R&D Sensor System Algo Scientist

CEPTON (A Koito Group Company, Automotive Tier1), a leading intelligent lidar solution provider, is seeking a seasoned R&D Sensor System Algo Scientist who is passionate about solving challenges related to advanced sensor technology to join us. Working as part of our brilliant R&D HW & system teams and closely interfacing with our professional and highly capable SW development team, you will work in a dynamic, cross-functional, collaborative work environment for the advanced LiDAR product driven by the robust embedded system for automotive and non-automotive customers.

Here at CEPTON, we use technology to make some difficult problems become easy and some impossible tasks become feasible. We value one's ability to learn higher than the knowledge one has acquired in the past. We enjoy solving hard problems together. As we are at the cutting edge of technological advancement, join us if you are willing to work with like-minded people to face the challenges posed by the new era of technology, together with opportunities to work with strong industry leaders in the fields of automotive OEM, ADAS, and Imaging based AI application.

• 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.