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Embedded Firmware Engineer

💰 $110,000 - $175,000

EngineeringSoftware DevelopmentHardwareIoT

🎯 Role Definition

As an Embedded Firmware Engineer, you will be the bridge between hardware and software, breathing life into our next-generation products. You will own the entire firmware lifecycle, from architecting solutions and writing mission-critical code to debugging at the hardware level. This role requires a creative problem-solver who is meticulous, collaborative, and driven to create robust, efficient, and scalable firmware. In this role, you will work closely with a world-class team of hardware, software, and systems engineers to deliver products that redefine industry standards.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Junior Firmware / Embedded Engineer
  • Software Engineer (with embedded systems focus)
  • Electrical Engineer (with strong programming skills)

Advancement To:

  • Senior or Principal Embedded Firmware Engineer
  • Embedded Firmware Architect
  • Embedded Software Engineering Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Systems Engineer
  • Hardware Design Engineer
  • Test Automation Engineer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Spearhead the end-to-end design, development, coding, and debugging of sophisticated embedded software and firmware for our next-generation products.
  • Lead the full firmware development lifecycle, including requirements analysis, architectural design, coding, unit testing, and system integration for new product introductions.
  • Collaborate directly with hardware engineers to define system architecture, select microcontrollers and peripherals, and participate in schematic and PCB layout reviews.
  • Drive the initial hardware board bring-up, developing diagnostic firmware and test routines to validate an array of peripherals and core system functionality.
  • Implement, test, and optimize low-level device drivers for peripherals such as I2C, SPI, UART, ADC/DAC, PWM, and GPIOs on resource-constrained microcontrollers.
  • Develop and integrate complex wired and wireless communication protocols, including CAN, Ethernet, USB, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth/BLE, for connected IoT devices.
  • Architect and implement firmware for Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) like FreeRTOS or Zephyr, expertly managing tasks, memory, and system-wide concurrency.
  • Utilize advanced debugging tools, including JTAG/SWD debuggers, logic analyzers, and oscilloscopes, to diagnose and resolve complex hardware/software integration issues.
  • Create and execute comprehensive firmware validation and verification plans, developing unit tests and integration tests to ensure product robustness and reliability.
  • Develop and maintain robust bootloaders to enable secure and reliable in-field firmware updates (DFU/FOTA).
  • Systematically optimize firmware for performance, memory footprint, and power consumption, particularly for battery-powered and resource-constrained devices.
  • Create and maintain thorough technical documentation, including design specifications, API guides, and release notes for internal teams and external partners.
  • Participate in rigorous peer code reviews to ensure adherence to coding standards, improve code quality, and share knowledge across the engineering team.
  • Develop specialized factory test firmware and collaborate with manufacturing teams to ensure a smooth transition from development to high-volume production.
  • Analyze and enhance the efficiency, stability, and scalability of existing system firmware and software components to support evolving product requirements.
  • Implement and maintain continuous integration (CI/CD) pipelines for automated firmware builds, testing, and deployment to streamline development processes.
  • Interface with cross-functional teams, including product management, quality assurance, and customer support, to gather requirements and resolve field issues.
  • Evaluate and integrate third-party software libraries, SDKs, and security modules, ensuring compatibility and performance within the embedded environment.
  • Contribute to the development of security-conscious firmware by implementing features like secure boot, data encryption, and access control mechanisms.
  • Research and prototype new technologies, microcontrollers, and development methodologies to drive continuous improvement and innovation within the product line.
  • Design and implement robust failure detection, logging, and recovery mechanisms to enhance the long-term reliability and fault tolerance of the embedded system.

Secondary Functions

  • Support the manufacturing and test engineering teams by developing diagnostic tools and calibration routines.
  • Mentor junior engineers, providing technical guidance, conducting code reviews, and fostering a collaborative learning environment.
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of the team's development processes, tools, and coding standards.
  • Assist the hardware team in component selection and evaluation based on firmware requirements and driver availability.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Expert-level proficiency in embedded C and modern C++ for resource-constrained systems.
  • Extensive hands-on experience with 32-bit ARM Cortex-M/R/A, RISC-V, or similar microcontroller architectures.
  • Deep understanding and practical experience with Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) such as FreeRTOS, Zephyr, or ThreadX.
  • Proficiency in developing and debugging firmware for communication protocols like I2C, SPI, UART, CAN, and Ethernet.
  • Experience with wireless communication stacks and protocols, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Classic, and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE).
  • Skilled in using lab equipment for debugging and validation, including oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and spectrum analyzers.
  • Strong experience with in-circuit debugging and programming tools like JTAG and SWD (e.g., Segger J-Link, ST-Link).
  • Mastery of version control systems, particularly Git, and collaborative workflows (e.g., branching, pull requests, code reviews).
  • Knowledge of scripting languages (Python, Bash) for test automation, build scripts, and tooling development.
  • Fundamental understanding of electronics principles, with the ability to read schematics and interpret component datasheets.
  • Experience with secure coding practices, secure boot, and cryptography in an embedded context.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional problem-solving and analytical skills with a systems-thinking approach to debugging.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills for documenting complex designs and collaborating effectively.
  • Meticulous attention to detail and a deep-seated commitment to producing high-quality, reliable, and maintainable code.
  • A highly collaborative spirit with the ability to work effectively within cross-functional teams.
  • A proactive and self-motivated mindset with a passion for continuous learning and professional growth.
  • Strong time management and organizational skills to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree

Preferred Education:

  • Master's Degree

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Computer Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • or a closely related technical discipline

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-8 years of professional experience in embedded firmware development.

Preferred:

  • A proven track record of shipping a commercial product from conception through to mass production.
  • Direct experience in relevant industries such as IoT, consumer electronics, automotive, medical devices, or industrial automation.
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