Embedded Systems Software Engineer

About the role

At REGENT, you will own the embedded software stack that powers our Seaglider family of vehicles, writing and maintaining the real-time microcontroller code that keeps the craft stable and responsive. You will own the development and execution of hardware-in-the-loop and software-in-the-loop testing regimes that validate control behavior before any physical sea trials occur. You will own the wiring harnesses, sensor integration, and the configuration of single-board computers that form the backbone of our platform. You will own the debugging and diagnostics processes that allow us to iterate quickly on prototypes while maintaining strict reliability standards. You will collaborate with controls, avionics, and modeling teams to translate high-level vehicle dynamics into low-level firmware and testable interfaces. You will contribute to the creation of developer tools and automation that streamline builds, deployments, and certification activities for future production. If you are energized by working at the intersection of cutting-edge innovation, real-world impact, and hands-on engineering, you'll be in the right place.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Contribute to the Seaglider product family embedded software stack by developing, debugging, and maintaining real-time software that spans microcontroller firmware to Linux-based applications.
• Support the development of simulation test environments, including SIL and HIL setups, to verify controls software across diverse scenarios and coordinate with multidisciplinary teams.
• Manage the electronics ecosystem, including COTS sensors, servos, single-board computers, harnesses, and breakout boards, ensuring robust integration and testability.
• Improve developer tools and processes by automating build systems, streamlining deployment pipelines, and building tooling that supports maintenance and certification requirements.
• Prototype and participate in field tests during sea trials, monitoring vehicle operation, running diagnostics, troubleshooting issues, and demonstrating Seaglider capabilities reliably.
• Collaborate closely with controls, avionics, and modeling teams to ensure a smooth transition from concept to demo, whether on the bench or in operational environments.
• Write and maintain clear documentation for software modules, interfaces, and test procedures to support verification, validation, and regulatory activities.
• Apply systematic debugging and root-cause analysis skills to resolve software and hardware interactions that appear only in integrated, real-world conditions.

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience writing C++ for embedded systems, whether running on Linux, an RTOS, or bare metal without relying on high-level abstractions.
• Strong hands-on experience with microcontrollers and common embedded interfaces such as Serial, SPI, CAN, PWM, ADCs, DIO, and other digital and analog protocols.
• Ability to read, interpret, and contribute to wiring diagrams and electrical schematics with precision and attention to detail.
• Comfortable scripting with Python, MATLAB, or similar languages to automate tests, process data, and support engineering analysis.
• Proven track record of collaborating effectively in cross-functional engineering teams where communication directly affects technical outcomes.
• Willingness to work in a fast-paced startup environment where priorities can shift quickly and adaptability is essential for continued progress.
• Commitment to building reliable, testable software and hardware integrations even when operating under aggressive timelines and evolving requirements.
• Openness to learning and applying domain-specific knowledge related to marine propulsion, sensing, and control in a technically demanding maritime context.

Nice to have

• Experience with LabVIEW or Simulink for DAQ and HIL systems, especially when those tools integrate with broader software test frameworks.
• Familiarity with actuation systems like servo motors and the control challenges associated with precise positioning in dynamic environments.
• Field-testing experience and a knack for troubleshooting electronics in real-world environments where environmental factors add complexity.
• Experience building safety-critical applications where failure modes must be understood, mitigated, and documented rigorously.
• Familiarity with aerospace or automotive standards like DO-178C or ISO 26262, even if applied in a preliminary or exploratory capacity.

Practical notes

• This is a full-time role based in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, USA.
• Compensation details were not provided in the source material and are therefore omitted from this page.
• No specific hours, travel expectations, visa requirements, or application deadlines were stated in the source material and are not included here.

The role is designed for engineers who want to build transportation systems that move fast, operate quietly, and minimize environmental impact while pushing the limits of what embedded software can achieve in demanding marine conditions. You will work with a team that values rigorous engineering, clear communication, and the ability to turn ambitious concepts into working prototypes that can be demonstrated on the water. If you enjoy solving complex, multidisciplinary problems and seeing your code directly influence physical systems that move across coastal environments, this position aligns with your goals. Regent is building the team necessary to scale from breakthrough prototypes into full production, and your contributions will be central to that effort.