Firmware & Controls Engineer

Base Power (Headquarters: Austin)

Firmware Controls Embedded C C++ RTOS Microcontrollers Power Electronics Control Systems Algorithms Energy Storage BMS HIL Testing Hardware Back End Engineer Robotics

Company: Base Power
Location: Austin, TX (Onsite)
Type: Full-time

Company Description:
Base Power is building a distributed fleet of energy storage systems to fix the nation's power grid. We build and manufacture power converters, deploy them across the power grid, and build the algorithms, ingestion, and commanding platforms that operate the fleet in response to real-time grid conditions. As America electrifies, our outdated power systems strain - leaving families vulnerable to outages and rising costs. Base deploys home batteries that maintain household power during outages while stabilizing the grid day-to-day. We are backed by leading technology and energy investors like a16z, Valor, Thrive, and Addition.

Role Description:
As a Firmware & Controls Engineer at Base Power, you will be at the heart of our hardware, developing the firmware and control algorithms that operate our power converters and energy storage systems. You will design, implement, and test the software that runs on our embedded devices, ensuring safety, reliability, and seamless grid integration. Your work will directly impact the performance and stability of our distributed fleet operating in response to real-time grid conditions.

Responsibilities:
- Design, develop, test, and maintain firmware for microcontrollers and embedded systems used in power electronics and energy storage systems.
- Develop and implement sophisticated control algorithms for power conversion and battery management.
- Work on projects like Home load prediction algorithms and Automated hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test systems.
- Collaborate closely with hardware engineers during design, bring-up, and validation phases.
- Optimize firmware for performance, power consumption, and reliability.
- Develop and execute test plans for firmware validation, including HIL testing.
- Contribute to system architecture decisions related to embedded software and controls.

Ideal Candidate:
- Strong proficiency in C and C++ for embedded systems.
- Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS).
- Deep understanding of control systems theory and application, particularly in power electronics or related fields.
- Experience with microcontroller peripherals (ADC, DAC, PWM, SPI, I2C, CAN).
- Familiarity with hardware debugging tools (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers).
- Experience developing and implementing test automation, including HIL testing.
- Knowledge of battery management systems (BMS) is a plus.
- Passion for working at the intersection of hardware, software, and energy systems.
- Thrives in a fast-paced environment with a focus on execution velocity and system thinking.
- Holds intellectual humility and collaborates effectively.

Company Values & Perks:
- Execution velocity: We ship with urgency.
- Intellectual humility: The best solution wins.
- System thinking: Understand the impact on the whole ecosystem.
- Competitive salary and meaningful equity.
- Comprehensive healthcare (100% premiums covered for employee & dependents).
- Professional growth opportunities and mentorship.