R&D Sensor System Algo Scientist

• Collaborate with the R&D Systems team to design, integrate, and validate high-speed embedded platforms spanning commercial CPUs, FPGAs, MCUs, and Cepton ASIC chipsets.
• Prototype LiDAR-enabling algorithms in Python, build reference datasets/tools, and port/optimize implementations in C/C++ for embedded targets.
• Develop and maintain C-level firmware, device drivers, and board-support code (e.g., SPI/I²C/UART, Ethernet/PCIe, DMA, timers/interrupts) for real-time operation on heterogeneous SoC/FPGA systems.
• Define and implement hardware/software interfaces; support module-level bring-up, and perform system-level co-simulation and integration with algorithm models.
• Deliver production-quality embedded C/C++ (and Rust where appropriate) from prototype through pre-production, including code reviews, unit/integration tests, and CI.
• Diagnose and resolve issues across algorithm / firmware / software / hardware boundaries; drive root-cause analysis, fixes, and regressions.
• Analyze and quantify end-to-end system performance and margins (e.g., latency, cycle time, compute/memory bandwidth, power) and implement targeted optimizations.
• Create Python tooling for automation, data capture/analysis, and testbenches to accelerate development and verification

• PhD/Postdoc in CE/EE/CS/Physics, or MS + 5 years (or BS + 8 years) in embedded systems development.
• Strong proficiency in C for embedded systems (bare-metal or RTOS): drivers, BSP, interrupts/ISRs, timers, DMA, memory-mapped I/O.
• Working knowledge of Python for algorithm prototyping, data/fixture tooling, and test automation; ability to translate Python reference code into efficient C implementations.
• Solid grasp of real-time/concurrency concepts: interrupt-driven design, multi-threading (RTOS), memory management (static allocation, ring buffers), latency/jitter budgeting.
• Experience with ARM-based MCUs/SoCs and heterogeneous SoC/FPGA systems; comfortable reading schematics and working with HW teams.
• Hands-on with common interfaces: SPI, I²C, UART, CAN (nice), Ethernet/PCIe, GPIO; familiarity with boot/bring-up flows (bootloaders, secure boot basics).
• Strong debugging skills with JTAG/SWD, gdb, logic analyzer/oscilloscope; methodical root-cause analysis across HW/FW/SW boundaries.
• Good engineering hygiene: version control (Git), unit/integration testing, and build systems (e.g., CMake).

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in C++ (embedded-safe subset) or Rust for selected components; comfort disabling exceptions/RTTI or using no_std where appropriate.
• Exposure to Linux on ARM (user-space HALs or kernel drivers for PCIe/Ethernet/DMA).
• Collaboration with FPGA teams: AXI/AXI-Lite register interfaces, timing/throughput considerations; Xilinx/AMD toolchains (Vivado, IP Integrator) a plus.
• Background in signal processing / LiDAR algorithms (fixed-point, SIMD/NEON, profiling / optimization).
• Familiarity with electrical design fundamentals for embedded devices (power, clocks, signal integrity) and bench validation.

• Opportunities to work with strong industry leaders and opportunities to relocate to Silicon Valley.
• Competitive compensation package.
• Comprehensive employee benefits program, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and more.
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Bonus Program eligibility.
• 401k, FSA and/or HSA.

• Cepton Headquarters – San Jose, CA (fully on-site).
• Some local on-site visits to key customers.
• Travel to regional customer sites and support trade shows and conferences, if needed.

Cepton, Inc. provides state-of-the-art, intelligent, lidar-based solutions for a range of markets such as automotive (ADAS/AV), smart cities, smart spaces and smart industrial applications. Cepton’s patented MMT®-based lidar technology enables reliable, scalable and cost-effective solutions that deliver long range, high resolution 3D perception for smart applications.

Founded in 2016 and led by industry veterans with over two decades of collective experience across a wide range of advanced lidar and imaging technologies, Cepton is focused on the mass market commercialization of high performance, high quality lidar solutions. Cepton is headquartered in San Jose, California, USA, with a presence in Germany, Canada, Japan and India, to serve a fast-growing global customer base.