Staff R&D Engineer

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Staff R&D Engineer based in the United States.

This is a senior embedded systems engineering role focused on developing firmware for advanced molecular diagnostic platforms.

You will serve as a subject matter expert for an STM32-based embedded board responsible for precise temperature control during diagnostic assays.

The role combines real-time firmware development, systems-level troubleshooting, and innovation across next-generation diagnostic hardware.

You will work closely with multidisciplinary R&D teams to investigate complex technical issues, particularly challenging edge cases affecting measurement accuracy.

The position offers the opportunity to contribute to both Cortex-M and Cortex-A architectures while working on sophisticated medical diagnostic technologies.

You will operate in a technically rigorous environment where firmware quality, reliability, and real-time performance directly support healthcare innovation.

The role is based in Sunnyvale, California, with flexibility for remote work arrangements depending on eligibility and business requirements.

Accountabilities

• Serve as the primary embedded firmware developer for an STM32-based daughter board used to precisely control temperature during molecular diagnostic assays.
• Develop, maintain, and optimize embedded firmware supporting diagnostic systems, with a strong focus on real-time behavior and system accuracy.
• Become a subject matter expert in the relevant diagnostic assays and use that expertise to help cross-functional teams investigate and resolve complex technical issues.
• Diagnose difficult edge-case problems involving accuracy, firmware behavior, hardware interactions, and real-time system performance.
• Develop firmware on a Cortex-A53-based platform to support and integrate with the embedded daughter board.
• Design and implement firmware for new hardware systems that extend the capabilities and performance of molecular diagnostic platforms.
• Develop real-time logic across multiple embedded environments, including bare-metal applications and interrupt service routines (ISRs).
• Collaborate with systems, hardware, software, and other R&D teams to translate technical requirements into robust embedded solutions.
• Contribute technical expertise to the development and improvement of mature products as they progress toward commercialization.
• Provide hands-on technical support for troubleshooting and resolving complex embedded systems issues.
• Travel locally as needed to support manufacturing activities, including short trips to nearby manufacturing sites.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with at least 8 years of relevant professional experience, or a Master’s degree in a related field with at least 6 years of experience, or a doctoral degree with at least 3 years of relevant experience.
• At least 3 years of professional experience developing embedded systems using C and/or C++.
• Demonstrated experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS).
• Strong experience with bare-metal programming and interrupt service routines (ISRs).
• Solid understanding of real-time programming concepts and their application in embedded systems.
• Strong problem-solving and debugging skills, particularly for complex or difficult-to-reproduce system behavior.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional engineering teams and communicate technical findings clearly.
• Experience in molecular diagnostics or the biotechnology industry is highly desirable.
• Experience developing or maintaining industrial process-control logic, either professionally or academically, is advantageous.
• Professional experience using logic analyzers is a plus.
• Ability to work effectively with both mature technologies and new hardware platforms.
• Valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record, as occasional local travel to manufacturing sites is required.

Benefits

• Annual salary range of $165,000-$185,000, subject to experience, qualifications, and applicable compensation policies.
• Eligibility for bonus or incentive compensation.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees.
• 401(k) retirement savings benefits.
• Paid time off.
• Flexible work arrangements may be available, including remote work for eligible employees, subject to role and business requirements.
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth within a life sciences and diagnostic technology environment.
• Opportunity to work on advanced molecular diagnostic systems with meaningful healthcare impact.
• Collaborative, multidisciplinary R&D environment focused on innovation and continuous improvement.