Description:

The Embedded Systems Engineer will serve as a key interface in the co-design of Arago’s AI accelerator, collaborating closely with both software and hardware team members to enhance hardware and software performance.
The role requires a strong combination of applied mathematical rigor and a practical understanding of computing systems, including instruction set architectures, memory hierarchies, interfacing protocols, and both synchronous and asynchronous execution.
The engineer will contribute to hardware development by integrating early iterations of the Optical Processing Unit (OPU) with microcontrollers and FPGAs, including firmware development for off-the-shelf embedded electronics.
Responsibilities include optimizing firmware on successive prototype iterations, implementing a Real-Time Operating System (RTOS) to manage requests and kernel launches, and improving the reliability and latency of data transfer protocols.
The engineer will develop, maintain, and update hardware drivers while collaborating with the software team to ensure the prototype functions as a backend computation engine for bare-metal execution of linear algebra operations and compiled machine learning pipelines.
The role also involves designing PCBs to interface Arago's OPU with memory banks, environment sensors, data transfer chips, and MCU co-processors, as well as designing reliable power management and delivery units for these boards.

Requirements:

Candidates must have a strong combination of applied mathematical rigor and a practical understanding of computing systems, including instruction set architectures, memory hierarchies, and interfacing protocols.
Proficiency in various communication and data transfer protocols such as SPI, I2C, UART, and PCIe is required for inter-component communication.
Strong coding experience in Python and C/C++ is essential.
Extensive experience with embedded systems and devices, including MCUs (ESP32, STM32) and FPGAs (Xilinx, Intel Altera), is necessary, focusing on efficient hardware resource utilization and custom firmware development.
Candidates should have proficiency in developing hardware drivers for custom devices, with a strong understanding of RTOS and kernel development.
Extensive experience in PCB design, including layout and debugging, is highly valued.

The position offers competitive cash compensation that reflects the candidate's expertise and experience.
Employees will receive stock options as part of their compensation package.
The role provides ownership of a key technical area within the company.
Candidates will have the opportunity to be part of the early days of one of the hottest AI startups, which is currently in stealth mode.
The work environment is fun, dynamic, and multicultural, promoting collaboration among team members.
There are exciting growth opportunities available within the company.