Embedded Systems Engineer

About Origin

Origin (previously 10xConstruction) is building general-purpose autonomous robots for US construction to tackle rising costs, safety risks, and labour shortages. Our modular, multi-trade platform combines purpose-built hardware with real-time site intelligence to navigate complex environments and execute tasks with precision. Trained in high-fidelity simulation and already deployed on live sites, our robots deliver 5x faster execution, 250%+ margin expansion, and significant cost savings. Join India’s most talent-dense robotics team consisting of individuals from IITs, Stanford, UCLA, etc.

About the role

As the Lead Embedded Systems Engineer for Robotic Power Tools, you will define the architecture that turns off-the-shelf construction equipment (drywall sanders, spray guns, grinders) into deterministic, data-driven robotic end-effectors. You will lead the hardware hacking, reverse-engineering, custom PCB design, and RTOS firmware development to seamlessly integrate these high-power tools with our main robot arm. You will set the standard for modularity, safety, and reliability across all end-of-arm tooling.

Key Responsibilities

Tool System Architecture & Strategy:

• Define the global electrical and firmware architecture for all robotic end-of-arm-tooling (EOAT), ensuring hot-swappable modularity.
• Architect deterministic communication protocols (CANopen/EtherCAT) between the smart tools and the main robot controller.
• Design hardware safety systems (e.g., E-stops for spinning blades/sanders) compliant with industrial standards.

Advanced Hardware Hacking & PCB Design:

• Lead the reverse-engineering of complex, high-power tool electronics, defining methods to bypass or interface with proprietary motor controllers.
• Lead schematic design and review for all custom PCBs, focusing on high-noise immunity, power isolation, and compact form factors.

Firmware & Motor Control:

• Architect real-time firmware (C/C++) on advanced microcontrollers using RTOS environments.
• Implement advanced motor control strategies (BLDC, FOC) and closed-loop force/speed feedback mechanisms for the tools.

Team Leadership & Integration:

• Mentor Senior, Regular, and Apprentice engineers, setting the bar for code quality and hardware design.
• Work tightly with the core controls and ROS 2 teams to define standardized APIs for seamless tool actuation.

Requirements

• Master's or Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
• 3-5 years of deep experience in embedded systems, motor control, and mixed-signal PCB design.
• Expert proficiency in C/C++ and RTOS (FreeRTOS, Zephyr, etc.).
• Extensive experience reverse-engineering undocumented electronic systems.
• Deep knowledge of industrial communication protocols (CAN, SPI, EtherCAT).
• Exceptional debugging skills using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and debug probes.

Preferred Experiences

• Hacking off the shelf embedded systems and integrating them into your projects.

Benefits

• Gain experience in a dynamic startup environment at the forefront of robotics and AI innovation.
• Contribute to the development of technology that will revolutionize the construction industry.
• Work alongside a talented and passionate team committed to making a real-world impact.
• Learn from experienced professionals and gain valuable skills in robotics software engineering.
• Gain practical experience in a real-world engineering environment.
• Contribute to a project with the potential to make a significant impact on the construction industry.