Controls & Firmware Engineering Lead

Exowatt is a next generation renewable energy company offering commercial and industrial customers a modular full-stack energy solution that can provide dispatchable power and heat for up to 24 hours per day, specifically designed to meet the needs of energy-intensive applications such as data centers. Our mission is clear, to make sustainable renewable energy always available and almost free. Exowatt is based in Miami, Florida and backed by notable investors such as a16z, Atomic, and Sam Altman.

We are seeking an experienced Controls & Firmware Engineer to lead the software and hardware integration of our Exowatt P3 modules. This role will be responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing the control systems, firmware, and embedded software that enable our thermal energy storage and power generation systems to operate efficiently, reliably, and safely. This is a highly cross-functional role requiring collaboration with software counterparts, plus mechanical, electrical, power systems, and manufacturing teams to develop robust and scalable solutions.

• Embedded Systems Development: Design and develop real-time firmware for embedded controllers managing thermal storage, power electronics, and energy dispatch.
• Control System Design: Architect, implement, and optimize closed-loop control algorithms for system stability, efficiency, and fault tolerance.
• Hardware Integration: Interface firmware with sensors, actuators, power electronics, and communication networks.
• Communication Protocols: Develop and integrate industrial communication protocols (Modbus, CAN, Ethernet/IP, MQTT) for seamless system operation and remote monitoring.
• Safety & Reliability: Implement safety-critical firmware features including fault detection, system protection, and cybersecurity best practices.
• Testing & Validation: Develop and execute hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) testing to validate firmware performance and system integration.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with mechanical, electrical, and power systems engineers to optimize system performance and troubleshoot complex issues.
• Code Optimization & Maintenance: Write efficient, maintainable, and well-documented code using C, C++, Python, or Rust for embedded applications.
• Automation & Cloud Integration: Design and implement data logging, diagnostics, and predictive maintenance algorithms leveraging cloud-based analytics.
• Manufacturing Support: Assist in hardware bring-up, troubleshooting, and firmware updates for production systems.

• Educational Background: BS, MS, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Embedded Systems, or a related field.
• Experience: 5+ years of experience in embedded systems development, controls engineering, or firmware design.
• Technical Proficiency:
• Strong expertise in real-time embedded firmware development (C/C++, RTOS, bare-metal systems).
• Experience with control systems design, including PID, state-space, and advanced control techniques.
• Knowledge of power electronics control, including inverters, converters, and motor drives.
• Familiarity with microcontrollers, FPGAs, and DSPs for real-time control applications.
• Experience implementing secure boot, encryption, and firmware-over-the-air (FOTA) updates.
• Hands-on experience with oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and debugging tools for hardware troubleshooting.
• Regulatory & Standards Knowledge: Familiarity with IEC 61508, UL 1998, ISO 26262, and cybersecurity best practices for embedded systems.
• Project Execution: Experience leading embedded software projects from concept to production, including architecture design, development, and validation.
• Collaboration & Leadership: Ability to work cross-functionally, mentor junior engineers, and lead firmware initiatives.
• Problem-Solving & Adaptability: Strong analytical skills with the ability to diagnose complex system interactions in a fast-paced startup environment

What We Offer:

Competitive salary and equity options.

Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and retirement plans.

A dynamic and inclusive work environment that fosters creativity and innovation.

Opportunities for professional growth and development in a rapidly evolving industry.

Relocation assistance.