Embedded Software Engineer

vigilant.engineering; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 135,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

HSA

Life and AD&D insurance

EAP

Paid time off

10 paid holidays

Job summary

Vigilant Engineering, LLC seeks an experienced Embedded Software Engineer to develop and modify BSPs, bootloaders, drivers, and kernel support. You will collaborate with cross‑functional teams to ensure robust hardware/software integration and complete production bring‑up.

The role requires mastery of C/C++, Zephyr, embedded Linux, and BLE, with ARM‑CortexM/A experience and strong debugging skills. Hybrid Seattle location, competitive compensation.

Qualifications

• BS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Engineering.
• 5+ years as an Embedded Software Engineer developing production software.
• Proficiency in C/C++, Zephyr, embedded Linux; Python/microPython.
• Experience with embedded toolchains (GCC, Keil, IAR, CCS) and Git/GitHub.

Responsibilities

• Develop and modify BSP code including bootloaders, drivers, kernel, and device tree support.
• Use version control and document changes per internal standards.
• Author design documents and software/firmware test plans.
• Prototype software on prototype hardware with production intent; perform bring‑up.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to resolve issues and improve architecture.
• Lead design reviews for hardware and software to confirm functionality before fabrication.
• Perform lab measurements and testing; track progress, bugs, and fixes.
• Develop embedded systems from concept to production with end‑to‑end ownership.

Skills

C/C++

Zephyr

Embedded Linux

Windows OS

Python

MicroPython

BLE

ARM-CortexM

ARM-CortexA

Analytical thinking

Education

BS in Computer Science / Electrical Engineering / Computer Engineering

Tools

GCC

Keil

IAR

CCS

Git

GitHub

Job description

Principal Responsibilities

• Develop and modify board support package (BSP) code, including bootloaders, device drivers, kernel and device tree support.
• Employ proper version control and documentation practices.
• Author design documents and software/firmware test plans.
• Implement prototype software on prototype hardware with production intent.
• Perform embedded software bring‑up on prototype hardware.
• Interact professionally with internal and external customers.
• Analyze and optimize total system architecture for affordability, safety, reliability, maintainability, testability, regulatory compliance, and certification.
• Collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams (industrial design, mechanical, electrical, systems architecture, product design, NPI, supply chain) to resolve technical issues.
• Participate in and lead design reviews of hardware and software to confirm functionality prior to prototype fabrication.
• Execute lab measurements and testing to validate hardware and software designs and address issues.
• Track test progress, bugs, and fixes; produce regular written and verbal reports.
• Design, implement, debug, and characterize embedded systems with end‑to‑end ownership from concept to production.

Basic Qualifications

• BS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Engineering.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience as an Embedded Software Engineer developing production software.
• Proficiency in multiple embedded development languages, including C/C++, Zephyr, embedded Linux, and Windows OS, plus scripting languages such as Python and MicroPython.
• Experience with embedded toolchains (GCC, Keil, IAR, CCS) and version control systems (Git, GitHub, etc.).
• Ability to read and interpret digital system schematics and peripheral datasheets to develop drivers and hardware‑specific features.
• Knowledge of I2C, SPI, and UART serial communications.
• Experience with low‑latency and high‑throughput architectures.
• Background in developing, modifying, and debugging drivers, bootloaders, or BSPs.
• Strong electronics knowledge and the ability to debug digital subsystems using logic analyzers and oscilloscopes.
• Experience interpreting datasheets and creating device drivers for sensors and ICs.
• Proficiency with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and vendor SDKs.
• Experience with ARM‑CortexM and ARM‑CortexA processors and GNU toolchains/IDEs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Comprehensive understanding of the product development, validation, and support life cycle for complex vertical products.
• Ability to meet Vigilant Engineering—and governmental—security screening and background check requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in CS, CE, EE or related field.
• Experience designing under aerospace, SAE, ISO, or other high‑regulated environments.
• Background in software targeted to embedded systems and multi‑processor communications.
• Familiarity with CMake and Linux kernel internals (scheduling, memory management, IPC, file systems, etc.).
• Knowledge of networking protocols and the systemd suite.
• Experience creating unit tests and user interfaces for hardware bring‑up.
• Familiarity with signal‑integrity simulations.
• Experience running products from early design through to shipment and support.
• Background in software security (authentication, encryption, hardware accelerators, security fundamentals).
• Experience with bare‑metal and embedded RTOS application architecture.
• Demonstrated experience bringing new products to market.

Location & Employment Type

Location: Seattle, WA (Hybrid). Employment Type: Full‑time.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: $135,000 – $175,000.

Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, HSA, life and AD&D insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), paid time off (accruing at 2.3 hours per 40 hours worked), and 10 paid holidays.

Non‑Discrimination Statement

Vigilant Engineering, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), or sexual orientation.

Additional Information

• Seniority Level: Associate
• Industry: Engineering services, computers and electronics manufacturing, defense and space manufacturing
• Job Functions: Engineering, consulting
• Skills: Embedded Linux, Git, RTOS, C++, microcontrollers, firmware, bootloader, embedded software.