Talent.com
Firmware Engineer - Optical Computing
Firmware Engineer - Optical ComputingApproach Venture • Los Angeles, CA, US
No longer accepting applications
Firmware Engineer - Optical Computing

Firmware Engineer - Optical Computing

Approach Venture • Los Angeles, CA, US
30+ days ago
Job type
  • Full-time
Job description

Job Description

Job Description

Firmware Engineer – Join a Stealth Startup Redefining the Future of Optical Computing!

Gardena, CA | Onsite

Opportunity Summary

A venture-backed, stealth-stage company at the intersection of hardware, photonics, and computing is developing next-generation optical systems that promise to revolutionize data transfer and performance at scale. The team is composed of world-class engineers, scientists, and builders from top institutions, all united by a mission to push computing beyond the limits of electrons and into the realm of light. As the Firmware Engineer, you’ll be responsible for the low-level software that drives cutting-edge optical communication hardware. You’ll architect, implement, and validate firmware systems that enable high-speed, high-reliability data links between next-generation devices. From bootloaders and initialization sequences to diagnostics and fault recovery, your work will directly power the future of optical manufacturing and deployment.

About Us

We are a stealth-mode, venture-backed startup creating foundational hardware for the next era of computing. Our belief is simple : photons, not electrons, will power the systems of tomorrow. We design our own hardware, build our own manufacturing lines, and write our own software to maximize performance and control every step of the process. With top-tier investors and a technically elite founding team, we’re accelerating toward the largest-scale optical hardware production line in North America.

Job Duties

  • Design, implement, and maintain firmware that controls and monitors optical communication devices.
  • Develop algorithms for adaptive signal tuning, automatic eye opening, and dynamic link training.
  • Create robust startup, recovery, and fail-safe mechanisms to ensure consistent operation across thousands of deployed systems.
  • Collaborate closely with hardware teams to define communication interfaces for custom silicon, I / O signaling, thermal behavior, and power management.
  • Own firmware validation, including automated testing, production flashing workflows, and traceability for released builds.
  • Optimize system performance, reliability, and power efficiency at the bare-metal level.
  • Support manufacturing and field deployment teams by providing firmware updates, debug tools, and diagnostic capabilities.

Qualifications

  • BS degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
  • 3+ years of hands-on experience developing firmware or embedded systems from the ground up.
  • Strong proficiency in C or C++ and scripting experience with Python.
  • Solid understanding of low-level communication protocols such as SPI, I²C, and DMA.
  • Experience bringing up embedded systems, writing drivers, and debugging real-time software.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities grounded in first principles.
  • Clear communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively in a fast-paced environment.
  • Preferred Experience

  • Skilled at reviewing schematics and defining firmware-hardware interface requirements.
  • Familiarity with DSP or signal-processing algorithms for data communication or control systems.
  • Experience with RTOS, build automation, or hardware-in-the-loop testing.
  • Background in robotics, controls, or systems integration.
  • Prior experience mentoring junior engineers or leading small technical projects.
  • Why Join Us

  • Work directly with a world-class founding team on frontier technology.
  • Opportunity for rapid growth in a company shaping the future of optical computing.
  • Strong PTO policy and flexible work environment.
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits.
  • Competitive equity options.
  • Relocation support to Los Angeles.
  • Compensation Details

    $120,000 - $190,000

    #LI-AV

    Create a job alert for this search

    Firmware Engineer • Los Angeles, CA, US

    Related jobs
    Repair Technician Broadcast Lens

    Repair Technician Broadcast Lens

    Canon U.S.A., Inc. • Costa Mesa, California, United States, 92626
    Full-time
    Quick Apply
    Repair Technician Broadcast Lens.Canon USA in Costa Mesa, CA is seeking a Broadcast Lens Repair Technician I (Representative, Tech Support I). Located at the Canon Factory Service Center in Costa Me...Show more
    Last updated: 30+ days ago • Promoted
    Electronics Engineer

    Electronics Engineer

    U.S. Navy • Encino, CA, US
    Full-time +1
    To be eligible to enlist in the U.Navy, candidates must be between the ages of 18-34.Every successful engineering career needs a solid foundation, and thats exactly what youll get.Do your job right...Show more
    Last updated: 1 day ago • Promoted
    CT Technologist - $45-62 per hour

    CT Technologist - $45-62 per hour

    Adventist Health • Simi Valley, CA, United States
    Full-time
    Adventist Health is seeking a CT Technologist for a job in Simi Valley, California.Job Description & Requirements.Centered in beautiful Southern California, Adventist Health Simi Valley has been on...Show more
    Last updated: 30+ days ago • Promoted
    3D Web Developer

    3D Web Developer

    VirtualVocations • Huntington Beach, California, United States
    Full-time
    A company is looking for a 3D Web Developer for remote work with an innovative work culture.Key Responsibilities Implement web-based 3D and AR tour initiatives Plan complexity and timeframes usi...Show more
    Last updated: 30+ days ago • Promoted
    Certified X-ray tech

