Embedded Systems Programmer

Whimsical Raps is creating novel electronic instruments for musicians to tell the stories of our techno age.

Our business is focused on hardware instruments that enable the deepest connection between performer and audience.

Our first products were modules for the Eurorack system, employing a mixed signal approach of analog sound generation and digital control.

We’re 10 years strong, and looking to build the team that grows us into the next decade.

 

Position overview

Joining as our Embedded Systems Programmer, you’ll focus on firmware development for our instruments, bringing to life systems for interaction that fully embody the music creation process.

As a team of generalists we encourage you to explore and develop your skills beyond the firmware arena. You could expand your expertise down into the electronics field, or up into user-facing software on desktop, or web platforms. You’ll take a high degree of ownership in our collegial, humble atmosphere.

$90-125k / year, full-time.

 

Principal responsibilities

In the next 6 months, you will:

• Pair with our CEO to prototype, architect, and build new instruments based on STM32 and RP2040 platforms.
• Develop tools for automated testing of production hardware.
• Encapsulate new and existing codebases into reusable parts for reuse in future designs.
• Create tools for musicians to customize their instruments with straightforward APIs.

 

Requirements

• Fluent in C using bare-metal tools, and proficiency in a scripting language.
• Built and/or maintained an embedded system running on a 32bit microcontroller platform.
• Experience building real-time systems, preferably for audio applications.
• Location: 3+ days/week in our physical location in Chinatown, Los Angeles.

 

Preferred Qualifications

• You’re a musician, or have an interest in musical instruments.
• Quick learner, self-motivated, and able to execute quickly whilst maintaining high quality.
• Passion for great abstractions, with an eye to apply them at the architectural level.
• Experience with digital signal processing and/or analog modeling.
• Passion for CI and automated testing suites.
• Programming Languages:
  • Proficiency in Lua, especially when embedded in C
  • Broad polyglot interest - comfort working across multiple languages.
  • Functional programming while understanding efficiency tradeoffs.

 

Benefits

• Flexible working hours and PTO.
• Healthcare coverage negotiable (HRA).
• Paid commuter benefits.
• Professional development budget.

 

How to Apply

Send us a note with why you’re interested and why you’d be a great fit to work@whimsicalraps.com. Please include links to a codebase you’re proud of which represents the kind of programs you’d like to build day to day.