Principal Firmware Architect (Medical Device Consulting)

Compen Embedded Software; Eindhoven; Hybrid; EUR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Compen Embedded seeks a Principal Firmware Engineer in a consulting capacity to architect and implement real-time firmware for Class III medical devices. You will guide client teams, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive high-stakes decisions in diverse projects.

The role requires deep embedded expertise, a strong consulting mindset, and a track record in regulated environments. You will mentor engineers, design verification strategies, and contribute to company-wide technical direction from

Qualifications

• Masters/PhD in Computer Science or related field.
• Extensive embedded development experience, ideally in regulated/safety-critical environments.
• Strong consulting instincts: clear communication, expectation-setting, and trust-building.

Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture, design, and development of real-time firmware for Class III medical devices in modern C++.
• Act as a technical consultant to multiple client teams, helping them navigate firmware design, risk management, and regulatory expectations.
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary (external) teams including hardware, systems engineering, neuroscience, and quality assurance.
• Ensure compliance with medical device standards (ISO 13485, IEC 62304, ISO 14971) and guide clients through best practices.
• Define and implement verification and validation strategies, including unit tests, integration tests, and traceability.
• Diagnose, debug, and resolve complex firmware issues in a structured, reproducible, and client-friendly manner.
• Mentor client engineering teams, conduct code reviews, and elevate engineering practices across organizations.
• Shape internal consulting methodologies, documentation standards, and long-term technical direction at Compen Embedded.

Skills

Embedded development

Real-time firmware

C++

Regulatory compliance

Consulting

Unit testing

Diagnostics & debugging

FDA/CE guidelines

Education

Master's/PhD in Computer Science

Tools

Neovim

tmux

Docker

Job description

Compen Embedded seeks a Principal Firmware Engineer in a consulting capacity to architect and implement real-time firmware for Class III medical devices. You will guide client teams, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive high-stakes decisions in diverse projects.

The role requires deep embedded expertise, a strong consulting mindset, and a track record in regulated environments. You will mentor engineers, design verification strategies, and contribute to company-wide technical direction from