Engineering Manager, Embedded Firmware

Utilidata is a fast-growing energy technology company using distributed artificial intelligence (AI) to accelerate the clean energy transition and better serve utility customers. As the electric grid becomes more complex with the rapid increase of electric vehicles, distributed solar, batteries, heat pumps and extreme weather, utilities need real-time visibility of grid conditions. Utilidata’s distributed AI platform, powered by our custom NVIDIA module, is transforming the way utility companies operate with real-time visibility at the grid edge to better utilize customer energy resources, reduce power outages, and enable quicker storm recovery. 
Our team is seeking an Engineering Manager to lead the development of cutting-edge embedded firmware solutions. As an Engineering Manager, Embedded Firmware at Utilidata, you will play a critical role in leading and managing a team of developers. You will be responsible for overseeing the design, development, testing, and deployment of embedded systems firmware, ensuring they meet product requirements, delivery timelines, and align with our strategic objectives. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, including hardware, algorithms, and product teams. We are looking for candidates who are collaborative, adaptive, and mission-driven. This is a remote position based in the United States, with collaboration across distributed teams nationwide.
Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of firmware engineers, fostering a collaborative culture that encourages knowledge sharing, creativity, and continuous improvement
• Collaborate with the engineering leadership team and people team to continue recruiting top talent, integrate new hires effectively, and retain talent
• Set clear project goals, define deliverables, and establish priorities to ensure timely and successful project completion for the firmware engineering team
• Oversee the development process for embedded firmware, from concept to production, by defining requirements, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and managing external contractors to deliver high-quality components on schedule and within budget
• Provide leadership to navigate technical challenges, troubleshoot complex firmware issues, and resolve problems quickly and effectively
• Implement and uphold rigorous quality control processes, execute comprehensive test plans, and collaborate with software and hardware engineering teams to ensure seamless integration of embedded firmware
• Develop comprehensive product roadmaps in collaboration with cross-functional teams, aligning firmware development with overall company goals
• Track, maintain, and regularly report on success metrics to measure team performance and progress

Minimum Qualifications 

• 8+ years of professional experience, including a demonstrated ability to lead a skilled and engaged team of embedded firmware engineers
• Experience developing and delivering firmware for embedded systems, including experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS), C, C++, and bare-metal programming
• Strong understanding of embedded system architecture, hardware interfaces, and communication protocols (e.g., SPI, I2C, UART, CAN, USB, Ethernet, etc.)
• Experience with IoT devices utilizing microcontrollers, communication modules (LTE, Bluetooth, WiFi), edge computing, or remote hardware with embedded software
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative work style, fostering an environment of psychological safety, open communication, and idea exchange
• Proven track record of delivering high-quality embedded firmware solutions on time and within budget
• Experience recruiting, mentoring, and developing engineering talent
• Ability to travel up to 10% of the time.

Enhanced Qualifications (Nice to Have) 

• Experience scaling embedded firmware in a startup environment
• Expertise in Agile development methodologies and firmware design patterns
• Knowledge of hardware design and debugging tools, such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and JTAG debuggers
• Experience with Rust
• Understanding of the physics, mathematics, and hardware components which underlie the existing U.S. electricity grid and evolving domestic/commercial power systems
• Familiarity with ML, IoT, and AI SOMs (e.g., NVIDIA Jetson, AMD/XILINX Kria)

Salary Range: $155,000 to $185,000 depending on experience
Location: This position can be performed remotely from anywhere in the United States.
Our Commitments:
Utilidata values the diversity of our team. We provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy or childbirth, sexual orientation, genetics, genetic information, marital status, or status as a covered veteran or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state and local laws.
We are committed to:

• Creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that is welcoming, supportive, affirming and respectful
• Empowering employees to solve problems and work together to make a difference
• Providing mentorship and growth opportunities as part of a collaborative team
• A flexible work environment with flexible paid time off
• Competitive compensation and benefits, including health, dental, vision, and employer-match 401k