Senior Firmware Engineer, Research
Cala Health2 months ago
San Mateo, CA, USASenior
Base Salary
$125k - $175k/yr
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.
About Cala Health
Cala Health develops non-invasive, prescription wearable neuromodulation devices for people with essential tremor; its Cala kIQ wrist-worn therapy delivers individualized peripheral nerve stimulation. The company sells regulated medical devices through clinicians to patients, with additional programs in neurology, cardiology, and psychiatry in development. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in San Mateo, California, Cala Health is privately held.