Embedded Software Engineer - Platform & Firmware

Pivotal Systems; Fremont (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology company in Fremont is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer to design and develop firmware and low-level software for embedded systems. The ideal candidate will have proficiency in C and C++ and a strong understanding of hardware-software integration. This role includes responsibilities such as writing device drivers and ensuring system performance in resource-constrained environments.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in C, C++, and assembly language for embedded development.
• Strong understanding of microcontrollers, processors, and memory management.
• Experienced with real-time operating systems (RTOS) and device driver development.

Responsibilities

• Write and maintain firmware, bootloaders, and device drivers.
• Ensure code efficiency and performance on resource-constrained systems.
• Collaborate with hardware teams to validate system-level issues.

Skills

C

C++

Assembly

Low-level debugging

Hardware-software integration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Science

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Logic analyzers

JTAG

ICE

Job description

Embedded Software Engineer (Platform & Firmware)

Overview

We are seeking an Embedded Software Engineer (Platform & Firmware) to design, develop, and test software that interfaces directly with hardware, such as microcontrollers and processors in embedded systems. This role focuses on foundational software development, including drivers, bootloaders, and firmware, using C, C++, and assembly to manage system resources and optimize device performance.

You will need a deep understanding of computer architecture, hardware-software integration, and low-level debugging. As a core member of our software engineering team, you will collaborate closely with embedded software and hardware engineers to deliver high-performance, reliable systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop Low-Level Software : Write and maintain firmware, bootloaders, and device drivers for embedded hardware platforms.
• Optimize Performance : Ensure code efficiency and performance on resource-constrained systems (limited memory, CPU, power).
• Hardware-Software Integration : Collaborate with hardware teams to validate and troubleshoot system-level issues.
• Debug and Test : Use tools like oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and in-circuit debuggers to identify and resolve issues at the hardware / software boundary.
• System Resource Management : Implement low-level system features such as power management, memory allocation, and communication protocols (SPI, I2C, UART, etc.).

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Proficiency in C, C++, and assembly language for embedded development.
• Strong understanding of microcontrollers, processors, and memory management.
• Experience with device trees, real-time operating systems (RTOS), and device driver development.
• Skilled in using low-level debugging tools : oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, JTAG, ICE, etc.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills to address complex hardware / software integration issues.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Science.

Preferred skills

The ideal candidate will also have

• Experience with EtherCAT technology
• CAN ecosystem Software : DeviceNet or CANopen stacks
• Embedded Linux Platform Software : Device tree, init / system services, userspace

deamons, kernal

• Diagnostic tooling : Python utilities for log parsing and packet / trace inspection
• PLC familiarity : (software and hardware)