Robotics Software Developer Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

Description

Ghost Robotics is the industry leader in legged robotic systems that help our customers solve complex operational, national security, and technical challenges to save lives, reduce harm, and improve outcomes.

We are looking for an Associate Embedded Systems Engineer to join our Electrical and Firmware Engineering team. This role is ideal for a recent graduate or early-career engineer who wants to build a foundation in embedded systems through hands-on testing, debugging, and root cause analysis work, with a clear path to grow into firmware development, PCB design, or broader embedded systems ownership over time.

You will work alongside senior engineers who will mentor you as you develop, contributing meaningfully from day one while building the technical depth to take on more complex work as your skills grow.

This position reports to the Head of Electrical and Firmware Engineering and works closely with a fast-moving interdisciplinary team of mechanical, software, and systems engineers.

What You'll Do

Initial Focus (first 6 to 12 months)

• Execute structured test plans on electrical subsystems of Ghost's Q-UGV platforms, including position sensing, motor control, battery management, and integrated sensor payloads.
• Perform hands-on debugging of electromechanical subsystems, using tools such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, multimeters, and JTAG debuggers under the direction of senior engineers.
• Conduct root cause analysis on hardware and firmware issues, document findings clearly, and contribute to corrective action recommendations.
• Support prototype PCB assembly, board bring-up activities, and basic electrical validation.
• Assist with integration testing of RGB, thermal/IR, TOF, gas, audio, and other task-specific sensors.
• Build and maintain test fixtures, test scripts, and validation documentation.
• Contribute to test reports, bug tracking, engineering change documentation, and design review materials.

Growth Areas (developed through mentorship over time)

• Progressively take on firmware development tasks in C or C++ on embedded robotic subsystems.
• Support schematic capture and PCB layout efforts under the direction of senior electronics engineers.
• Participate in design reviews and contribute to technical discussions on embedded systems architecture.
• Contribute to research and development efforts for new applications and technology.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or a related field.
• 0 to 2 years of professional experience in electronics, embedded systems, or firmware engineering. Internships and co-ops count.
• Exposure to C or C++ through coursework, projects, internships, or personal work.
• Demonstrated ability to debug hardware or software issues in a systematic, structured way.
• Familiarity with revision control (Git or similar).
• Strong curiosity, willingness to learn, and ability to take direction from senior engineers.
• Comfortable working hands-on with hardware, test equipment, and prototype electronics.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with the STM32 MCU family or a comparable microcontroller.
• Exposure to communication protocols such as SPI, I2C, UART, Ethernet, EtherCAT, or QSPI.
• Hands-on experience soldering, reworking, or assembling prototype PCBs.
• Coursework or project experience in PCB schematic capture or layout (Altium a plus).
• Familiarity with FreeRTOS or another RTOS.
• Familiarity with brushless DC motors, battery management systems, or power electronics fundamentals.
• Robotics, mechatronics, or mobile robotic systems experience through school, clubs, internships, or personal projects.

Education

Bachelor's degree required in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or a related field.

Location

Philadelphia, PA. No remote candidates considered at this time.

Travel

Limited.

Compensation and Benefits

Ghost Robotics offers competitive compensation, full benefits, equity incentives, and a flexible time-off policy. We prioritize results, collaboration, and building world-class systems with a high-performing team.

Additional Requirements

• Must be able to clear standard employment background checks.
• Permanent residency required.
• Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds and work hands-on with hardware systems.

PLEASE NO RECRUITERS OR AGENCIES.