Develop embedded Python software for Petalinux on embedded hardware FPGA/SOC platform
Description
**No Recruiter Solicitations**
Cambridge Terahertz, based in Santa Clara, CA, is pioneering next-generation security with advanced Terahertz (THz) imaging technology, empowering safer communities through rapid, non-invasive weapons detection and threat screening. Our mission is to save lives by delivering breakthrough sensing solutions that uncover concealed threats—without health risks—enabling protection in airports, public venues, and critical infrastructure worldwide. Leveraging cutting-edge science spun out of MIT, our team is driven by a vision to transform security and safety with innovative platforms that truly make a difference, combining world-class engineering with a passion to solve society’s hardest challenges. Recently featured in CNBC, MIT News and Techcrunch, the company is backed by top-tier investors and five government contracts. Our world-class team includes some of the best minds in RF, THz and hardware, and is passionate about taking on the most difficult technical challenges. We foster a creative, fast-paced, and values-driven culture that nurtures self-growth and learning, and using technology to enrich lives.
Embedded Software Engineer (Full-time employee)
Santa Clara, CA | In Person
We’re looking for an Embedded Software Engineer with systems experience to help build and integrate the embedded and software systems underpinning our real-time imaging platform. Primarily working in Python and C/C++ on an embedded Petalinux system, As the first full-time software hire, you’ll work hands-on at the intersection of hardware, firmware, and software - connecting imaging, AI/ML, and hardware pipelines into a unified system that operates with realtime performance.
Job Description: Senior Embedded Software Engineer
Responsibilities
· Develop and maintain embedded software in Python and C/C++.
· Integrate imaging systems with AI/ML pipelines, system management, cloud and GUI APIs, and hardware APIs.
· Build and test firmware and software for PetaLinux and Xilinx RFSoC / MPSoC / Kria systems.
· Create scripts and automation tools to support real-time system control and data flow.
· Collaborate with hardware, firmware, and software engineers to debug and optimize system performance.
· Contribute to overall system architecture and design, bridging hardware and software boundaries.
Job Requirements (Must have)
· Strong experience writing software for embedded Linux systems.
· Proficiency in Python and C/C++ for real-time or hardware-integrated applications.
· Familiarity with PetaLinux or Xilinx RFSoC/MPSoC/Kria platforms.
· Ability to reason about entire hardware/software systems and identify integration issues.
· Experience working with real-time data or imaging systems.
· Comfortable working in a small, fast-moving, experimental team environment.
· Must be based in the Silicon Valley area and available for on-site work.
· Excellent documentation, teamwork, and communication skills.
· Strong communication and team collaboration skills
Also desired (Nice to have)
· Experience with MATLAB for algorithm prototyping or data analysis.
· Exposure to AI/ML pipelines or embedded inference.
· Familiarity with FPGA development workflows and RTL development.
Benefits, Details
· Fast-paced, high-impact environment with top-tier peers.
· Healthcare stipend, 401(k) matching, subsidized meal service, etc
· Opportunity to work at the bleeding edge of wireless and imaging silicon technology.
· Location: Santa Clara, CA (not fully remote).
· Compensation: Competitive, commensurate with experience.
Cambridge Terahertz is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or genetic information.
About the Company
Cambridge Terahertz is one of the world’s only companies pushing the boundaries of Terahertz technology, a true “white space” technology at the intersection of wireless, advanced sensing, and custom silicon. Based on a decade of research at MIT, we’re now based in Santa Clara, CA and backed by top-tier investors including Felicis and Amazon, with over $15M raised and five active government contracts. With a THz silicon design team and multiple generations of imaging prototypes, we’re among the few with an FCC license to operate at THz, and have been featured in CNBC, MIT News and Techcrunch. Our passionate, world-class team thrives on hard problems, rapid learning, and applying cutting-edge technology towards products that have real impact.
Our core mission is to drive societal change through next-generation physical security and weapons detection. By shrinking airport-grade security scanners into scalable devices that work unobtrusively in everyday settings, we’re tackling the urgent, unsolved challenge of proactive weapons screening - making schools, venues, and public spaces safer without compromising privacy or convenience. The work we do at Cambridge Terahertz doesn’t just break technical barriers; it saves lives and improves communities.
If you want to invent in an environment where breakthroughs are expected, the bleeding edge is comfortable, and frontier tech is your day job, join us and help build the future of security, sensing, and real-world impact.