Founding Firmware Engineer

About Toptal

Toptal is a global network of top talent in business, design, and technology that enables companies to scale their teams, on-demand. With $200+ million in annual revenue and team members based around the globe, Toptal is the world’s largest fully remote workforce.

We take the best elements of virtual teams and combine them with a support structure that encourages innovation, social interaction, and fun. We see no borders, move at a fast pace, and are never afraid to break the mold.

Job Summary:

We are building a new class of consumer hardware — a product that will fundamentally change how people experience and interact with their living spaces. We’re in stealth mode for now, but the ambition is large, the opportunity is massive, and the early team will define the future of the company.

Firmware is the brain of our system. As the founding firmware engineer, you will architect and implement the embedded software that controls our next-generation hardware. You’ll work closely with hardware, materials science, and product design to deliver a magical, seamless experience for our customers.

Applicants are required to reside in New York or be willing to relocate there. We do not offer visa sponsorship or assistance, so applicants must already be authorized to work in the US at the time of hire. Resumes and communication must be submitted in English.

Responsibilities:

The following information is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or required skills.

• Develop embedded firmware for microcontrollers (C/C++ or Rust).
• Own communication interfaces, device management, diagnostics, and OTA update systems.
• Work with hardware on power management, timing control, and system-level reliability.
• Build early prototypes and test harnesses for internal R&D.
• Establish coding standards, architecture patterns, and long-term firmware strategy.
• Collaborate on cloud/app connectivity (BLE, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Thread, Matter.

Qualifications and Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree is required.
• 5-8+ years of experience building firmware for consumer or IoT products.
• Deep experience with microcontrollers (ARM Cortex, ESP32, STM32, Nordic, etc.).
• Strong grasp of real-time systems, power optimization, and embedded signal processing.
• You enjoy working at the intersection of hardware and software.
• You thrive in early-stage environments with fast cycles and high ownership.
• Experience with high-voltage control electronics, smart film/EC systems, lighting, or motor control.
• Cloud-to-firmware integration (OTA, remote diagnostics, provisioning).
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, rapidly growing company and handle a wide variety of challenges, deadlines, and a diverse array of contacts.
• You must be a world-class individual contributor to thrive at Toptal. You will not be here just to tell other people what to do.

Essential Job Functions

• Regularly and reliably attend scheduled virtual team meetings on camera.
• Work independently with minimal supervision.
• Use all required digital collaboration tools.
• Prioritize and self-manage workflows and deadlines.

US FLSA Classification: Full-Time/Exempt

For candidates who meet the qualifications and job requirements listed above, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. In the US, Toptal’s benefit offerings include participation in a 401(k) retirement plan; medical, dental, and vision health insurance plans; basic life insurance coverage and short-term and long-term disability coverage; access to flexible spending, dependent care, and health savings accounts; access to telehealth virtual doctors; an employee assistance program; and flexible paid time off.