Application Engineer, Software/Firmware (OEM Integrations)

Utilidata is a fast-growing NVIDIA-backed AI company enabling AI data centers to dynamically orchestrate power and unlock more compute capacity from existing energy infrastructure. For over a decade, we have applied AI to the electric grid — bringing real-time visibility and power-flow control to complex energy infrastructure. Our Karman platform, built on a custom NVIDIA module, brings that same capability to AI data centers, giving operators a way to better use the power already available to them.
We are looking for an Application Engineer, Software to serve as the technical bridge between Karman and our OEM hardware and platform partners. This is an OS and firmware development role: the candidate will adapt and integrate Karman's embedded software stack to each OEM's platform, while working directly with partner engineering teams to define requirements and troubleshoot integration issues. We are looking for a senior embedded software engineer who is fluent across the embedded development toolchain and equally comfortable in the debugger and in front of a customer. This is a founding role in a new Application Engineering function. Because the integration surface is still being defined, this role carries real influence over the processes, tools, and standards that future engineers will build on.
Responsibilities

• Partner directly with OEM software and firmware teams to assess partner platforms and define the software integration points required to embed Karman
• Develop and adapt OS-level and firmware components (e.g., Linux BSP, drivers, embedded services) to fit each OEM partner's platform
• Use the embedded development toolchain, including debuggers, tracing and profiling tools, and tuning utilities, to diagnose and resolve integration issues
• Lead OEM-facing technical calls, design reviews, and on-site visits to gather software and firmware integration requirements
• Own end-to-end technical execution for OEM software integrations, from kickoff through design, validation, release, and deployment
• Design, develop, and validate test frameworks and configuration checkers for OS- and firmware-level installation across OEM platforms
• Debug integration issues and installation failures independently, leveraging deep familiarity with the Karman platform built through close collaboration with internal software engineering teams
• Create and maintain integration artifacts, including software validation checklists, test plans, configuration guides, KPI trackers, and after-action reports
• Track software integration KPIs and risks across OEM engagements; escalate and coordinate resolution across engineering teams
• Take an AI-first approach to automating test frameworks, configuration checkers, and deployment documentation
• Participate in roadmap meetings, engineering design reviews, and sprint planning to maintain a current understanding of the Karman platform
• Serve as the feedback loop between OEM integrations and core engineering, translating learnings into platform improvements
• Build repeatable processes, templates, and best practices to scale the Application Engineering function across OEM partners

Minimum Qualifications

• 6+ years of hands-on embedded OS and firmware development experience, including direct customer- or partner-facing work
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a similar field, or equivalent training and on-the-job experience
• Strong experience with embedded Linux, including BSP bring-up, driver development, and kernel-level debugging
• Fluency with the embedded software development toolchain, including debuggers (e.g., JTAG, GDB), tracing and profiling tools, and system tuning utilities
• Proficiency in C or C++ for embedded development, and Python or Rust for tooling and automation
• Demonstrated ability to design and implement integration validation tools, configuration checks, or test automation for embedded software environments
• Experience integrating software across multiple OEM or vendor hardware platforms
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead technical discussions directly with OEM/partner engineering teams
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and own complex technical problems end-to-end
• High learning agility across diverse OEM software and firmware environments
• Enhanced Qualifications (Nice to Have)
• Experience with Yocto-based OS customization or embedded BSP development at scale
• Familiarity with on-device messaging and serialization patterns (e.g., gRPC, Protobuf, REST APIs)
• Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS)
• Familiarity with observability and monitoring tooling common in data center environments (e.g., Prometheus, Grafana)
• Prior experience in a customer-facing technical role, such as Field Application Engineer or solutions engineer, in an embedded software context

Salary range: $175,000 to $245,000 base compensation depending on experience and level, plus stock options. This role spans multiple job levels; final level and compensation will be determined based on the candidate's experience.
Location: This position can be performed remotely from within the United States. Preference will be given to candidates based in or around the Bay Area, CA. Periodic travel to OEM partner sites and the company’s HQ in Ann Arbor, MI is required.
Our Commitments
Utilidata values the diversity of our team. We provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy or childbirth, sexual orientation, genetics, genetic information, marital status, or status as a covered veteran or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, and local laws.
We are committed to:

• Creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that is welcoming, supportive, affirming, and respectful
• Empowering employees to solve problems and work together to make a difference
• Providing mentorship and growth opportunities as part of a collaborative team
• A flexible work environment with flexible paid time off
• Competitive compensation and benefits, including health, dental, vision, and employer-match 401(k)