Embedded Engineer

DS creates systems that power the next generation of radio spectrum intelligence. We collect radio data from all over the world, train neural networks to decipher it, and run them on the smallest chips we can. We’re solving a new, technically hard problem where nothing from other fields works out of the box, and along the way, we’ve built our own stack from scratch, including entirely new embedding model architectures, custom GPU kernels, and much more.

Joining DS means owning major parts of a fast-growing AI research organization, joining a collaborative, talent-dense team with decades of experience in probabilistic ML, accelerated computing, embedded systems, and signal theory, and growing your career in the areas that interest you. You’ll fit in if you want to come to work for the problem itself and don’t want to choose between technical rigor, business value, and real-world impact.

We work with high ownership and trust, and we do it together in the office 5 days/week.

Responsibilities

• Work as part of in-person NYC team to design and build the next generation of signals intelligence hardware/software systems

• Contribute to overall system architecture and design decisions

• Design, develop, test, and deploy performant and robust software on embedded and edge compute platforms

• Develop interfaces to off-the-shelf and custom hardware

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field or similar relevant experience

• 5-10 years experience developing software for embedded Linux (kernel space and user space) or real time operating systems.

• Proficient with C, C++, Python, and Bash

• Experience with Yocto, Buildroot, or other embedded Linux Toolchains

• Familiarity with Docker, Systemd, or other service orchestration mechanisms

• Strong understanding of hardware/software interaction in embedded systems

• Strong understanding of IP networking fundamentals

• Experience with system-level debugging and performance optimization

• Familiarity with communication protocols such as SPI, I2C, UART, and Ethernet

• Ability and desire to work in a fast-paced, close-knit team environment

• Eligible for United States Security Clearance

Nice-to-Haves

• Experience with developing software that takes advantage hardware accelerators (FPGA, DSP, GPU)

• Familiarity with Rust, Golang, or Systemverilog

• Familiarity with the fundamentals of signal processing, machine learning, computer vision, or related disciplines

• Experience with Electronic Warfare Systems, Radar, Software Defined Radio, or related domains

• Possession of a US Secret or higher clearance

Who Thrives at Distributed Spectrum

• Fast learners over specific backgrounds – We care more about how quickly you can pick up new skills than where you’ve worked before.

• Intellectual honesty – The right answer matters more than being right. You challenge assumptions, test ideas, and pivot when needed.

• Adaptability – We’re organized, but sometimes things change quickly. You find a way to make it work and balance short-term deliverables with long-term goals.

• Ownership of outcomes – You optimize your own time, focus on what matters to deliver quickly, and cut out inefficiencies.

• Not building in a vacuum – You stay connected to the rest of our teams and our customers to make sure all the pieces fit together.

What We Offer

• Above-market salary, equity, and benefits package.

• Early Series A Equity

• Excellent health, dental, and vision coverage

• 401(k) match - up to 4% of your salary

• Flexible PTO

• Daily office lunches in NYC

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.