    Certified X-ray tech

    SILICON BEACH SURGERY CENTER INC • Los Angeles, CA, US
    Full-time
    Description of Responsibilities : .Operation of fluoroscopy machine.Maintenance of standards and regulations of the RHB in regards to the operation of the aforementioned machines.Show more
    Last updated: 30+ days ago • Promoted
    Local Contract CT Technologist - $59-63 per hour

    Local Contract CT Technologist - $59-63 per hour

    Host Healthcare • Simi Valley, CA, United States
    Full-time
    Host Healthcare is seeking a local contract CT Technologist for a local contract job in Simi Valley, California.Job Description & Requirements. Host Healthcare Job ID #La1fVJ000007OzcdYAC.Pay packag...Show more
    Last updated: 7 days ago • Promoted
    Laser Communications Systems III

    Laser Communications Systems III

    Blue Origin • Los Angeles, CA, United States
    Permanent
    Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth.We're working t...Show more
    Last updated: 3 days ago • Promoted
    X-Ray Technician

    X-Ray Technician

    Concentra • Anaheim, CA, United States
    Full-time
    Recruiter : Full Name : First Last.Concentra is the nation's largest provider of workplace health services (Occupational Health). We proudly own and operate 500+ outpatient clinics across the United ...Show more
    Last updated: 30+ days ago • Promoted
    Travel X-Ray Technician - $2875 / Week

    Travel X-Ray Technician - $2875 / Week

    Pulse Healthcare Services • Simi Valley, CA, US
    Full-time
    Pulse Healthcare Services is seeking an experienced X-Ray Technician for an exciting Travel Allied job in Simi Valley, CA. Shift : 3x12 hr nights Start Date : ASAP Duration : 13 weeks Pay : $2875 / Week...Show more
    Last updated: 6 days ago • Promoted
    Senior iOS Mobile Engineer

    Senior iOS Mobile Engineer

    VirtualVocations • Carson, California, United States
    Full-time
    A company is looking for a Senior iOS Mobile Engineer to join their Mobile Engineering team.Key Responsibilities Design, build, and maintain high-performance mobile applications using Xcode, Swif...Show more
    Last updated: 23 hours ago • Promoted
    Surgical Laser Technician

    Surgical Laser Technician

    Agiliti Health, Inc. • Fullerton, CA, United States
    Full-time
    Agiliti is a nationwide company of passionate medical equipment management experts who believe every interaction has the power to change a life. We proudly serve within hospitals, healthcare facilit...Show more
    Last updated: 1 day ago • Promoted
    X-Ray Technician PRN

    X-Ray Technician PRN

    Concentra • Van Nuys, CA, United States
    Full-time
    Recruiter : Full Name : First Last.Concentra is the nation's largest provider of workplace health services (Occupational Health). We proudly own and operate 500+ outpatient clinics across the United ...Show more
    Last updated: 12 hours ago • Promoted • New!
    Laser Technician

    Laser Technician

    Agiliti Health • Fullerton, CA, United States
    Full-time
    Agiliti is a nationwide company of passionate medical equipment management experts who believe every interaction has the power to change a life. We proudly serve within hospitals, healthcare facilit...Show more
    Last updated: 1 day ago • Promoted
    Image Processing Specialist

    Image Processing Specialist

    VirtualVocations • North Hollywood, California, United States
    Full-time
    A company is looking for a freelance Image Processing Specialist.Key Responsibilities Perform image editing tasks, including face swaps using Photoshop or other image editing software Download p...Show more
    Last updated: 30+ days ago • Promoted
    Image Production Specialist

    Image Production Specialist

    VirtualVocations • Signal Hill, California, United States
    Full-time
    A company is looking for a Product Retoucher, Image Processing (IP).Key Responsibilities Retouch high-end fashion imagery for customer-facing web use Produce 150+ edited asset images per day and...Show more
    Last updated: 4 days ago • Promoted
    Repair Technician Broadcast Lens

    Repair Technician Broadcast Lens

    Canon U.S.A., Inc. Careers • Costa Mesa, California, US
    Full-time
    Repair Technician Broadcast Lens.Canon USA in Costa Mesa, CA is seeking a Broadcast Lens Repair Technician I (Representative, Tech Support I). Located at the Canon Factory Service Center in Costa Me...Show more
    Last updated: 30+ days ago • Promoted
    Laser Technician

    Laser Technician

    Agiliti Health, Inc. • Fullerton, CA, United States
    Full-time
    Agiliti is a nationwide company of passionate medical equipment management experts who believe every interaction has the power to change a life. We proudly serve within hospitals, healthcare facilit...Show more
    Last updated: 1 day ago • Promoted
    Laser Technician

    Laser Technician

    Agiliti Health, Inc • Fullerton, CA, United States
    Full-time
    Agiliti is a nationwide company of passionate medical equipment management experts who believe every interaction has the power to change a life. We proudly serve within hospitals, healthcare facilit...Show more
    Last updated: 12 hours ago • Promoted • New!