Backend Software Engineer - Embedded

Location: Boston, MA

Role Description:

The Backend Software Engineer - Embedded designs, develops, and sustains network-connected firmware that powers our scientific instruments—enabling secure remote control, reliable data capture, and real-time monitoring in laboratory environments. You will work close to the hardware on ARM Cortex-M microcontrollers with an RTOS (e.g., FreeRTOS or Mbed OS), implementing robust drivers, control loops, calibration and self-test routines, and lightweight user interfaces (small display and/or local web UI) that make complex systems dependable and easy to operate.

In this role you will collaborate with Instrumentation Engineering and the Software team to define interfaces and protocols, integrate sensors and actuators, and build resilient communication pathways between the instrument, desktop utilities, and cloud services (e.g., MQTT/REST). You’ll contribute to a disciplined SDLC—writing clear requirements, documentation, and automated tests (unit, integration, and HIL), participating in code/design reviews, and supporting secure over-the-air updates and observability—so that each release is traceable, testable, and production-ready.

This role reports to the Director, Software Engineering within the Platform Products department. This position is hybrid with an expectation of at least four days per week in the Boston office.

Key Tasks:

·        Programming in C (and C) on embedded systems.

·        Development for ARM Cortex-M (STM32) platform using ARM Mbed OS, FreeRTOS, or similar embedded RTOS framework.

·        Work with hardware team to implement software needed to control, calibrate, and test components.

·        Actively partner with cloud applications team to enable the instrument to convey with backend services and promoting infrastructure.

·        Work with system specifications to implement, verify, and test embedded systems drivers and algorithms in C/C .

·        Create User Interactions with small screen User Interface and local web server for status and control.

·        Work with scientists and engineers to ensure that interfaces are properly designed.

Desired Skills:

·        BS in computer science, electrical engineering, or related field, or equivalent technical.

·        1 year of Embedded Software experience.

·        Prior work with embedded, network linked sensors and devices – professional or hobby.

·        Prior work with communicating with cloud-enabled or IoT (internet of things) devices using Message Queuing Telemetry Transport or similar messaging frameworks.

·        Familiarity with over-the-air deployment of software/firmware upgrades.

·        Automated unit testing and regression testing of real-time systems.

·        Life science industry (pharmaceutical, biotech, specialty pharma and/or medical technology) a plus.

·        Good English communication skills (primarily written - documentation and technical specs).

·        Ability to work in an agile development environment and participate in sprint activities.

·        JIRA/Git/CI tools.

Equal Opportunities:

Emulate is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer that is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We take unbiased action to offer employment and advancement opportunities to all applicants, without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or ability status. Our methods for hiring include ensuring that all available opportunities are fairly promoted — via online globally available channels — in a manner accessible to all potential applicants.

About Emulate, Inc.

Emulate, Inc. is the pioneer of Organ-on-a-Chip technology, enabling researchers to accurately replicate human tissue function and disease biology through next generation in vitro models. From target discovery to IND submission, Emulate aims to ignite a new era in human health research—one that reduces animal testing, cuts drug development costs, and accelerates the delivery of life-saving treatments. Emulate’s Organ-Chip platforms, consumables, and organ models help the world’s leading pharmaceutical, biotech, and academic teams generate human-relevant data that advance safer, more effective therapies. Learn more at www.emulatebio.com