Bolt Graphics is a semiconductor startup based in Sunnyvale, CA building the fastest and most efficient graphics processors. We pride ourselves on our first principles approach to solving problems. We are energized by our mission to reduce the barrier of entry for content creation and consumption. Our goal is to enable everyone to easily create, simulate and consume immersive experiences as vividly as they can imagine them.
Our Values
- Be Fearless: Unmute yourself. Test boundaries and get proven right.
- Remain Adaptable: Stay comfortable in a continuously changing world. If you’re wrong, concede and move on.
- Educate Your Ego: Selflessly collaborate towards our shared purpose.
About the role:
We are seeking a talented and experienced firmware lead engineer to architect, develop, and bring up embedded firmware for advanced digital integrated circuits. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to develop innovative solutions that meet customer requirements and industry standards.
The ideal candidate combines deep embedded firmware expertise with the ability to mentor engineers, review designs, coordinate cross-functional work, and ensure consistent, high-quality firmware delivery across all system components.
What you'll do:
- You will help shape the definition, implementation, and evolution of firmware that orchestrates GPU execution, scheduling, context management, and system-level control.
- Collaborate closely with architecture, RTL design, Verification, Validation and systems software teams to drive firmware requirements and interfaces.
- Design, develop, and maintain embedded firmware, boot software, and device drivers for high-speed silicon, memory, interconnect, and power/thermal subsystems.
- Drive root-cause analysis across lab bring-up, qualification, manufacturing, and field-return scenarios.
- Mentor engineers through technical leadership, design reviews, code reviews, and debug support.
- Collaborate with cross Geo teams and drive program execution and deliver Products.
Required Qualifications:
- 10+ years of experience in low level microcontroller Firmware development.
- A deep understanding of interrupt schemes, multi-threading, DMA, memory management, and working in resource restricted embedded environments.
- Solid understanding of low-level software, device drivers, hardware interfaces, and system bring-up.
- Proven track record of leading complex projects from concept to completion.
- Experience with platform initialization, low level drivers for peripherals such as PCIe, I2C, SPI, UARTs, GPIO as well as Memory Management, Scheduling, Interrupts and multi-threading.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
- Experience with custom ASIC or SoC pre-silicon verification and post-silicon bring-up.
- Professional attitude with the ability to prioritize a dynamic list of multiple tasks, to plan and prepare for customer/vendor meetings in advance, and to work with minimal guidance and supervision.
- Proven track record of leading complex projects from concept to completion.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to mentor engineers, influence technical decisions, and effectively collaborate within cross-functional global teams.
Compensation Range: $180,000–$230,000 per year (California). This range represents the anticipated base pay for this role based in California; the final offer may vary based on qualifications, experience, and location.
Benefits:
- Medical, Dental, & Vision - 100% covered premiums
- Equity - Stock Options
- 401(k) match
- WFH Hardware
Bolt is committed to building a diverse and inclusive environment in which we recognize and value each other’s differences as well as fostering a culture that promotes its core values: Professionalism, Integrity, and Respect. As an equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, age, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
Skills Required
- 10+ years of experience in low-level microcontroller firmware development
- Deep understanding of interrupt schemes, multi-threading, DMA, memory management, and resource-constrained embedded environments
- Strong understanding of low-level software, device drivers, hardware interfaces, and system bring-up
- Experience leading complex projects from concept to completion
- Experience with platform initialization and low-level peripheral drivers, including PCIe, I2C, SPI, UART, and GPIO
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline
- Experience with custom ASIC or SoC pre-silicon verification and post-silicon bring-up
- Ability to prioritize multiple tasks, prepare for customer and vendor meetings, and work independently
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to mentor engineers and influence technical decisions
What We Do
Bolt Graphics is a semiconductor startup building the fastest and most efficient graphics processors. Power consumption continues to rise with minimal performance improvements, resulting in increased cost and negative environmental impact. Hardware hasn’t kept up with consumer expectations, especially in industries like architecture, engineering, film, advertising, gaming, & scientific research. Our customers came to us to solve their two main problems: performance and power consumption. At Bolt Graphics, we constantly ask ourselves, “Why is it done this way?” and “How can we do it better?” This mindset enables our team to achieve orders of magnitude faster renders and simulations and drives our goal for everyone to create, simulate, and consume immersive experiences.
