Firmware Engineer I-II

About the role

Antares is developing microreactors for terrestrial, underwater, and space applications. We are looking for engineers to build the embedded software that manages our custom reactor hardware, ensuring reliable real-time operation and diagnostics.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Write and maintain firmware for instrumentation, control, and electrical support systems.
• Develop embedded code in C, C++, Python, or Rust for microcontrollers and real-time platforms.
• Perform hardware bring-up and debug board-level issues using lab equipment like oscilloscopes and logic analyzers.
• Implement communication protocols including SPI, I2C, UART, CAN, Ethernet, and RS-485.
• Create firmware for telemetry, sensor acquisition, fault detection, and actuator control.
• Partner with electrical and systems teams to define hardware interfaces and validate requirements.
• Support hardware-in-the-loop testing and automated test framework development.
• Establish firmware test plans, verification procedures, and documentation for releases.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• 2+ years of experience in production software development for embedded, robotics, aerospace, automotive, or industrial systems.
• Proficiency in multi-threaded or multi-process architectures, including IPC and networking.
• Experience integrating software with sensors, data acquisition systems, and power electronics.
• Strong debugging skills across the hardware and software boundary.
• Ability to design state machines, data models, and clear software interfaces.

Nice to have

• Master's degree in a relevant technical field with 1+ years of production software experience.
• Background in safety-critical or regulated environments such as nuclear, medical devices, or defense.
• Experience with RTOS, bare-metal development, or low-level peripheral drivers.
• Familiarity with bootloaders, firmware update mechanisms, and embedded communication stacks.
• Knowledge of safety standards like IEC 61508, ISO 26262, DO-178C, or DOE nuclear standards.
• Experience with hazard analysis, formal design reviews, and qualification documentation.

Skills & tools

• Languages: C, C++, Python, Rust
• Protocols: SPI, I2C, UART, CAN, Ethernet, RS-485
• Hardware: Oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, multimeters, power supplies

Practical notes

• This role is subject to U.S. export control regulations (ITAR). Applicants must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees.
• Antares is an equal opportunity employer.