Embedded Systems Engineer

Valinor is a new type of defense and government tech company focused on solving the problems others don’t. Our unique model of centralized go-to-market and decentralized engineering allows us to move with unparalleled efficiency to identify unmet needs, build right-sized solutions, and get products where they matter most - in the hands of users. Unlike others in the space, who focus on the flashy problems, Valinor exists to solve the quiet, unaddressed problems–the small but significant ones that lead to cracks in the country’s strength, stability, and security.

Backed by General Catalyst, Founders Fund, and Red Cell Partners, Valinor was founded in 2024 and has established strategic partnerships with Palantir, Anduril, and Helsing. We are building the dream team, and we want you on it.

Valinor Reflex is seeking an Embedded Systems Engineer to join our small, hands-on team in Washington, D.C., where you will help build a low-profile smart optics system that brings real-time computer vision and embedded intelligence into a wearable form factor, operating reliably even in fully disconnected environments.

About The Role

You will collaborate closely with teammates across hardware, computer vision, machine learning, and user experience to prototype new capabilities and integrate optics and sensor systems. Your work will include deploying machine learning models on constrained embedded platforms and diagnosing issues across multiple layers.

This role is ideal for an engineer who thrives in a highly technical, build-first environment, enjoys working on the bench and iterating quickly, and is excited to shape the foundation of a novel device that must perform reliably in mission-critical, disconnected environments.

Preferred Experience

• Embedded systems, microcontrollers, edge devices; Firmware or driver-level development; Robotics, computer vision; Software for wearables or consumer IoT

• Experience developing embedded Linux systems using Yocto or similar systems

• Ability to prototype quickly and debug across hardware and software layers

• Excited to build from the ground up in a startup environment

• Willing to travel occasionally and collaborate hands-on with hardware in lab settings

Hardware Integration & Embedded Systems

• Write low-level code and interact directly with component drivers (embedded C, Python, and general Linux programming)

• Ensure robust communication and performance across embedded systems

• Design and validate low power functionality including power source testing, CPU/GPU power consumption, and embedded Linux requirements

• Debug and fix hardware issues using standard bench equipment including oscilloscopes, power analyzers, logic analyzers etc.

• Design, assemble, test, and maintain prototype/demo units

ML/AI Deployment

• Deploy machine learning models on hardware-constrained devices

• Support data pipeline development and tuning for customer use cases

• Be able to articulate trade-offs and differences between different ML techniques

What Valinor Offers

• Competitive salary, equity packages, and benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance - fully covered for employees, 401K, development stipends, among others. 

• Unlimited PTO and two-week company holiday at the end of every calendar year.

• We are a pro-mental health and pro-family company - we actually encourage employees to spend time with themselves and their families. Valinor also provides fertility benefits to those just beginning that journey. 

• Fun work environment - we like to laugh and take care of each other, but we also deeply respect the mission in front of us. 

• Headquartered in Washington DC with additional coworking spaces throughout the country. We also host team offsites and colocations around the U.S. 

This role requires the candidate be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance at the SECRET level.

Valinor is an equal-opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. The Valinor team is made up of incredibly talented and unique individuals, who together are disrupting industry norms by creating new paths towards the future of defense and government technology. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the CA Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. We actively encourage members of recognized minorities, women, Veterans, and those with disabilities to apply, and we work to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all applicants throughout the interview process. If you are someone passionate about working on problems that have a real-world impact, we'd love to hear from you!