Principal Systems Engineer: Lead Embedded Systems, SmartSense

Join a high-performing, tight-knit team at a fast-growing company that is using the Internet of Things (IOT) to transform how organizations sense, monitor, and make decisions. Smart Sense powered by Jolt, is a Digi Company and trusted by more than 2,000 organizations, including Walmart, SpaceX, Apple, CVS Health, Coca-Cola, and the US State Department to help them make sensor-driven decisions. We have a solution that our customers rely on every day to make mission critical decisions; we are looking for team-oriented change agents to help shape the future of IOT. 
Position
We're looking for a Lead Embedded Systems Engineer to own the software stack for our custom-built IoT sensors and gateways. You'll lead a team of engineers developing embedded firmware, Linux-based services, and edge AI capabilities for our next-generation platform. This is a hands-on leadership role for a systems thinker with a strong background in: embedded development, custom IoT hardware, and real-time data delivery at scale. 
LOCATION:
Must be in the Boston, MA area and able to commute to the office 3x per week. 
What You Will Do

• Own architecture and delivery of embedded firmware (C/C++) for SmartSense sensors and gateways
• Lead development of edge software running on embedded Linux platforms (Yocto, Ubuntu)
• Ensure reliable telemetry, OTA updates, and 99%+ on-time system delivery across deployed fleet
• Guide integration of AI/ML models into constrained edge environments
• Partner cross-functionally with Product, Hardware, QA, and Cloud teams to define roadmaps
• Drive CI/CD, Agile processes, and secure code practices (Git, Jenkins, Docker, Jira)
• Mentor, hire, and grow a high-performing embedded and edge software team

Who You Are and What You Bring

• 10+ years of embedded systems or firmware experience on custom IoT hardware
• Deep C/C++ expertise in low-power, real-time systems (MCUs, RTOS, peripherals)
• Experience developing software for wireless devices (BLE, Zigbee, LTE)
• Strong system-level thinking across embedded, Linux, and device-cloud interaction
• Familiarity with deploying and optimizing TinyML / ML models at the edge
• Comfortable debugging at the hardware/software boundary (oscilloscopes, JTAG, serial)
• Strong communication skills and leadership experience across distributed teams
• Must be based in the Boston area and available for hybrid on-site collaboration

Desired But Not Required

• Experience with Digi XBee, cellular gateways, and edge telemetry architectures
• Exposure to security/compliance frameworks (SOC 2, HIPAA, ISO 27001)
• Cloud experience with AWS IoT, Azure IoT, or Google Cloud IoT Core

*Please note that we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. This includes, but is not limited to, work visas, employment-based visas, or residency sponsorship. Candidates must have valid work authorization in the United States at the time of application. Visa applications of any kind will not be considered.

Digi International offers a distinctive Total Rewards package including a short-term incentive program, new hire stock award, paid parental leave, open (uncapped) PTO, and hybrid work environment in addition to our competitive medical, health & wellbeing and compensation offerings.

The anticipated base pay range for this position is $119,000 - $186,500. Pay ranges are determined by role, job level and primary job location.  The range displayed reflects the reasonable range we anticipate paying for this position and reflects the cost of labor within several U.S. geographic markets. The specific salary offered within the range will depend on various factors including, but not limited to the candidate's relevant and prior experience, education, skills, and primary work location.  It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each position. Pay ranges are typically reviewed and updated annually.

At Digi, we embrace diversity and inclusion among our teammates. It is critical to our success as a global company, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. We are committed to providing an environment of respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.