Senior Firmware Engineer

FUTEK; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading firm in robotics and automation is seeking an Embedded Firmware & Systems Engineer II to design and develop embedded firmware and systems for automation applications in Irvine, California. The role involves integrating embedded platforms with sensors and industrial controllers, optimizing performance in real-time environments, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. Ideal candidates will have a degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field and strong C/C++ programming skills. Experience with industrial communication protocols is essential.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in embedded firmware development for real-time systems.
• Strong knowledge of industrial communication protocols.
• Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop embedded firmware for real-time systems.
• Architect and implement robust communication interfaces.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define system architectures.
• Optimize firmware components ensuring performance in real-time environments.
• Lead system-level debugging and troubleshooting.

Skills

C/C++ programming

Embedded systems design

Industrial communication protocols (EtherCAT, PROFINET, EtherNet/IP)

Real-time performance optimization

Debugging and troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Job description

Overview

Embedded Firmware & Systems Engineer II is responsible for designing and developing embedded firmware and system-level solutions for robotics and industrial automation applications. This role focuses on integrating embedded platforms with sensors, actuators, and industrial control systems, with a strong emphasis on real-time performance and industrial communication protocols such as EtherCAT, PROFINET, and EtherNet/IP. The engineer will contribute to system architecture, firmware development, and cross-functional integration, while supporting validation, debugging, and continuous improvement of complex embedded systems in a fast-paced R&D environment.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop embedded firmware for real-time systems with a focus on system-level integration and industrial communication
• Architect and implement robust communication interfaces using protocols such as PROFINET, EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, Modbus (RTU/TCP), and CAN/CANopen
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (hardware, software, and test engineers) to define and drive end-to-end system architectures for robotics and automation applications
• Integrate embedded systems with industrial controllers (PLCs), sensors, actuators, and motion control systems.
• Optimize firmware components using C/C++, ensuring reliability, scalability, and performance in real-time environments
• Lead system-level debugging, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis across firmware, communication networks, and hardware interfaces
• Participate in system design reviews, define interface requirements, and contribute to overall product architecture decisions
• Develop and execute test plans for system validation, including communication reliability, timing constraints, and interoperability
• Develop and maintain clear documentation for system architecture, communication interfaces, and firmware design
• Stay current with emerging technologies in robotics, industrial automation, and embedded systems, and propose innovative solutions
• Collaborate with the Electrical Engineering team to design, build, and test rapid prototypes that support new product concepts and align with overall development strategies and design inputs
• Provide regular updates on project progress, technical risks, and design changes to stakeholders and leadership