Embedded Firmware Engineer

This role is a senior‑level engineering position focused on the design, development, and integration of embedded flight software and firmware for next‑generation lidar systems supporting space and defense applications. The engineer will work across microcontroller firmware, FPGA‑interfacing logic, real‑time algorithms, and system‑level integration with custom opto‑electronic hardware.

The position requires deep experience working close to hardware — writing low‑level C for microcontrollers, communicating with integrated circuits on custom PCBs, and collaborating with electrical, systems, and FPGA engineers to deliver high‑reliability embedded solutions suitable for lab prototypes through flight‑ready systems.

Core Responsibilities

Embedded Software & Firmware Development

• Develop and maintain low‑level C firmware for microcontrollers (bare‑metal or RTOS).
• Implement real‑time and offline algorithms for lidar, navigation, and control systems.
• Write and optimize drivers for sensors, actuators, and high‑speed electronics.
• Ensure software reliability, determinism, and robustness for mission‑critical environments.

FPGA Collaboration & Interfacing

• Interface microcontrollers with FPGA‑based subsystems; strong preference for familiarity with VHDL and FPGA data/control paths.
• Support FPGA engineers with integration, timing considerations, and communication protocol alignment.
• Ability to architect, design, code, and test complex FPGA systems is highly desired.

Digital Communication & Board‑Level Integration

• Implement and debug serial communication protocols including I²C, SPI, UART, and similar buses.
• Communicate directly with integrated circuits on custom PCBs, including configuration, data acquisition, and control.
• Work closely with hardware teams to define function allocation between software, firmware, and electronics.

System‑Level Engineering

• Participate in lab demonstrations, field tests, and full‑system integration activities.
• Support Engineering Development Units and flight‑software deliverables up to human‑rated systems.
• Perform in‑situ testing, signal processing, and system‑level debugging of opto‑electronic instrumentation.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Mentor junior engineers in embedded development, hardware interaction, and system testing.
• Oversee day‑to‑day development activities for small engineering teams.
• Collaborate across Systems, Electrical, Software, and Firmware disciplines to deliver cohesive solutions.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering (Master’s preferred).
• 5–15 years of embedded engineering experience (exceptional candidates with 3–5 years considered).
• Strong proficiency in low‑level C for microcontrollers.
• Experience with microprocessors, microcontrollers, and FPGA‑based systems.
• Familiarity with VHDL and FPGA integration workflows.
• Proficiency with serial communication protocols (I²C, SPI, UART, etc.).
• Experience with high‑speed digital interfaces such as 1/10 GbE, PCIe, Fiber Channel, or Serial RapidIO.
• Strong communication, documentation, and problem‑solving skills.
• Experience with source control tools and standard engineering software (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Project, Visio).
• Must be eligible to work in the U.S. and pass a pre‑employment background check.

Highly Desired Skills

• Flight‑software development experience in C, C+, or C++.
• Experience with Xilinx Ultrascale+ FPGAs.
• HDL development experience (VHDL or Verilog) for Microsemi, Xilinx, or Intel/Altera devices.
• Exposure to MATLAB/Simulink for modeling and algorithm development.
• Image processing experience (OpenCV, OpenCL, or similar).
• Familiarity with signal‑integrity tools and high‑speed board‑level design considerations.

Compensation

• Salary range: $120,000 – $160,000, depending on experience and technical depth. Will flex for higher level experience