Tau is a venture-backed advanced technology company based in the Bay Area (Redwood City, CA). We design and develop next-generation products for electrification, constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation. The company was started because we believe the key to a more sustainable future requires modern power conversion systems to increase the security of the world’s energy. We have pioneered technologies that leverage software-enabled hardware to provide industry-leading scale, economics, and efficiencies. Our systems include innovations across electric machines, inverters, controllers, thermal management, simulation, and charging systems.
Tau's team of engineers, scientists, technologists, operators, and industry leaders continues to advance our internal technology roadmap while collaborating with commercial partners to deploy our existing products to market. They are relentlessly pursuing the creation of efficient power conversion systems for a more sustainable future. At our core, Tau is made of exceptionally talented and mission-aligned people. Developing complex electromechanical systems is an interdisciplinary challenge. We want to expand our team with diverse engineering, scientific, and operational expertise.
About you
We are looking for people who aren't afraid to take on new challenges and are as passionate about energy and electrification as we are:
- You find significant challenges exciting and enjoy discovering and defining problems as much as solving them.
- You deliver. You may enjoy thoughtful conversations about problems and perfecting design, but ultimately, you know that delivering innovative, effective, and reliable solutions matters.
- You are a cross-disciplinary team member. You are excited to work with, learn from, and contribute to technology teams ranging from electromagnetics, power electronics, controls systems, mechanical, materials, software, computational physics, and beyond.
About The Role
Tau Motors seeks a highly skilled and experienced Embedded Controls Engineer to join our embedded software team. In this role, you will lead the design of control systems and embedded software development specifically for unique motor control and high-voltage power conversion systems. Your expertise will enhance our functional performance, safety, and reliability across various applications, including electric vehicles and renewable energy systems. Collaborating with cross-functional teams, you will integrate critical capabilities and ensure high-voltage systems' safe and efficient operation. This role directly contributes to the success of Tau's innovative power electronics platform.
What you'll do:
- Lead Control Systems Design and embedded software for motor control and high-voltage power conversion while maintaining high safety and reliability.
- Implement advanced control algorithms for multiple power conversion topologies, optimizing for system-level efficiency and performance.
- Write high-quality embedded code (C) and execute comprehensive testing plans for control algorithms, including unit tests and HIL simulations to validate system behavior.
- Implement functional safety considerations in your designs, including defining the functional safety goals and concepts for achieving ASIL and ISO 26262 compliance.
- Create revision and release control procedures to enable agile codebase development across growing teams, facilitating rapid iterations and enhancements with high code quality.
- Manage requirements and development backlogs, prioritizing and triaging new features and bug fixes in alignment with project goals and timelines.
- Partner with the validation team to establish and enhance Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) and Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) capabilities, enabling rapid development and validation of hardware and software functionalities
- Develop software verification plans for new intuitive, robust features that meet the highest quality standards.
- Be a technical leader guiding the team through development plans and skill development.
- Organize and triage issues to enable successful delivery of program goals and requirements.
- Define control system architectures that ensure quality execution and set best practices for documenting implementation control system architecture plans.
What you'll bring:
- Demonstrated experience in architecting software and control systems design, particularly for motor control and power conversion applications.
- Proficiency in embedded programming, especially in C or C++, with a tight focus on timing requirements and peripheral synchronization like those found in power electronics control applications.
- Ability to design and plan system architectures cross-functionally.
- Comfort developing RTOS and bare metal solutions and implementing best practices and disciplines for software engineering.
- Hands-on experience designing and troubleshooting embedded hardware and complex systems, including distributed controls and communication.
- In-depth knowledge, hands-on experience, and application of functional safety principles, including ASIL levels and ISO 26262 compliance.
- Proven experience managing software development processes, including proper documentation, requirements management, backlog prioritization, and agile methodologies.
- Experience using data analysis tools (e.g., Python, MATLAB/Simulink) for model development and performance evaluation of control strategies.
- Familiarity with power conversion topologies and their applications in electrified systems.
- Excellent communication skills and a collaborative approach to problem-solving in cross-functional teams.
- Leadership for developing technical solutions and facilitating efficient execution to meet program goals and requirements.
Preferred Skills
- Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronic engineering, or equivalent degree focusing on control systems.
- 5+ years’ experience in embedded programming in C or C++ for high-integrity systems.
- 3+ years’ experience in using Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) such as FreeRTOS, Zephyr, SafeRTOS
- Experience with digital bus standards such as SPI, I2C, CAN, LIN, and Ethernet and communication protocols such as UDS, XCP, DOIP, and TCP/IP.
- Experience with developing on small, specialized multiprocessors.
- Experience using debuggers, oscilloscopes, JTAG, logic analyzers, etc.
- Familiarity with Distributed Real-Time Systems (DRTS).
- Proven ability and in-depth understanding of hardware and software interface design.
- Industry experience in implementing production firmware and software solutions that are modular, easy to integrate, and releasable to customers and commercial partners
- Solid knowledge of Git, bug tracking software (Jira or other), and peer review workflows.
Your expectations in this role:
- Innovation-Driven Culture: Contribute to a culture that encourages innovation, creativity, and the pursuit of cutting-edge technologies in the electrification space.
- Impactful Work: Play a key role in developing advanced control systems for high-voltage power conversion and motor control applications, directly contributing to innovative electric vehicle and renewable energy solutions.
- Collaborative Environment: Work within a dynamic, cross-functional team that values collaboration and open communication, fostering a culture of shared knowledge and problem-solving.
- Technical Mastery: Develop deep technical expertise in control systems, embedded programming, and power electronics, becoming a subject matter expert in cutting-edge technologies and industry standards.
- Professional Growth: Opportunities for continuous learning and development through mentorship, training programs, and involvement in challenging projects that push the boundaries of technology.
- Agile Development: Engage in an agile development process that encourages rapid iterations, allowing you to see the immediate impact of your contributions and adapt to changing project needs.
US Salary Information
$120,000.00 - $210,000.00
Tau is committed to paying competitive compensation that is fair and equitable. Your experience, qualifications, training, critical skills, and/or business considerations determine your compensation. We also offer a comprehensive benefits package that may include an annual performance bonus, equity, and other incentive compensation plans considered part of Tau’s total compensation package. To learn more about our top-tier benefits, please visit www.taumotors.com. The level will depend on the candidate’s experience. Our ideal candidate exhibits a can-do attitude and approaches his or her work with vigor and determination. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate excellence in their respective fields, possess the ability to learn quickly within a fast-paced environment.
Perks
- Become part of an emerging company during a rapid growth phase—within an industry undergoing dramatic transformation for a global imperative.
- Work with some of the smartest and most talented experts from different fields to: (1) attack some of the most pressing issues of today while (2) contributing to technically demanding and deeply innovative solutions.
- Growth potential—we advance team members who have an outsized impact.
- Competitive compensation based upon experience level, including stock options—we believe in capturing value in the future we create together.
- Flexible time off and paid holidays.
- Centrally located in the Bay Area on the Peninsula in vibrant downtown Redwood City
- Blocks from the Caltrain
- Walking distance to food and entertainment
- Easy access to both the 101 and 280
- Excellent medical, dental, vision, and life insurance for full time team members.
- Comprehensive benefits including HSA and FSA benefits, commuter benefits, ancillary benefits including OneMedical membership, a variety of telehealth services, and more.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Tau is an equal opportunity employer that guarantees a work environment that respects and values diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
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