Senior Software Engineer - Device

Department: Research & Development

Location: San Francisco HQ Office

Compensation: $160K – $260K • Offers Equity • Offers Bonus

Employment Type: FullTime

About Us

At Hayden AI, we are on a mission to harness the power of computer vision to transform the way transit systems and other government agencies address real-world challenges.

From bus lane and bus stop enforcement to transportation optimization technologies and beyond, our innovative mobile perception system empowers our clients to accelerate transit, enhance street safety, and drive toward a sustainable future.

About the Role

As the Senior Software Engineer - Device, you will shape Hayden AI’s hardware-integrated software systems, directly contributing to our mission of transforming urban mobility and public safety through edge device technology. In this role, you will architect, develop, and optimize software running on distributed hardware devices, ensuring robust, scalable, and high-performance solutions. You will report into Siyao, Device Engineering Manager, and work closely with cross-functional teams including Hardware Engineering, Product Management, and Field Operations. We’re looking for someone who combines technical excellence with collaborative drive and thrives on solving complex engineering challenges. This position is based in [City] and follows a hybrid schedule with at least 3 days in-office per week.

Key Responsibilities

Below are your primary responsibilities. These represent the core areas where you’ll make an impact. As part of a rapidly evolving team, we look forward to your impact expanding over time.

• Design, implement, and maintain software for edge devices, ensuring seamless integration with hardware

• Collaborate with hardware engineers to define system requirements and drive end-to-end feature delivery

• Optimize system performance for reliability, security, and efficiency in real-world operational environments

• Lead code reviews, establish software standards, and mentor junior engineers

• Troubleshoot complex field issues, working with cross-functional teams to provide rapid solutions

Required Qualifications

The qualifications below outline the experience and skills most relevant to success in this role. We recognize that skills and potential come in many forms, and we welcome diverse experiences that advance our mission.

• Experience: 5+ years in software engineering with a focus on embedded systems, device software, or IoT solutions

• Core Skills: Proficiency in C/C++ and/or Python; strong hands-on experience developing software for hardware devices; familiarity with Linux and real-time systems

• Personal Attributes: Effective communicator; collaborative team player; adaptable and proactive problem-solver; ownership mindset

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience

• Nice to Have: Experience with computer vision, edge compute, low-level hardware interfaces, or cloud-connected devices; prior experience in mobility, transportation, or safety technology sectors