Firmware Engineer

Volta Labs is an MIT spin-off that has unlocked powerful new DNA sequencing capabilities by developing novel fluidic technology. Building off of this core technology, Volta has created a product that streamlines DNA sequencing sample prep. Volta is at the forefront of a sequencing revolution, driving sequencing towards seamless ease of use and complete automation.

We are a product and data-driven company where employees are empowered to learn and thrive in a fast-paced, open, and collaborative environment. This is an exciting phase to join Volta; with commercialization imminent, our product has the potential to change the future of sequencing.

THE TEAM:

You'll join a team of innovative thinkers who aren't afraid to venture into new territories to build advanced automation systems. We are an incredibly supportive group that enjoys collaborating to overcome challenges and provide constructive feedback to help each other grow. We are passionate about pushing the boundaries of automation, biology, computing, robotics, design, and user experience to benefit our customers. As a core member of our team, you'll instill these values across the organization and play an integral role in helping grow the team. Join us if you want to make a meaningful impact on the future of technology while being part of a thoughtful, driven team.

THE OPPORTUNITY:

We are looking for an experienced firmware engineer to own the firmware layer of the embedded software stack and bridge the gap between electronics and application processing. This is a high-impact role that contributes directly to Volta's growth. You will become the expert on Volta's firmware and ensure the successful deployment of embedded software at customer sites.

This role will be part of the Instrument Software team at Volta. This small but mighty team is responsible for all software controlling the instrument. The tech stack is primarily Python 3 and C++, with ReactJS, and Typescript used for the instrument UI. Our software has been deployed in some of the foremost research institutions in the world. Areas of work include firmware, instrument control, real-time video processing, and telemetry. Join us if you are passionate about the interaction of software, hardware, and biology and want to define the future of automation in the life sciences!

RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Work closely with the electrical engineering and instrument software teams to write code that connects hardware to the outside world

- Design, develop, and maintain firmware to interface with data converters, sensors, and other peripheral devices on our custom PCBs

- Use standard electrical lab equipment to test and debug interfaces to hardware subsystems, creating hardware test stands and software testing tools as needed

- Create processes and tools to bring up, boot, and field upgrade firmware on the system’s microcontrollers

- Understand circuit designs and electrical schematics of instrument subsystems

- Assist the electrical engineering team in selecting microcontrollers and processors to ensure they are appropriately sized

- Proactively identify technical risks and devise mitigation strategies

- Communicate effectively with cross-functional stakeholders and build alignment toward specific solutions.

QUALIFICATIONS:

- BS or higher in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a similar field, or equivalent experience

- Firmware: This senior-level role requires strong hands-on experience designing and developing driver and application-level firmware, bootloaders, and related low-level functionality using C/C++ in bare-metal and modern RTOS environments. You have a proven ability to program ARM microcontrollers and communication interfaces like UART, SPI, I2C, GPIO, and USB.

- Hardware: You should have extensive experience using lab instrumentation, like logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, multimeters, etc., to debug firmware code at the hardware level. Additionally, you understand circuit designs and electrical schematics of instrument subsystems. The ability to design simple PCBs is a big plus.

- Startup orientation: Volta is an early-stage startup. To succeed at Volta, you must have a "get it done" mindset and be willing to step outside your usual job role to ensure project success. You should be able to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with ambiguous requirements and evolving priorities.

This is a full-time position that requires a significant amount of in-person work and collaboration. We ask that you can come onsite to our Seaport Office in Boston, MA 5 days a week.

Our Benefits and Perks:

Robust Equity Program, to build future wealth through stock options with high growth potential

Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage, including Medical, Dental, & Vision

HSA, FSA, and Sponsored Commuter Benefit Plans

Access to Our 401K Plan, to save for your future

12 Weeks of Paid Parental Leave

Paid Time Off, because we understand the importance of time off for rest and adventure

11 Paid Holidays

Twice Weekly Company Lunches, office snacks, beverages, & treats

Monthly Team Happy Hours and regular team outings

We are an equal opportunity employer and foster diversity and inclusion at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status, and we actively seek out and value diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Even if you don't check every box, but see yourself positively contributing, please apply. Help us build an inclusive community that will change the face of bio-automation!