Firmware Engineer, Embedded Systems

Valinor is a new type of defense and government tech company focused on solving the problems others don't. Our unique model of centralized go-to-market and decentralized engineering allows us to move with unparalleled efficiency to identify unmet needs, build right-sized solutions, and get products where they matter most - in the hands of users. Unlike others in the space, who focus on the flashy problems, Valinor exists to solve the quiet, unaddressed problems-the small but significant ones that lead to cracks in the country's strength, stability, and security.

Backed by General Catalyst, Founders Fund, and Friends & Family Capital, Valinor was founded in 2024 and has established strategic partnerships with Palantir, Anduril, and Helsing. We are building the dream team, and we want you on it.

We are looking for a Firmware Engineer to develop the embedded software powering our connected environmental sensing systems. You'll work closely with electrical engineering to bring up new hardware, integrate sensors and connectivity, and take devices from initial prototypes to reliable, production-ready systems.

This is a hands-on role for an engineer comfortable working across hardware and software boundaries, with ownership spanning device drivers, provisioning, firmware updates, and field support.

• Develop low-level firmware for microcontrollers, build reusable device drivers, and integrate system-level features across products and hardware revisions.

• Bring up new hardware, integrate analog and digital sensors, and troubleshoot issues across electrical, firmware, and software boundaries.

• Collaborate with electrical engineering on microcontroller and peripheral selection, schematic reviews, and hardware/firmware interfaces.

• Develop reliable device connectivity, low-power operation, remote configuration, and over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates.

• Build and maintain device flashing, provisioning, and manufacturing test workflows to support repeatable production and deployment.

• Own firmware development from prototype through production and field support, including device security, reliability, and compatibility across hardware revisions.

• 3+ years of firmware or embedded systems development experience on microcontrollers and various SoCs as well as a Bachelor’s degree in a related field.

• Strong embedded C/C++ programming skills; experience with bare-metal and RTOS environments and creating custom sensor libraries; and a solid understanding of firmware design and programming best practices.

• Extensive experience using hardware debugging tools including JTAG, SWD, trace probes, and digital logic probes and oscilloscopes.

• Experience with common embedded interfaces and protocols such as SPI, I2C, UART, USB, CAN, or Ethernet

• Experience developing firmware for IoT devices (WiFi, BLE, LoRaWAN, Zigbee, etc.) including OTA updates, remote configuration, and reliable fleet operation.

• Experience with low-power or battery-operated devices and embedded security principles.

• Familiarity with bringing products into production, including device provisioning, manufacturing testing, or firmware version control and distribution.

• Familiarity with the PCB design process and common electrical prototyping tools such as soldering, reworking, reflowing, and assembly.

• Comfortable with cross-domain collaboration with hardware, mechanical, and software engineers.

• A builder's mentality, intellectual curiosity, and comfort taking ownership in a fast-moving environment. Experience at an early-stage startup or building independent projects is a plus.

• Competitive salary, equity packages, and benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance - fully covered for employees, 401(k), development stipends, among others.

• Unlimited PTO and two-week company holiday at the end of every calendar year.

• We are a pro-mental health and pro-family company - we actually encourage employees to spend time with themselves and their families. Valinor also provides fertility benefits to those just beginning that journey.

• Fun work environment - we like to laugh and take care of each other, but we also deeply respect the mission in front of us.

This role requires the candidate be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance. Active clearance preferred, but not required.

Valinor is an equal-opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. The Valinor team is made up of incredibly talented and unique individuals, who together are disrupting industry norms by creating new paths towards the future of defense and government technology. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the CA Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. We actively encourage members of recognized minorities, women, Veterans, and those with disabilities to apply, and we work to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all applicants throughout the interview process. If you are someone passionate about working on problems that have a real-world impact, we'd love to hear from you!