FL
Senior Staff Engineer, Middleware and Orchestration
full-time•San Diego•$200k - $215k
About this role
Senior Staff Engineer, Middleware and Orchestration
Location: San Diego, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Pay Range: $200k - $215k
About Us
We are a venture-backed, stealth-stage biotechnology company based in San Diego, focused on developing novel technologies that will redefine how disease is detected, characterized, and managed with a novel approach to clinical genomics. Our mission is to fundamentally transform healthcare through a convergence of innovation across multiple scientific disciplines.
Founded by industry veterans with decades of experience in life sciences tools and diagnostics, our leadership team brings a proven track record of translating scientific insight into successful commercial products. Our investors include some of the most respected names in healthcare and deep tech.
Position Overview
We are looking for a Senior Staff Middleware & Orchestration Engineer to design and implement the orchestration layers that coordinate this system reliably and deterministically. This role overlaps low-level embedded control and high-level application software. You will own middleware responsible for system orchestration, workflow management, and EtherCAT-based real-time coordination, enabling higher-level teams to build features without needing to understand the full complexity of the underlying hardware. This is a deeply technical, hands-on role that combines real-time distributed systems, fieldbus technology, and software architecture. You will work closely with embedded firmware, controls, robotics, and systems engineers.
Key Responsibilities
Orchestration & Middleware Architecture
Design and implement orchestration middleware for a complex distributed embedded
system
Develop high-level scheduling, workflow management, and coordination layers
Define clear abstractions that bridge real-time embedded systems and higher-level
application logic
Ensure deterministic behavior, synchronization, and fault handling across many nodes
Architect middleware that scales as system size and complexity grow
EtherCAT Master & Bus Management
Own EtherCAT master integration and development
Bring up, configure, and manage EtherCAT chains in real hardware
Implement and maintain EtherCAT stack components, including:
Device discovery and configuration
Hot-connect/hot-group management
Troubleshoot EtherCAT timing, synchronization, and communication issues
Work directly with hardware, firmware, and field wiring during system bring-up
System Bring-Up & Debugging
Lead EtherCAT chain bring-up from first connection through stable operation
Diagnose and resolve issues involving distributed clocks, topology, and bus errors
Develop tooling and diagnostics for EtherCAT visibility and debugging
Collaborate closely with firmware and hardware engineers during integration
State Machines & System Control
Design and implement robust state machines for complex systems
Coordinate transitions across multiple distributes subsystems
Handle error states, recovery paths, and partial system availability
Apply best practices from robotics, automation, and medical Platforms
APIs & Cross-functional Enablement
Develop Python APIs that expose orchestration in a usable, intuitive way
Implement performance-critical middleware layers in C/C++, with Python bindings
where appropriate
Enable application, test and automation teams to interact with the system safely and
effectively
Balance usability, performance, and determination in API design
Qualifications
Education:
BS/MS in Computer Science or Engineering
Required:
Experience & Technical Skills
7+ years of experience in middleware, embedded systems, robotics, or distributed control software
Hands-on experience with EtherCAT master and EtherCAT stack development or other
similar fieldbus technologies (required)
Proven experience bringing up and managing EtherCAT networks or similar fieldbus
networks on real hardware
Strong experience designing orchestration or coordination layers for distributed systems
Expertise in C/C++ and Python
Real-Time & Distributed Knowledge
Deep understanding of real-time constraints and synchronized systems
Experience with distributed clocks, deterministic scheduling, and bus timing
Strong background in designing and implementing complex state machines
Familiarity with robotics, industrial automation, or medical device platforms
Debugging & Integration Skills
Comfortable debugging across software, firmware, and physical bus layers
Ability to reason from logs, bus traces, and hardware behavior
Experience working cross-functionally with firmware, hardware, and application teams
Preferred:
Experience with ROS, ROS2, or similar robotics frameworks
Familiarity with safety-critical or regulated systems
Experience building simulation or test frameworks for distributed systems
Background in controls or motion systems
Why Join Us
Work in a dynamic, collaborative environment where innovation and scientific rigor are
deeply valued.
Join a seasoned and multidisciplinary team tackling high-impact problems at the
intersection of science and engineering.
Competitive compensation and equity package, comprehensive benefits, and flexibility to support work-life integration.
We are an equal opportunity employer. We thrive on diversity and collaboration.
What you'll do
- Design and implement orchestration middleware for a complex distributed embedded system, ensuring deterministic behavior and fault handling. Collaborate with firmware and hardware engineers during system integration and debugging.
About Foresite Labs (Stealth Co)
Foresite Labs creates companies at the intersection of AI/machine learning and science. We believe AI, generative AI, and data science—when applied with scientific rigor—can accelerate discovery and drive innovations that benefit humanity.
We provide the foundation for bold ideas to take shape and accelerate, shaping a better future for all. We offer competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and a flexible work environment where employees learn from top thinkers across multiple disciplines. With headquarters in San Francisco and Boston, we’re building a culture where scientific rigor meets entrepreneurial ambition.
Foresite Labs Values
Truth over progression: We follow the science, pursuing ideas that are grounded in data and abandoning them when not supported by the evidence.
Take good risks: Our culture values informed risk-taking: good decisions are celebrated even when they result in bad outcomes. Everyone feels safe to contribute ideas and to learn from failure.
Single accountable person: The project team lead is accountable for all decisions and for maintaining transparency and information flow within the team; we trust the project teams. The Review Committee unlocks capital and sets directions.
Simplicity and Focus: “Companies die from indigestion, not starvation” (Bill Hewlett) We will focus on a few ideas aggressively and minimize all other distractions. Everyone will have a few key goals that have measurable outcomes.
Respect and Community: Our employees are our greatest asset; everyone invests in creating an environment of collaboration and respect. We support their careers and career development whether they stay, go to a Labs company, or end up somewhere else.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does Foresite Labs (Stealth Co) pay for a Senior Staff Engineer, Middleware and Orchestration?
Foresite Labs (Stealth Co) offers a competitive compensation package for the Senior Staff Engineer, Middleware and Orchestration role. The salary range is USD 200k - 215k per year. Apply through Clera to learn more about the full compensation details.
What does a Senior Staff Engineer, Middleware and Orchestration do at Foresite Labs (Stealth Co)?
As a Senior Staff Engineer, Middleware and Orchestration at Foresite Labs (Stealth Co), you will: design and implement orchestration middleware for a complex distributed embedded system, ensuring deterministic behavior and fault handling. Collaborate with firmware and hardware engineers during system integration and debugging..
Is the Senior Staff Engineer, Middleware and Orchestration position at Foresite Labs (Stealth Co) remote?
The Senior Staff Engineer, Middleware and Orchestration position at Foresite Labs (Stealth Co) is based in San Diego, California, United States. Contact the company through Clera for specific work arrangement details.
How do I apply for the Senior Staff Engineer, Middleware and Orchestration position at Foresite Labs (Stealth Co)?
You can apply for the Senior Staff Engineer, Middleware and Orchestration position at Foresite Labs (Stealth Co) directly through Clera. Click the "Apply Now" button above to start your application. Clera's AI-powered platform will help match your profile with this opportunity and guide you through the application process.