Head of Embedded Software Engineering

Founded in 2011 by graduates of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), RISE Robotics is technology startup backed by Techstars, The Engine built by MIT, and other VCs. RISE Robotics is leading the way to AI-powered Zero Emission heavy machinery by providing the world’s most efficient, smart, and productive alternative to hydraulics. We specialize in fostering dynamic partnerships with Tier 1 suppliers, OEMs, and the Pentagon, pioneering the transition from traditional hydraulic systems to more efficient and sustainable solutions. As the Head of Embedded Software Engineering, you will lead the team that builds the software powering our robotic lifting solutions. You will own the technical vision, roadmap, and execution for embedded software across the RISE platform—from low-level firmware and real-time motion control to the tools, processes, and architecture that let our engineers ship reliably at scale. You will grow and mentor a team of embedded software engineers, partner closely with hardware, mechanical, product, commercial, and manufacturing leaders, and represent embedded software to our Tier 1, OEM, and US DoW / DoD partners. This role reports to the CEO. You will lead a team of 3 embedded engineers today, with a plan to grow the team to approximately 6 over the next few years as we scale our programs. This position is a hybrid role with 4 days/week in Somerville, MA. Why This Role Matters As a leader within the RISE Robotics Engineering organization, your contributions will shape the future of our company, directing the engineering effort to implement electronic controls of truly massive machines. You will set the bar for technical excellence on the embedded software team, turn an ambitious product roadmap into a deliverable plan, and build the team and practices that will take RISE from early deployments to full-scale production. Our dynamic and expanding team is ready to embrace your talent and ideas as we work together to redefine the way we operate. If you’re passionate about motion control technology, love building high-performing engineering teams, and thrive in a fast-paced, innovative environment, we want you to be a part of our journey. Join us and make your mark on the world of embedded software engineering! Key Responsibilities Technical Leadership: Own the embedded software architecture, roadmap, and technical strategy for the RISE Beltdraulic platform, from firmware and real-time control through diagnostics, telemetry, and tooling. Development Strategy: Recommend build vs. build decisions, and when to use open vs. closed-source software in our products. Team Building & Management: Hire, grow, and retain a high-performing team of embedded software engineers. Set clear expectations, run performance and career development, and build a culture of ownership, craft, and safety. Execution & Delivery: Translate product and program commitments into embedded software plans. Drive high-quality delivery across multiple concurrent programs with Tier 1 suppliers, OEMs, and US DoD / DoW partners and recommend trade-offs when over constrained. Hands-On Engineering: Stay technically close to the work. Review designs and code, unblock hard problems, and contribute directly to critical embedded software components for robotic lift systems when needed. System Integration: Partner with hardware, electrical, and mechanical engineering to integrate embedded software with the RISE platform’s electromechanical components and ensure end-to-end system performance. Algorithm & Real-Time Systems Ownership: Guide the development and optimization of control algorithms, real-time control loops, feedback systems, and sensor integration for precise and efficient robotic lifting operations. Quality, Safety & Reliability: Define and enforce standards for testing, debugging, code review, release management, and functional safety so that our systems are reliable and robust in the field. Engineering Process & Tooling: Establish and evolve the software development lifecycle—version control, CI, HIL/SIL testing, documentation, and incident response—appropriate for a growing electromechanical product company. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with product, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, application specialists, and commercial teams to align priorities and achieve program goals. External Representation: Serve as the embedded software point of contact for customers and partners, including Tier 1 suppliers, OEMs, and the US DoW / DoD, during technical reviews, integrations, and field support. Strategic Planning: Partner with engineering leadership on org design, headcount planning, budget, vendor and tooling selection, and long-range platform bets. 10+ years of electromechanical product software development in C, C++, and Python, with a track record of shipping embedded products to production. 5+ years of technical leadership leading other embedded software engineers, and collaboration with other discipline technical leads (e.g., electrical, mechanical, systems, manufacturing, mobile app, cloud, etc.) Must be able to provide feedback and technical mentoring to other embedded software engineers. Deep expertise in controls, brushless DC motors, and motion control systems, with an ability to set technical direction and make sound architectural trade-offs. Proven ability to own the full embedded software lifecycle—requirements, architecture, implementation, testing, release, and field support—for reliable and safety-critical systems. Fluency in common embedded communications interfaces: CAN, SPI, I2C, and UART. Strong ability to read and understand complex technical literature such as datasheets, schematics, and production process diagrams, and to translate that into team direction. Demonstrated ability to operate independently and to drive a team to produce robust, well-documented software modules and systems. Excellent communication skills, with experience presenting technical plans and results to executive leadership and external partners. Preferred Qualifications (Not All Are Required) Experience shipping embedded software for heavy machinery, automotive, industrial automation, aerospace, or defense applications. Experience working with Tier 1 suppliers, OEMs, and/or US Department of Defense programs, including associated program and documentation requirements. Familiarity with functional safety standards (e.g., ISO 13849, IEC 61508, ISO 26262) and with cybersecurity practices for connected electromechanical products. Experience scaling embedded engineering practices—CI/CD, HIL/SIL test infrastructure, code review and release processes—in a growing hardware company. Experience in direct people management (hiring, performance management, career development, and organization alignment). B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or a related discipline; advanced degree a plus. Experience implementing AI tools into software development workflows. Experience with programming in Rust. Experience augmenting teams with external expertise as needed (consultants, design firms, etc.). Competitive compensation package including equity. Blue Cross Blue Shield Health insurance. Dental, life, and disability insurance. 401(k) program. PTO and office holidays. Flexible/hybrid work options. Free weekly team lunch. Free parking/T accessible. Dog-friendly workplace. #J-18808-Ljbffr RISE Robotics