Firmware Engineer II

About Us

Epia Neuro is a neural technology company developing intent-driven systems designed to restore function and independence for people living with neurological conditions. Its platform integrates implantable neural interfaces, adaptive algorithms, and assistive devices to translate neural intent into real-world action. The company's initial focus is stroke-related motor impairment, with expansion into cognitive decline and other neurological disorders, focusing on long-term solutions for the growing aging population.

The Role

We're looking for a Firmware Engineer II who is passionate about developing and testing embedded software for medical devices. You'll contribute to the design, implementation, and testing of firmware for our implantable neural interfaces and external devices, working across the embedded software development lifecycle—from hardware bring-up and device drivers to application development, integration, and verification.

This is a hands-on engineering role combining strong technical skills with exceptional attention to detail. You'll work closely with hardware, software, and research teams to build robust embedded systems that meet the demanding requirements of regulated medical devices.

What You'll Do

Embedded Firmware Development

• Design, develop, test, and maintain embedded firmware in C/C++ for implantable and external medical devices.
• Develop device drivers, communication interfaces, and application-level firmware for microcontroller-based systems.
• Implement firmware features involving hardware peripherals, real-time operation, custom ASICs, and communication protocols.
• Develop Python scripts and applications to interface with embedded devices for testing, debugging, and characterization.
• Participate in firmware design discussions and code reviews, contributing to software quality, reliability, and maintainability.

Hardware Integration & Testing

• Support hardware bring-up, firmware integration, and troubleshooting of embedded systems.
• Debug hardware and firmware issues using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, JTAG/SWD debuggers, and other laboratory equipment.
• Develop and execute unit tests, integration tests, and automated tests to verify firmware functionality and reliability.
• Collaborate with hardware, software, and research teams to integrate firmware with the broader medical-device system.

Regulated Development & Documentation

• Develop firmware within our regulated quality management system and software lifecycle, contributing to requirements, design, verification, and documentation consistent with ISO 13485 and IEC 62304.
• Document firmware designs, interfaces, test procedures, and verification results to support development and regulatory activities.
• Investigate defects, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions to improve firmware quality and reliability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 2+ years of professional experience developing embedded firmware or embedded software.
• Strong proficiency in C/C++ for microcontroller-based embedded systems.
• Experience with microcontrollers (e.g., ARM Cortex-M), hardware peripherals, interrupts, and embedded communication protocols such as UART, SPI, and I2C.
• Experience with Python for scripting, automation, or embedded device testing.
• Experience debugging embedded systems using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and hardware debuggers.
• Ability to read schematics and understand basic digital and analog electronics.
• Familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS) and embedded software design principles.
• Experience using Git and participating in collaborative software development.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills, with attention to detail and the ability to independently develop, debug, and test firmware features and collaborate across engineering disciplines.

Nice to Have

• Experience with Nordic Semiconductor nRF microcontrollers, the nRF Connect SDK, and Zephyr RTOS.
• Experience with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), USB, or other embedded communication interfaces.
• Experience developing low-power, battery-operated embedded systems.
• Experience with automated firmware testing, unit testing frameworks, or CI/CD pipelines.
• Experience with static code analysis tools and embedded debugging tools such as Segger J-Link or GDB.
• Experience developing software for medical devices or other regulated or safety-critical systems.
• Familiarity with IEC 62304, ISO 13485, ISO 14971, or medical-device design controls.
• Familiarity with secure firmware development and medical-device cybersecurity requirements.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work on site, including hands-on testing with prototype devices, laboratory equipment, and participation in hardware bring-up and integration sessions.

How We Work

• We are intentional. We prioritize and are thoughtful about how we use others' time.
• We care for others. We prioritize safety both for patients and one another.
• We own outcomes, not just tasks. Our work demands the highest standards because it impacts real patients and real lives.
• Humility is a strength. We are honest about what we know and what we don't know. Getting it right matters more than being right.

Location

This role is based in Alameda, CA, on site 5 days a week.

Benefits

Full-time employees are eligible for the following benefits

• Competitive base salary with equity
• 100% of healthcare coverage for you and your dependents
• Generous vacation policy
• Paid parental leave
• Work from our waterfront office in Alameda, CA, with access to collaborative spaces and labs