Firmware Engineer
Seatrec is seeking an entry to mid-level Firmware Engineer to support the development of our
autonomous profiling floats, which are powered by temperature gradients in the ocean. In this
role, you will have hands-on responsibility from day one building firmware, Python automation,
and testing frameworks that operate on cutting-edge autonomous ocean platforms. Your work
will have visible, real-world impact, and you’ll gain deep experience across embedded systems,
Linux, RTOS, and production pipelines. You will collaborate closely with remote team members
while working on-site in Vista, California, contributing directly to project execution, testing, and
system validation.
About Seatrec
Seatrec designs and manufactures subsea drones that generate electricity from ocean
temperature gradients. Our products empower defense and oceanographic researchers to
extend mission durations, optimize data collection, and reduce operational costs. By enabling
the integration of advanced sensors previously limited in endurance and functionality, such as
hydrophones, we open new possibilities for ocean science. One of our floats recently deployed
off the coast of Kona, Hawaii, has collected a record of more than 1,000 profiles. Seatrec’s
energy harvesting core technology was developed at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and
spun out of the California Institute of Technology in 2016. Seatrec is headquartered in Vista,
California. Visit us at seatrec.com.
Position Responsibilities
• Develop soft real-time embedded firmware in C for MCU platforms, with a focus on
reliability and power efficiency.
• Configure and maintain embedded Linux environments, writing robust Python scripts for
automation and testing.
• Build automated test frameworks from the ground up to validate platform functionality
and performance.
• Support production activities, including running and improving production tooling.
• Integrate new payloads and sensors using IP, UART, I²C, and SPI.
• Incorporate customer processing scripts into Linux SBC data pipelines.
• Perform basic electronics prototyping (soldering, cabling, breadboarding) as needed.
• Use hardware and software tools (multimeter, oscilloscope, logic analyzer, debugger) to
troubleshoot and debug systems.
• Collaborate with the engineering team and develop self-sufficiency in completing tasks.
Position Qualifications
• Strong C programming skills for embedded systems.
• Strong Python scripting skills, comfortable building automated test frameworks and
production scripts.
• Familiarity with RTOS, including threading, memory management, and common pitfall
avoidance.
1
• Familiarity with microcontroller architecture, interrupts, and timers.
• Hands-on experience with hardware debugging using standard lab tools.
• Passionate about autonomous systems or ocean technology, motivated to learn and
grow.
• Collaborative mindset and ability to work effectively both on-site and with remote team
members.
Location
• Full-time, onsite position at Seatrec's headquarters and manufacturing facility in Vista,
California.
What We Offer
• Competitive pay
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Tax-advantaged retirement plan through Simple IRA
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Opportunities to Participate in ocean deployments and field tests—see the units you built
in action
• Cross-training opportunities in engineering, testing, and field operations
• Small team environment where your work directly impacts mission success
Equal Opportunity Employer
Seatrec is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for
employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity,
national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by
law.
To apply for this position, please send your resume and cover letter to
2
Seatrec is seeking an entry to mid-level Firmware Engineer to support the development of our
autonomous profiling floats, which are powered by temperature gradients in the ocean. In this
role, you will have hands-on responsibility from day one building firmware, Python automation,
and testing frameworks that operate on cutting-edge autonomous ocean platforms. Your work
will have visible, real-world impact, and you’ll gain deep experience across embedded systems,
Linux, RTOS, and production pipelines. You will collaborate closely with remote team members
while working on-site in Vista, California, contributing directly to project execution, testing, and
system validation.
About Seatrec
Seatrec designs and manufactures subsea drones that generate electricity from ocean
temperature gradients. Our products empower defense and oceanographic researchers to
extend mission durations, optimize data collection, and reduce operational costs. By enabling
the integration of advanced sensors previously limited in endurance and functionality, such as
hydrophones, we open new possibilities for ocean science. One of our floats recently deployed
off the coast of Kona, Hawaii, has collected a record of more than 1,000 profiles. Seatrec’s
energy harvesting core technology was developed at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and
spun out of the California Institute of Technology in 2016. Seatrec is headquartered in Vista,
California. Visit us at seatrec.com.
Position Responsibilities
• Develop soft real-time embedded firmware in C for MCU platforms, with a focus on
reliability and power efficiency.
• Configure and maintain embedded Linux environments, writing robust Python scripts for
automation and testing.
• Build automated test frameworks from the ground up to validate platform functionality
and performance.
• Support production activities, including running and improving production tooling.
• Integrate new payloads and sensors using IP, UART, I²C, and SPI.
• Incorporate customer processing scripts into Linux SBC data pipelines.
• Perform basic electronics prototyping (soldering, cabling, breadboarding) as needed.
• Use hardware and software tools (multimeter, oscilloscope, logic analyzer, debugger) to
troubleshoot and debug systems.
• Collaborate with the engineering team and develop self-sufficiency in completing tasks.
Position Qualifications
• Strong C programming skills for embedded systems.
• Strong Python scripting skills, comfortable building automated test frameworks and
production scripts.
• Familiarity with RTOS, including threading, memory management, and common pitfall
avoidance.
1
• Familiarity with microcontroller architecture, interrupts, and timers.
• Hands-on experience with hardware debugging using standard lab tools.
• Passionate about autonomous systems or ocean technology, motivated to learn and
grow.
• Collaborative mindset and ability to work effectively both on-site and with remote team
members.
Location
• Full-time, onsite position at Seatrec's headquarters and manufacturing facility in Vista,
California.
What We Offer
• Competitive pay
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Tax-advantaged retirement plan through Simple IRA
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Opportunities to Participate in ocean deployments and field tests—see the units you built
in action
• Cross-training opportunities in engineering, testing, and field operations
• Small team environment where your work directly impacts mission success
Equal Opportunity Employer
Seatrec is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for
employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity,
national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by
law.
To apply for this position, please send your resume and cover letter to
2