Research Engineer I / II - Embedded Development Engineer

OverviewSRI is seeking a Research Engineer (Level I or II) onsite in Boulder, CO, to support the design, development, and prototyping of advanced embedded systems for sensing and real-time applications. This role emphasizes embedded software and hardware integration, real-time data acquisition and control, and hands-on laboratory development. You will work within multidisciplinary teams to develop embedded systems supporting cellular, radar, communications, quantum sensing, photonics, and other remote sensing applications. The ideal candidate enjoys working close to the software, developing and integrating embedded platforms, interfacing with sensors and electronics, and solving complex problems through hands-on prototyping and testing.This position is part of the Advanced Technology and Systems Division (ATSD), which develops innovative, high-performance technologies across domains including radar and electronic warfare, imaging, robotics, quantum sensing, and applied optics.ResponsibilitiesLeveling OverviewResearch Engineer ITypical Experience: 0–2 years (or recent graduate with relevant internship/project experience)Develops embedded software and firmware under guidance from senior engineersImplements and tests interfaces to sensors, data converters, peripherals, and other hardwareDevelops and tests software tools, services, and automation used to configure, operate, and evaluate embedded systemsContributes to automated unit, integration, and system-level testingSupports embedded system bring-up, integration, testing, and debuggingDevelops well-defined portions of real-time data acquisition, control, and processing systemsUses laboratory instrumentation and software tools to diagnose hardware/software interactionsUses Linux command-line tools for software development and troubleshootingContributes to rapid prototype development and system demonstrationsWorks on defined technical tasks with increasing independenceResearch Engineer IITypical Experience: 2–5+ years (or advanced degree with relevant experience)Independently develops embedded subsystems for sensing, data acquisition, processing, and controlIndependently develops and maintains networked software services that coordinate distributed, embedded, or laboratory systemsDevelops system architectures and hardware/software trade-off decisionsDevelops and integrates firmware, device interfaces, communication protocols, and real-time processing functionsDiagnoses complex issues involving hardware interfaces, operating systems, networking, and remote system operationEstablishes reliable development, deployment, testing, logging, monitoring workflows for Linux-based systemsLeads portions of hardware bring-up, system integration, test, and troubleshootingIntegrates embedded processors with sensors, FPGAs, RF electronics, and other system hardwareApplies DSP, RF, and system-level knowledge to embedded sensing applicationsProvides technical guidance to junior engineers and communicates results to project teams and stakeholdersKey Responsibilities:Design, develop, and integrate embedded systems for real-time sensing, data acquisition, processing, and controlDevelop embedded software, Python applications, networked services, test utilities, and automation scripts using C/C++, Python, shell scripting, or similar languages.Interface microcontrollers, processors, and SoCs with sensors, ADCs/DACs, FPGAs, RF electronics, and photonic hardwareDevelop and integrate hardware communication interfaces such as SPI, I2C, UART, USB, Ethernet, and other serial or high-speed interfacesSupport bare-metal, RTOS, and/or embedded Linux development depending on application requirementsDevelop, deploy, configure, and troubleshoot software and services on local, remote, headless, and embedded Linux/Ubuntu systems using secure command-line workflows.Perform hardware bring-up and debug hardware/software interactions using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and other laboratory instrumentationDevelop and optimize real-time data pipelines with consideration for latency, throughput, memory, power, and processing constraintsSupport schematic review, component selection, and PCB development as needed for embedded system integrationCollaborate across software, FPGA, RF, mechanical, photonics, and systems engineering disciplinesPerform day-to-day development, build, test, deployment, and troubleshooting activities in Linux/Ubuntu environments using terminal-based toolsDevelop and integrate networked APIs and data transports used to coordinate distributed software and hardware components.Support rapid prototyping from initial concept through laboratory testing, field demonstration, and system maturationDocument system architectures, interfaces, designs, test procedures, and resultsQualificationsB.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field RE I - 0–2 years (or recent graduate with relevant internship/project experience)RE II - 2–5+ years (or advanced degree with relevant experience)U.S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearanceExperience developing embedded software or firmware using C/C++ or similar languagesProficiency developing and testing software in Python, with experience or coursework in C/C++ or another systems-oriented language.Experience with microcontrollers, embedded processors, SoCs, or similar computing platformsFamiliarity with embedded communication interfaces such as SPI, I2C, UART, Ethernet, or USBUnderstanding of digital and analog electronics and the interaction between embedded software and hardwareExperience with hardware bring-up, integration, and debuggingHands-on experience with laboratory instrumentation such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, multimeters, and signal generatorsStrong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skillsWillingness to travel occasionally for testing or fieldworkExperience working in Linux or Unix-like environmentsPreferred QualificationsExperience with bare-metal, RTOS, and/or embedded Linux developmentSkills in PCB design using Altium or other PCB design softwareExperience integrating embedded processors with FPGAs, SDRs, GPUs, sensors, or high-speed data convertersExperience using and developing bash scriptsKnowledge of digital signal processing (DSP) and real-time signal processing implementationExperience developing or integrating REST APIs, messaging systems, or other machine-to-machine communication interfaces.Experience with FPGA development or FPGA/processor interfacesFamiliarity with RF, mixed-signal, or photonic sensing systemsExperience with networking, high-speed data interfaces, DMA, or real-time data streamingExperience with low-power or battery-operated embedded systemsExperience with PCB schematic capture, layout, or design reviewBackground in research, rapid prototyping, or government-funded R&DExposure to AI/ML implementation on embedded or edge-computing platformsExperience using AI tools such as Pytorch and TensorflowFamiliarity with photodetectors, LEDs, lasers, or other semiconductor sensing devicesExperience characterizing electronic, optical, or environmental noise in low-SNR sensing systemsWhat We OfferWork on impactful, cutting-edge technologies in sensing, communications, and advanced electronicsCollaborative, mission-driven research environmentCompetitive compensation and comprehensive benefitsOpportunities for technical growth and leadershipThe salary range is: RE I - $63,873-$95,013; RE II -$81,522-$121,266 . Salary ranges will vary and are based on several factors, including geographic location, market competitiveness and equity amongst internal employees in similar roles. Positions may also qualify for SRI's Pay for Outstanding Performance program or the annual Performance Based Compensation program. SRI also has a competitive benefits package, to view details please go to SRI will accept applications until the position is filled.SRI is an independent nonprofit research institute headquartered in Menlo Park, Calif., with a rich history of supporting government and industry. We create and deliver world-changing solutions for a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future. For almost 80 years, we have collaborated across technical and scientific disciplines to discover and develop groundbreaking products and technologies and bring innovations and ideas to the marketplace.Job SummaryID: 2026-6505Category: EngineeringPosition Type: Full-TimeWorker Type: On-Site