Senior Firmware Engineer, Research

Responsibilities

• Develop, test, document, and release firmware for clinical studies, including build configuration, versioning, release notes, known-issue tracking, and clinical device logging.
• Build focused prototypes to evaluate sensing, stimulation, and algorithm concepts and communicate results from the data.
• Write and execute firmware test procedures, build bench test setups, and perform joint hardware/firmware debugging with electrical engineering and systems teams.
• Support clinical and research staff during studies by diagnosing field issues, interpreting device logs, and converting recurring problems into design fixes.
• Document research firmware and participate in design reviews and technical handoffs as concepts move toward commercialization.
• Use AI-assisted development tools to accelerate firmware development while maintaining quality.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience developing embedded firmware, including low-power and small-footprint designs.
• Strong C programming skills and proficiency in Python.
• Experience with bare-metal firmware development on microcontrollers, preferably ARM Cortex-M devices.
• Experience with ARM Cortex M0, M3, or M4.
• Experience with BLE, including debugging real-world connection and throughput issues.
• Experience with sensor signal processing, data logging, or on-device algorithm implementation.
• Hands-on ability with logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, power supplies, and current measurement.
• Hands-on experience using AI development tools to accelerate firmware work or learn unfamiliar systems, with concrete examples.
• Ability to adapt to shifting priorities on a small team and collaborate with engineers, clinicians, and research staff.
• Interest in building patient-focused technology.
• Preferred: experience with ISO 13485 medical-device quality systems, human clinical studies or regulated research, desktop or mobile prototypes for connected sensor data, Zephyr, FreeRTOS, Linux, productization of research prototypes, LTE, or WiFi.
• Must be authorized to work full-time in the United States or eligible for a sponsorship path Cala can support.

Benefits

• Hybrid work arrangement with onsite work three days per week.
• Full-time, exempt employment.
• Employees receive tools, training, and mentoring.
• Cala emphasizes diversity and a selection process based on job requirements rather than protected characteristics.