Senior Firmware Engineer - Audio & Wireless

Department: Engineering

Location: Palo Alto

Employment Type: FullTime

About ALSO.

We’re ALSO, an electric mobility company originally conceived as a part of Rivian. We’re a passionate team of builders, dreamers, doers and innovators, focused on creating entirely new (not to mention, innovative and delightful) vertically integrated, small EVs designed to meet the global mobility challenges of today and tomorrow. Our mission is to inspire everyone to ride ALSO—replacing many local car, truck and SUV miles with ones on vehicles that are more affordable, more enjoyable and 10-50x more efficient.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced, highly motivated Senior Embedded Firmware Engineer specializing in Audio to lead the connectivity and audio experience for our next-generation products. This is a critical position within our dynamic engineering team, focusing on the cutting-edge embedded software and firmware that powers our innovative hardware.

In this multifaceted and impactful role, you will be the end-to-end owner responsible for the entire lifecycle of a key Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity and audio module. Your ownership extends from the initial concept and architectural design through rigorous development and testing to final launch and post-launch support.

What you will do:

• Technical Leadership & Development:

  • Lead the architectural design, development, and rigorous testing of embedded firmware for a new, cutting-edge IoT connectivity module.

  • Oversee the entire software development lifecycle (SDLC), from requirements gathering and design through coding, debugging, and validation.

  • Champion and implement best practices in embedded software development, including code reviews, robust version control, and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD).

  • Proactively provide technical leadership and strategic direction for all embedded firmware development initiatives.

  • Stay current with and integrate emerging technologies and industry trends in embedded systems and IoT connectivity.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Delivery:

  • Collaborate seamlessly with internal EE, embedded software, mobile, cloud connectivity, and IT teams to ensure robust, end-to-end system functionality and performance.

  • Partner closely with Product Management and UX/UI teams to deliver powerful, unique, and vertically integrated user experiences.

  • Effectively manage and maintain relationships with third-party partners and suppliers related to firmware development and components.

  • Ensure the delivery of high-quality, reliable, and performant embedded firmware within established timelines and budgetary constraints.

• Project Management & Strategy:

  • Manage project priorities, resources, and timelines effectively to align with product roadmap goals.

What you will bring: 

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.

• 8+ years of proven experience in embedded software and firmware development, with a significant portion in a leadership capacity.

• Prior experience in guiding a product through the full development lifecycle, from concept to production release (including certification, sniffers, and HCI logging) is highly desirable.

• Proven ability to thrive and contribute effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

Technical Expertise:

• Connectivity: Deep expertise in designing and implementing IoT connectivity modules, including Bluetooth, BLE, A2DP, HPF, and LE-Audio.

• Audio Systems: Strong proficiency with audio products and their interconnectivity to mobile devices, encompassing voice, music streaming, voice assistant integration, buffering, and clock synchronization.

• DSP: Working knowledge of programming Digital Signal Processors (DSPs) to implement audio processing algorithms such as Echo Noise Cancellation (ENC), Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), and Automatic Gain Control (AGC).

• Programming: Mastery of C/C++ programming for embedded systems.

• Operating Systems: Experience working with real-time operating systems (RTOS).

• Protocols & Interfaces: Solid understanding of standard interfaces and communication protocols (e.g., I2C, SPI, UART, USB).

• Methodology: Strong grasp of software development methodologies, with a preference for Agile/Scrum.

• Tools: Experience utilizing source control management systems (e.g., Git).

The salary for this position ranges from $165,000 to $210,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications.

Why ALSO.

We’re passionate about helping the world find a better way to get there—wherever it is you’re headed.

We’re located in the heart of Silicon Valley and have brought together a world-class team from some of the biggest brands in the technology, automotive, cycling, outdoor recreation and retail spaces. 

Together we’re working hands-on to imagine, design and build an entirely new solution to a global set of transportation challenges. 

Perks and Benefits

• Robust health coverage. Excellent health, dental and vision insurance covered up to 100% by ALSO with FSA & HSA options.

• One Medical membership and dedicated insurance advocates.

• Rich fertility and family building benefits with Progyny.

• Flexible time off. 

• 401(k) match.