Embedded Systems Engineer IV, R&D

Colonial Group; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Colonial Group is seeking an experienced Embedded Systems Engineer IV to lead software on next-generation hardware platforms. You will own the software lifecycle from prototypes to production, integrating low-level firmware with sensors, edge compute, and cloud infrastructure.

You will drive platform ownership across Raspberry Pi, NVIDIA Jetson, and ARM SOMs, writing drivers, optimizing performance, and enabling secure OTA updates.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of embedded software development.
• Proficient in C/C++, with strong Python scripting for testing/automation.
• Experience with Embedded Linux, kernel config, and custom drivers.
• Hands-on work with Raspberry Pi and NVIDIA Jetson platforms.
• Familiar with hardware interfaces (I2C, SPI, UART, USB, PCIe).

Responsibilities

• Architect, implement, and maintain embedded software from prototypes to production code.
• Develop and optimize firmware on Raspberry Pi, NVIDIA Jetson, and SOMs.
• Write low-level drivers and interfaces for peripherals and sensors.
• Leverage edge AI compute (CUDA, TensorRT) for real-time processing.
• Design robust OTA firmware update systems and fault-detection mechanisms.
• Collaborate with hardware, mechanical, and cloud teams to define architectures.
• Mentor junior engineers and enforce code quality through reviews and testing.

Skills

C/C++

Python scripting

Embedded Linux

Raspberry Pi

NVIDIA Jetson

Driver development

CI/CD pipelines

Git

I2C protocols

SPI protocols

Education

BS in CS/CE/EE

Tools

Docker

CMake

Yocto Project

Buildroot

TensorRT

CUDA

Job description

Who we are looking for:

As an Engineer IV, Embedded Systems within the R&D team, you will serve as a technical anchor for our next-generation hardware platforms. You will design, develop, and optimize high-performance software running on a variety of embedded systems—ranging from single-board computers and edge AI compute modules to custom ARM architecture.

This role requires a unique blend of scrappy, proof-of-concept rapid prototyping and disciplined, production-grade software engineering. You will own the software lifecycle for new devices, ensuring seamless integration between low-level hardware, sensors, edge computing frameworks, and our enterprise cloud infrastructure.

What you will do:

• End-to-End Development: Architect, implement, and maintain embedded software from initial conceptual prototypes to ruggedized, scalable, enterprise-level production code.
• Platform Ownership: Develop and optimize firmware and middleware on platforms including Raspberry Pi, NVIDIA Jetson, and ARM-based System-on-Modules (SOMs).
• Sensor & Peripheral Integration: Write and debug low-level drivers and interfaces for a diverse ecosystem of peripherals, cameras, and environmental sensors via protocols such as I2C, SPI, UART, USB, and PCIe.
• Edge Intelligence & Compute: Optimize software on compute-constrained edge devices, including leveraging hardware acceleration (e.g., CUDA, TensorRT on Jetson platforms) for real-time data processing and computer vision pipelines.
• System Stability & Lifecycle: Design robust fault-detection, automated recovery mechanisms, and secure over-the-air (OTA) firmware update systems to ensure maximum field stability.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with hardware/electrical engineers, mechanical designers, and cloud backend teams to define system architectures and interfaces.
• Mentorship & Standards: Drive code quality through rigorous code reviews, automated testing, and comprehensive documentation. Mentor junior and mid-level engineers on the team.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

What you will need:

• Ability to read, write, speak and understand English.
• BS degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field (or equivalent practical experience).

• 6+ years’ Professional experience in embedded software development, with a proven track record of shipping commercial or industrial hardware products
• Expert-level proficiency in C and C++; strong scripting skills in Python or Bash for testing and automation.
• OS Expertise: Deep experience developing within Embedded Linux environments (including kernel configuration, device tree modification, and custom driver development).
• Hands-on experience building applications on Raspberry Pi (Linux/Debian) and NVIDIA Jetson (JetPack ecosystem).
• Solid understanding of hardware communication protocols: SPI, I2C, UART, CAN bus, USB.
• Experience interfacing with high-resolution image sensors, cameras, or specialized sensors.
• Proficiency with modern software engineering tools: Git, CMake, Docker, and CI/CD pipelines tailored for embedded targets.
• Familiarity with networking stacks and IoT communication protocols (TCP/IP, UDP, MQTT, gRPC).
• Comfortable utilizing lab equipment like oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and multimeters to debug hardware/software boundary issues.
• Expert in version control systems including trunk-based development, multiple release planning, cherry picking, and rebase.

Nice to Have Technical Competencies

• Experience with custom Linux distribution builders like Yocto Project or Buildroot.
• Familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS) or bare-metal ARM development.
• Experience deploying or optimizing machine learning models at the edge.