Embedded Software Engineer

Location: Paris, United States

Department: Spectacles

Employment Type: Full time

About Snap Inc

Snap Inc is a technology company. We believe the camera presents the greatest opportunity to improve the way people live and communicate. Snap contributes to human progress by empowering people to express themselves, live in the moment, learn about the world, and have fun together.

About the Role

Snap Inc. is a camera company that believes AR spectacles will transform how people live, connect, and create in the real world. Our Spectacles team is pioneering fifth-generation standalone AR glasses powered by Snap OS, blending cutting-edge camera tech with see-through displays to enable immersive play, learning, and collaboration. Join us as an Embedded Software Engineer in Spectacles to craft firmware that brings AR innovation to life, empowering users to express themselves through dynamic lenses and spatial experiences. In this role, you'll dive deep into SoC firmware development, from low-level drivers and bootloaders to power-efficient application stacks tailored for AR glasses. You'll build and refine validation test suites pre- and post-tape out, ensuring rock-solid performance for camera-driven AR features. Collaborating with hardware, AR content creators, and Snapchat product teams, you'll architect solutions that integrate seamlessly with our ecosystem, optimizing for real-time processing of visual data and low-latency interactions. We're seeking engineers who thrive in our creative, fast-paced culture, where bold ideas fuel human progress. You'll debug intricate hardware-software interactions, leverage ARM architectures and FPGA emulation, and champion CI/CD practices to accelerate Spectacles' evolution. With strong C/C++ expertise, protocol mastery, and a knack for low-power innovation, you'll help make AR as intuitive as snapping with friends. Snap's 'Default Together' policy means 4+ days in-office to spark creativity and collaboration. At Snap, diversity drives our AR revolution—we're an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusive hiring. Enjoy comprehensive benefits like paid parental leave, mental health support, and equity in our mission to redefine communication through camera and AR magic.

What You'll Do

• Design, develop, and maintain firmware for system-on-chip (SoC) and its software components, including drivers, bootloader, memory management, I/O system, low power management, and application software stack
• Develop and maintain the software SoC validation test suite for pre- and post-tape out stages
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including hardware engineers, AR designers, and product managers to define requirements and design architecture
• Implement embedded software optimized for Spectacles' see-through AR capabilities, enhancing real-world interactions through camera and sensor integration
• Perform rigorous testing to ensure high-quality, reliable firmware that powers standalone AR experiences
• Debug complex issues using tools like JTAG/SWD, logic analyzers, and hardware schematics
• Contribute to low-power optimizations critical for all-day AR glasses usage in dynamic environments
• Integrate Snap OS features to enable innovative AR lenses, spatial computing, and seamless Snapchat connectivity
• Drive continuous improvement in development processes, CI/CD pipelines, and version control practices
• Work closely with the Spectacles team to push boundaries of AR innovation, from playful interactions to professional applications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in embedded software development
• Demonstrated expertise in C/C++ programming for embedded systems
• Experience with embedded development tools and environments
• Strong understanding of embedded systems architecture
• Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS) and bare metal development
• Knowledge of communication protocols such as UART, SPI, I2C, I3C

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
• Experience with ARM Cortex-M/R/A architectures
• Experience running code on FPGA or Emulator platforms (e.g., Cadence/Siemens/Synopsys)
• Experience with continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines (e.g., Gitlab)

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Proficiency in embedded C/C++ programming
• Strong understanding of SoC and embedded systems architecture
• Experience with RTOS and bare metal development
• Knowledge of UART, SPI, I2C, I3C protocols
• Familiarity with JTAG/SWD debugging and logic analyzers
• Ability to interpret hardware schematics and datasheets
• Experience with version control (e.g., Git) and issue tracking tools
• ARM Cortex-M/R/A architecture knowledge
• CI/CD pipeline experience (e.g., Gitlab)
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Excellent communication and cross-functional teamwork
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced, innovative environment
• Passion for AR, camera technology, and creative self-expression
• Analytical mindset for optimizing low-power AR hardware

Our Benefits

• Paid parental leave
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Emotional and mental health support programs
• Competitive compensation packages with equity to share in Snap’s long-term success
• Flexible paid time off and wellness stipends
• Onsite perks including meals, fitness facilities, and creative collaboration spaces
• Professional development opportunities in AR and camera technologies
• Inclusive culture with employee resource groups and diversity initiatives

"Default Together" Policy: At Snap Inc, we practice a "default together" approach and expect team members to work in an office 4+ days per week.

Snap is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.