Embedded Systems Engineer, Recent Graduate

About the role

Blissway builds advanced infrastructure for toll collection and highway safety across the United States. We are looking for a recent graduate to join our engineering team in Denver to maintain and improve our roadside hardware systems. In this capacity, you will be responsible for the entire lifecycle of our field-deployed products, from initial concept through manufacturing and long-term support. The role requires ownership of both the digital logic and the physical manifestation of our systems, ensuring they perform flawlessly in demanding real-world conditions. You will act as a primary engineer for critical hardware components that form the backbone of our tolling and safety solutions. This position is defined by the intersection of software reliability and ruggedized hardware design, where your decisions directly impact system uptime and customer trust. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to translate high-level requirements into detailed engineering specifications that can be built and tested. Ultimately, your work will ensure that our infrastructure remains resilient, efficient, and capable of operating continuously in remote and harsh environments.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Investigate and resolve hardware failures in deployed systems to identify root causes and implement robust fixes.
• Prototype and validate new sensor interfaces to expand the capabilities of our roadside detection arrays.
• Optimize power management strategies for solar-charged systems to extend operational life during low-light conditions.
• Implement communication protocols that ensure data integrity over unreliable cellular networks in rural locations.
• Conduct environmental testing on prototypes to verify weatherproofing and thermal performance against design specifications.
• Streamline the manufacturing process by identifying design for assembly improvements in PCBs and enclosures.
• Document hardware configurations and software firmware versions to maintain an accurate bill of materials for field repairs.
• Analyze sensor data trends to inform future hardware revisions that reduce maintenance frequency and costs.
• Coordinate with logistics partners to ensure the safe transport and installation of sensitive electronic equipment.
• Support the integration of computer vision models onto edge hardware to meet real-time processing requirements.
• Validate mechanical stress tolerances of cabling and connectors to prevent failures due to vibration and weather events.
• Liaise with the software team to debug integration issues that arise at the boundary between firmware and cloud services.
• Participate in on-call rotations to provide rapid response to critical infrastructure outages in the field.
• Mentor junior engineers by providing code reviews and design feedback based on hands-on field experience.

Requirements

• Ability to commit to a high-intensity work environment, with an average of 55 hours per week and occasional bursts exceeding 70 hours for major releases.
• Proven ability to write code that functions reliably in unpredictable physical environments.
• High degree of adaptability and willingness to assist other teams outside of your primary focus area.
• Strong coding fundamentals with the ability to learn new languages quickly.
• Demonstrated experience with embedded systems or similar low-level programming on resource-constrained devices.
• Familiarity with version control systems, specifically Git, for managing code and configuration across distributed teams.
• Capability to interpret technical schematics and translate them into physical builds or test procedures.
• Willingness to obtain necessary security clearances and complete background checks as required for access to sensitive infrastructure.
• Physical ability to lift up to 50 pounds and travel to remote sites for hardware installation and maintenance.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to support deployments and respond to urgent incidents.
• Commitment to following strict safety protocols when handling electrical equipment and working in the field.
• Understanding of the software development lifecycle and how to write maintainable, testable code.
• Eagerness to contribute to a fast-paced startup culture where ownership and initiative are highly valued.

Nice to have

• Experience with Altium or similar PCB design software.
• Prior work with IoT edge devices and Linux-based systems.
• Knowledge of computer vision frameworks and model optimization techniques.
• Familiarity with AWS cloud services and infrastructure management.
• Background in tolling systems, highway safety, or transportation technology.
• Experience with CAD software such as Onshape for mechanical design iterations.
• Understanding of power systems and solar charging controllers for off-grid applications.

Practical notes

• Compensation includes a competitive equity package with a 24-month exercise window and annual tender processes.
• Benefits include a relocation bonus for moving to Denver, an ICHRA health allowance, 401(k) matching up to 4%, and life/disability insurance.
• Time off includes 4 weeks of untracked PTO, 12 weeks of paid parental leave, and a 12-week paid sabbatical every 5 years.
• Daily team lunches, a stocked kitchen, annual team trips, and tuition reimbursement are provided.