Figure is a Bay Area robotics startup building AI-powered humanoid robots for industrial tasks such as warehouse and factory work.
<p>Figure is an AI robotics company developing autonomous general-purpose humanoid robots. The goal of the company is to ship humanoid robots with human level intelligence. Its robots are engineered to perform a variety of tasks in the home and commercial markets.</p> <div>Operating under a Joint Development Manufacturing (JDM) model, Figure collaborates deeply with our manufacturing partners to co-develop next-generation hardware. As a Firmware Integration Engineer based in Asia, you are the forward-deployed technical anchor bridging our core US R&D engineering teams and these JDM partners. You will own the software that validates and brings our robotic hardware to life on the assembly line.<br>Working on the ground at our partner facilities across China, Taiwan, and Vietnam, you will lead board bring-up for early prototypes, write diagnostic firmware to validate complex electro-mechanical assemblies, and ensure that our hardware transitions smoothly from the lab to mass production.</div> <div> </div> <div>We are looking for a highly autonomous, hands-on engineer who thrives in the fast-paced, collaborative, and high-stakes environment of hardware builds (EVT/DVT/PVT) and can seamlessly debug complex issues directly on the factory floor.</div> <div><br><strong>Key Responsibilities</strong></div> <ul> <li><strong>Onsite NPI & Board Bring-Up:</strong> Lead early hardware bring-up directly at JDM partner sites, acting as the first line of defense for validating new custom PCBAs and robotic sub-assemblies.</li> <li><strong>Diagnostic Firmware:</strong> Write robust C/C++ diagnostic and test firmware to verify the functionality of microcontrollers, communication buses, power systems, and sensors during the manufacturing process.</li> <li><strong>Factory Test Integration:</strong> Partner with Hardware and Test Engineering to design, deploy, troubleshoot, and maintain automated Functional Test (FCT) fixtures for the assembly line.</li> <li><strong>System Debugging:</strong> Root-cause complex, system-level manufacturing defects on the factory floor in real-time using logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, and custom debug tooling.</li> <li><strong>Cross-Functional Liaison:</strong> Serve as the critical, real-time technical link between Figure's US-based hardware/firmware teams and the engineering staff at our JDM partners.</li> </ul> <div><strong>Minimum Qualifications</strong></div> <ul> <li><strong>Location & Travel:</strong> Must be based in China (or willing to relocate) with the ability to travel frequently to other manufacturing hubs in Asia, including Taiwan and Vietnam.</li> <li><strong>Education:</strong> BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or the equivalent in experience.</li> <li><strong>C/C++ Proficiency:</strong> Strong ability to write clean, optimized C/C++ for embedded, resource-constrained systems.</li> <li><strong>Hardware Literacy:</strong> Excellent ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, PCB layouts, and component datasheets to debug hardware issues on the fly.</li> <li><strong>Manufacturing Experience:</strong> Hands-on experience working directly on the factory floor with Joint Development Manufacturers (JDMs), Contract Manufacturers (CMs), or Original Design Manufacturers (ODMs) during New Product Introduction (NPI).</li> <li><strong>Communication Protocols:</strong> Hands-on experience debugging embedded communication buses like CAN, I2C, SPI, and UART.</li> </ul> <div><strong>Preferred Qualifications</strong></div> <ul> <li><strong>Language:</strong> Professional working proficiency in Mandarin Chinese is highly desirable to communicate effectively with local JDM engineering teams.</li> <li><strong>NPI Track Record:</strong> Proven experience taking complex consumer electronics, robotics, or automotive hardware from initial prototype through EVT/DVT/PVT to mass production.</li> <li><strong>Test Automation:</strong> Proficiency in Python for developing manufacturing test scripts, data parsers, and automated test-fixture infrastructure.</li> <li><strong>Robotics Architecture:</strong> Familiarity with the distributed systems, sensors (IMUs, absolute encoders, force-torque), and power requirements typical of advanced robotics.</li> </ul> <p>The base salary range for this full-time position is between ¥600,000 – ¥1,000,000 RMB annually.</p> <p>The pay offered for this position may vary based on several individual factors, including job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package may also include additional components/benefits depending on the specific role. This information will be shared if an employment offer is extended. </p>