Sr. Staff Embedded AI Engineer

This role focuses on designing and delivering advanced TinyML and embedded AI solutions for microcontroller and MPU platforms, including RA, RL78, RX, and RZ families. You will build and enhance cloud-based model translation infrastructure that converts trained machine learning models into efficient C/C implementations suitable for resource-constrained embedded systems. Working in a highly technical, hands-on capacity, you will optimize network inference for performance, memory, and power, while contributing ideas that improve both the tooling and the quality of embedded implementations. The position is ideal for an engineer who enjoys working across the full stack, from neural network internals to low-level embedded optimization, and who thrives in an applied, product-focused environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain TinyML and embedded AI solutions targeting microcontroller and MPU platforms such as RA, RL78, RX, and RZ.
• Develop and enhance a cloud-based model translation service that converts trained machine learning models into efficient C/C code for deployment on embedded devices.
• Optimize neural network inference on resource-constrained systems, focusing on performance, memory footprint, and power consumption.
• Work across the stack from neural network internals and model architecture to low-level embedded software and hardware-specific optimizations.
• Integrate machine learning frameworks such as TensorFlow and PyTorch into the model translation and deployment pipeline for tiny ML solutions.
• Collaborate with a small, globally distributed team to design, build, and support cloud-based tools that enable customers to upload data, train models, and deploy them to microcontrollers.
• Apply strong troubleshooting and debugging skills to diagnose and resolve issues in embedded AI deployments, including performance bottlenecks and functional defects.
• Contribute new ideas, challenge assumptions, and propose improvements to tooling, workflows, and embedded implementation practices.
• Manage and contribute to large-scale software projects, ensuring maintainable, robust, and well-documented code for both embedded and cloud components.
• Work closely with customer-facing teams to support the deployment of AI models in real-world applications, focusing on reliability and scalability for production use.
• Use Python to build tooling and automation that streamline machine learning workflows, model conversion, and deployment processes.
• Apply a strong mathematical foundation, including signal processing and computer science concepts, to design and refine models suitable for tiny ML and embedded AI.

• 6 years of experience in embedded systems software development.
• Strong proficiency in C and C for embedded platforms.
• Strong proficiency in Python for tooling, automation, or machine learning workflows.
• Practical experience deploying machine learning models to resource-constrained systems.
• Solid understanding of neural network fundamentals and internals, including model architecture for tiny ML solutions.
• Experience with machine learning frameworks such as TensorFlow or PyTorch.
• Experience optimizing performance, memory footprint, and power consumption on embedded targets.
• Strong foundation in embedded engineering using C and C .
• Robust mathematical background, including signal processing and core computer science concepts.
• Experience with large-scale software management, including version control, modular design, and maintainable codebases.
• Excellent troubleshooting and debugging abilities in embedded and AI-related environments.
• Ability to apply practical problem-solving skills to real-world engineering challenges rather than focusing solely on theoretical research.
• Experience with AI, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and embedded systems in the context of tiny ML and IoT applications.

• BS, MS, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Experience working with IoT devices and ecosystems.
• background in tiny ML solutions, including understanding of constraints specific to microcontrollers and low-power devices.
• Self-directed learner who stays current with advances in embedded AI, machine learning frameworks, and toolchains.
• Detail-oriented mindset with a focus on quality, reliability, and correctness in both embedded and cloud-based software.
• Comfort working across disciplines, from neural network design and optimization to low-level embedded implementation.
• Experience collaborating in small, distributed teams and contributing to product-oriented software tools.

You will join a small, globally distributed team of about 15 people, including customer support, with members located in regions such as Europe and China. The team operates as a focused, product-oriented group responsible for a cloud-based software package that allows customers to upload data, train machine learning models, and deploy them on a wide range of microcontrollers. The environment emphasizes applied AI and tiny ML solutions, prioritizing practical implementation and deployment over pure research or data science. The team concentrates on traditional, small-scale models tailored for resource-constrained systems and works closely with a dedicated set of customers on large, production-focused engagements rather than hobbyist projects. The culture values collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement of both the tools and the embedded implementations that support real-world AI applications.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Columbia, MD.

The pay range for this position is $120000.00 - $150000.00/yr.

Permanent Benefits through Renesas

This is a hybrid position in Columbia,MD.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 10, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

Salary : $120,000 - $150,000