Senior Firmware Engineer, Research

The role

You will own the firmware used in clinical studies by building, testing, documenting, and supporting it. You will also build prototypes to evaluate new sensing, stimulation, and algorithm concepts.

What you will do

• Develop, test, document, and release the firmware used in Cala clinical studies.
• Own build configuration, versioning, release notes, and known-issue tracking.
• Ensure device logs capture clinical research needs.
• Build fast, focused prototypes to evaluate new sensing, stimulation, and algorithm concepts.
• Write and execute firmware test procedures.
• Build bench test setups.
• Perform joint hardware/firmware debugging with the EE and systems team.
• Support clinical and research staff during study execution.
• Diagnose field issues, extract and interpret device logs, and turn recurring problems into design fixes.
• Document research firmware for the commercial team and participate in design reviews.

Required qualifications

• BS/MS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years developing embedded firmware, including low-power and small-footprint designs.
• Strong C programming skills and proficiency in Python.
• Bare metal firmware development on microcontrollers (ARM preferred).
• Experience with ARM Cortex M0, M3, or M4.
• Experience with BLE, including debugging connection and throughput issues in the real world.
• Experience with sensor signal processing, data logging, or on-device algorithm implementation.
• Comfortable with hardware debugging tools: logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, power supplies, and current measurement.
• Hands-on experience using AI development tools to accelerate firmware work or to ramp quickly on unfamiliar systems.
• Track record of adapting to shifting priorities on a small team.
• Genuine interest in building technology that treats patients.
• Collaborative working style with engineers, clinicians, and research staff.

Nice to have

• Experience developing firmware in an ISO 13485 medical device quality system.
• Experience supporting devices used in human clinical studies or other regulated research settings.
• Experience developing simple desktop or mobile app prototypes to visualize or analyze sensor data from connected embedded systems.
• RTOS experience with Zephyr, FreeRTOS, Linux, or comparable systems.
• Experience taking a research prototype through to a released product.
• Additional wireless technologies such as LTE or WiFi.

Benefits

• Tools, training and mentoring

Before you apply

• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
• Cala will consider sponsoring work visas subject to external immigration counsel assessment based on chances of approval.
• Cala does not permit the use of AI during interviews and technical testing.

About the company

Cala is working to free people from the burden of chronic disease. They created the first non-invasive prescription therapy for hand tremor.