Haptics Firmware Engineer

Haptics Firmware Engineer
Sunnyvale, CA (hybrid)
12+ Months Contract

Summary
Client is seeking a skilled Haptics Firmware Engineer to develop embedded firmware for advanced haptic technologies, including the Taptic Engine. This role involves designing low-latency, real-time haptic solutions, integrating actuators and sensors, and developing firmware for prototype hardware and custom silicon. The ideal candidate has strong embedded software development experience, expertise in C/C++, and a solid understanding of actuator control, digital signal processing, and hardware debugging. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams throughout the product development lifecycle to deliver reliable, high-performance haptic experiences.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and optimize firmware for the Taptic Engine and advanced haptic technologies.
• Contribute to all stages of the product development lifecycle, from proof-of-concept prototypes and demonstrations to production-ready firmware.
• Design low-latency, end-to-end haptic solutions integrating touch and force sensors with actuators.
• Gather technical requirements, create system block diagrams, review hardware schematics, and define communication protocols, operating modes, and firmware features.
• Develop, document, and validate firmware features on prototype hardware and custom silicon.
• Integrate actuator control algorithms while meeting strict real-time performance requirements using digital signal processing (DSP) concepts.
• Interface microcontrollers with sensors and actuators, including Linear Resonant Actuators (LRAs), Voice Coil Actuators (VCAs), and piezoelectric actuators.
• Implement and optimize low-level control algorithms and, where applicable, closed-loop control systems in embedded environments.
• Perform board bring-up, firmware debugging, and hardware-level troubleshooting using JTAG debuggers, mixed-signal oscilloscopes, and logic analyzers.
• Conduct bench testing to validate firmware performance, power consumption, and thermal characteristics.
• Collaborate with quality assurance (QA) and hardware teams to identify root causes, resolve defects, and deliver robust production firmware.
• Partner with factory teams to establish and meet manufacturing test, calibration, and validation requirements.
• Leverage AI-powered development tools to accelerate coding, debugging, test framework development, and overall firmware quality improvements.
• Collaborate with a vertically integrated technology team to develop innovative features and deliver high-quality haptic experiences.

Requirements
Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years of relevant experience in the haptics industry, embedded software engineering, or haptic firmware development.
• Strong proficiency in C or C++ for embedded systems development.
• Experience developing firmware for embedded systems using bare-metal programming or real-time operating systems (RTOS).
• Hands-on experience with Linear Resonant Actuators (LRAs) and familiarity with other actuators, such as VCAs and piezoelectric actuators.
• Experience interfacing microcontrollers with sensors and actuators.
• Strong understanding of embedded peripherals and communication protocols, including DMA, USB, UART, SPI, and I2C.
• Experience with board bring-up, hardware debugging, and firmware validation using JTAG, mixed-signal oscilloscopes, and/or logic analyzers.
• Knowledge of embedded firmware design best practices, testing methodologies, and software quality standards.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex hardware and software issues and perform systematic root-cause analysis.
• Experience using AI-powered development tools to improve coding efficiency, debugging, test automation, and code quality.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree with advanced coursework in embedded systems, control systems, and/or signal processing.
• Experience designing and implementing closed-loop control systems.
• Expertise in developing low-level control algorithms for embedded environments.
• Knowledge of digital signal processing (DSP) techniques and real-time actuator control.
• Experience developing firmware for custom silicon and prototype hardware.
• Familiarity with haptic system calibration, manufacturing test processes, and production validation.

Metasys Technologies/NVISH is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, veteran or disability status.