and willingness to become proficient with Linux and Elixir.  Experience with machine learning and/or web application development is a big plus.

What You’ll Be Working On

We dedicate each engineer to a single project in order to promote focus, and minimize context switching.  You will be placed on one of our data-intensive projects, which typically involve large volumes of streaming IoT data.  Within this project team, you can expect to work with web applications engineers, data scientists, UI/UX designers, firmware engineers, and hardware engineers.

You’ll spend the majority of your time working on such projects for our clients, and the remainder of your time can be spent improving Very. These internal contributions often include working on open source projects, building internal products, improving your craft, educating others, and more. As a client services organization, travel may be required up to 10% of the time.

Outcomes

• Successful technical delivery of team deliverables on client engagements, with full technical ownership over the embedded distribution process (including CI/CD builds, device provisioning, etc)
• Overall improvement for embedded firmware development standard within Very.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a Technical Lead on client engagements.
• Serve as a Technical Interviewer for embedded firmware roles.
• Assist the commercial team in new client acquisition.
• Participate in high-impact internal initiatives.

• 10+ years of experience in embedded software, with at least 5 in Linux development.
• Experience with developing Linux within modern software development practices (CI/CD, automated testing, etc)
• Experience with developing Linux for ARM architectures.
• Experience working in multi-disciplinary teams
• Deep understanding of and interest in IoT Products
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to articulate technical concepts to cross-functional teams and external partners
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field
• Primary residence in a U.S. timezone

In addition to experience, these are the critical skills we look for in all technical roles, and how they should be demonstrated at the Lead level.

• Communicates Effectively: Can comfortably present information to clients that is clear and concise (verbal and written).  Can negotiate for positive outcomes with clients on projects that are any size, and any level of difficulty. Leans into complex conversations and effectively addresses escalated situations resulting in team/client alignment.
• Ability to Influence: Independently resets the tone of the team or environment.  Redirects the team and client when needed on complex projects.  Negotiates positive outcomes by incorporating ideas and opinions from internal and external resources.  Thoughtfully considers all outcomes before jumping to change.  Is decisive, direct and respectful when communicating alternate solutions and ideas to influence for buy-in or change.

Other

Primary residence in the contiguous US or Canada (to facilitate overnight shipping to our clients and the majority of our software team).

**Unfortunately, applicants who do not meet these criteria will not be considered.**

Ideal Additional Qualifications/Experience

• Experience with edge machine learning
• Experience participating in the launch phase of large-scale IoT product releases.
• Experience with NXP chipsets.
• MSc or PhD in a relevant field

Compensation

• Base compensation
  • USD $145,000 to $175,000 commensurate with experience. 
• Variable compensation
  • Up to 15% of your base compensation

• 401k Match
• Insurance (Dental, Vision and Life)
• Paid Parental Leave (95th percentile for the U.S.)
• $2,500/yr continuing education stipend, upon one year of employment
• $600/yr Home Office Stipend - We can provide help to build your home office/workstation. 
• $200/mo Monthly Communications Stipend (Can be used towards Cell Phone Data Plan, WiFi Plan, VOIP, VPN)
• Annual company trip, all expenses paid.
• Loaned MacBook Pro (Provided)

Why Work for Very

You are more than your job title. At Very, we prioritize talent development and professional growth with a human-first approach that caters to the unique goals each individual brings to the team. 

You will collaborate with a cohort of talented people on a mission to get better every single day. It feels like working for a company that invests in you. And it means finding alignment with your career goals to get you where you want to be.

We believe in creating an environment where our employees can thrive. Our work is fueled by smart, creative people whose lives are enriched by our experiences together. We learn together, we grow together, and we play together. Despite working across more than half a dozen countries, our teams connect regularly for work and for fun - on Slack, Zoom, and during an annual retreat. We’ve been remote-first from the beginning, so we know well what it takes to maintain a strong culture.  #LI-Remote

IMPORTANT:

Interviewing for a new company is a serious time commitment for all parties involved. Please take the time to read this and thoughtfully consider if we would be a good fit for one another.  No contractors or agencies. Seriously. #LI-Remote