Embedded Systems Engineer - Firmware
Sharper Sense is an early stage neurotechnology company spun out of Columbia and Cornell University and backed by multiple venture capital groups including Joyance Partners, SOSV, and ComcastNBC. We are developing neuromodulation technology that enhances users’ sensory acuity. The technology uses noninvasive electrical stimulation to optimize brain state. Many commercial, clinical, and consumer uses. Following positive results in multiple pilot clinical studies, the company is now hiring for new roles supporting design and testing of self-contained neurostimulation patch hardware.
Open Position: Embedded Systems Engineer - Firmware (e.g., STM32, nRF54H)
Location: In-person at our offices in Newark, NJ + remote when possible (hybrid)
Role: Design, develop, and test embedded systems and microcontroller-based applications.
Skills: Proficient in microcontroller programming and firmware development.
Type: Option for full-time, part-time, or project-based work depending on availability, fit.
Pay: $60K-$100K per year + stock options + benefits.
We are seeking an Embedded Systems Engineer, highly skilled in microcontroller programming, to join our team and support development, from prototype to production, of our self-contained wearable neurostimulation patch. You will work closely with our existing team that includes an embedded hardware engineer, biomedical engineer, and a neuroscientist, to design and optimize the embedded electronic system.
Key Responsibilities
• Implement a program for microcontroller platforms (e.g., STM32, nRF54H) that controls neurostimulation.
• Collaborate with our hardware engineer to integrate and optimize hardware components and firmware.
• Work with our neuroscientist to test and troubleshoot the function of wearables on human users.
• Optimize program for power efficiency to extend battery life.
• Validate performance, safety, and compliance with necessary standards.
• Document programming, development, and testing processes.
• Ancillary tasks include helping select controllers/components, optimizing circuit design, reducing circuit size and cost, mixed-signals processing for closed-loop systems, wireless (e.g., Bluetooth) biosignal transmission.
Required Education and Work Experience
• Degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, or a related field.
• Preference for graduate degree (or ongoing graduate studies) or industry experience.
• Experience in embedded systems development (e.g., STM32, nRF54H).
• Proficiency in C/C++ programming for embedded systems.
• Ability to test and debug microcontrollers and embedded circuits.
• Understanding of wired and wireless communication protocols (e.g., I2C, Bluetooth LE).
• Other beneficial, but not required, experience could include work with mixed-signal integrated circuits, biosignal recording, neurostimulation, neuromodulation, wearable electronics.
Qualities of Good Candidates
• Good interpersonal skills: affable, communicative, motivated, accountable.
• Organized and able to self-manage time and progress across multiple subprojects in parallel.
• Self-motivated and able to self-educate as need arises for new skills.
• Comfortable with open discussion and debate.
• Passionate about neurotechnology and its potential to benefit society.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States
• Able to commute to our office in Newark, NJ and can start work within 30 days of being hired.
Benefits Offered
• Competitive compensation based on experience.
• Office space at SOSV HAX includes a gym, kitchen, and regularly scheduled social and learning events. With over 40 other hardware startups in the building there’s extensive networking opportunities.
• Exposure to our exclusive network of investors, advisors, and academic and corporate supporters.
• Reimbursement of commuting expenses and ability to work a mix of remotely and in person.
• Ability to influence major design decisions and create significant positive impact.
• Health insurance (available only for full-time employees).
• Employee stock options (available only for full-time employees).
How to Apply: Please email resume or CV to Careers@SharperSense.com