Engineer II - Software Engineering

Federal Signal Corporation; University Park (IL); On-site; USD 69,000 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus potential

Medical insurance

Paid holidays

Paid vacation

401(k) with matching

Job summary

Federal Signal Corporation in University Park seeks a firmware engineer to design, develop, and test low-level software that controls embedded hardware devices. You will work with RTOS, interact with microcontrollers and peripherals, and ensure timely responses while collaborating with hardware engineers to integrate firmware and hardware.

The role requires a Bachelor's in CS or equivalent, 5–7 years of embedded experience, and proficiency in C/C++, Python, and modern toolchains.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science or equivalent from an accredited university.
• 5–7 years of experience in a similar firmware role.
• Experience with Python, Roboflow, NodeJS, Figma or similar tools for rapid prototyping.
• Strong proficiency in C/C++ programming with focus on embedded systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop firmware architectures and algorithms within hardware constraints.
• Write clean, embedded C/C++ firmware and document coding practices.
• Implement video technologies using FFmpeg, GStreamer, H.264/H.265, RTSP, and WebRTC.
• Explore integration strategies for OpenCV, PyTorch, TensorFlow, YOLO, and/or TensorRT.
• Interact with microcontrollers, memory, peripherals, and communication interfaces.
• Work with RTOS to manage tasks with precise timing and priorities.
• Conduct unit, integration, and system tests; debug firmware defects.
• Collaborate with hardware engineers for smooth firmware-hardware integration.
• Create detailed firmware design, implementation, and testing docs.
• Support firmware with bug fixes and feature updates; travel to field/trade shows.
• Perform product evaluations to ensure engineering standards.
• Flexible to perform other duties.

Skills

C/C++ (embedded)

RTOS experience

Python

Cross‑platform (Windows/Linux/Embedded

Debugging/QA

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or equivalent

Tools

Docker

OpenCV

PyTorch

TensorFlow

YOLO

Figma

IDEs/Debuggers

Job description

The successful candidate will be responsible for designing, developing, and testing the low-level software (firmware) that controls the functionality of electronic hardware devices, like embedded systems and computer peripherals, requiring a deep understanding of hardware architecture and proficiency in programming languages like C/C++ to create code that interacts directly with the hardware components, often utilizing real-time operating systems (RTOS) to ensure timely system responses; they collaborate with hardware engineers to ensure seamless integration and troubleshoot issues throughout the product development cycle.

Essential Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop firmware architectures and algorithms to meet product requirements, considering hardware constraints and performance optimization.
• Write clean, efficient, and well-documented firmware code using embedded C/C++ programming languages, adhering to coding standards and best practices.
• Implement video technologies using protocols including FFmpeg, GStreamer, H.264/H.265, RTSP, and WebRTC.
• Understand and determine best fit strategies for incorporation of OpenCV, PyTorch, TensorFlow, YOLO, and/or TensorRT algorithms.
• Understand and utilize various hardware components like microcontrollers, memory, peripherals, and communication interfaces to interact with them through firmware.
• Work with RTOS to manage system tasks with precise timing and priority levels.
• Conduct thorough unit integration, and system-level testing to identify and resolve firmware defects, utilizing debugging tools and techniques.
• Work closely with hardware engineers to ensure smooth integration between firmware and hardware components, addressing design challenges and providing feedback.
• Create detailed technical documentation for firmware design, implementation, and testing procedures.
• Support existing firmware by implementing bug fixes, feature enhancements, and updates to address customer needs.
• May include travel to the field and/or trade shows.
• Perform product evaluations to determine if engineering standards are met.
• Flexibility to perform other duties and assignments as required

Position Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in computer science or equivalent from an accredited university.
• 5-7 years of previous experience in a similar role.
• Demonstrated use of Python, Roboflow, NodeJS, Figma or similar tools for rapid prototyping.
• Familiarity with creating and modifying YAML for configurations and collaboration.
• Strong proficiency in C/C++ programming languages with a focus on embedded systems.
• Experience with developing containerized analytics modules using Docker.
• Fluency in switching between Windows, Linux, and embedded environments and toolkits.
• Deep knowledge of microcontroller architectures, memory management, peripherals, and communication protocols.
• Experience with popular RTOS like FreeRTOS, Zephyr, or similar.
• Familiarity with IDEs, debuggers, emulators, and other development tools for embedded systems.
• Experience with unit testing, integration testing, and system-level validation methodologies.
• Excellent analytical and debugging skills to identify and troubleshoot complex firmware issues.
• Ability to effectively communicate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Wage Range: $68,731 - $98,187 Plus Bonus

Benefits Of Employment

In addition to excellent career growth opportunities, Federal Signal Corporation offers a wide array of benefits including: annual bonus potential, insurance (life, medical, dental, vision), paid holidays, paid vacation, 401(k) with matching contributions and tuition reimbursement. We provide our employees with a smoke-free, drug-free workplace.

About Us

Federal Signal in University Park is a leading manufacturer and supplier of comprehensive systems and products used to protect people and property. Our products and integrated solutions include systems for campus and community alerting, emergency vehicles, first responder interoperable communications, industrial communications, and command and municipal networked security. Specific products include: lightbars and sirens, public warning sirens and public safety software.

Federal Signal Corporation (NYSE: FSS) builds and delivers equipment of unmatched quality that moves material, cleans infrastructure, and protects the communities where we work and live. Founded in 1901, Federal Signal is a leading global designer and manufacturer of products and total solutions that serve municipal, governmental, industrial and commercial customers. Headquartered in Downers Grove, IL, with manufacturing facilities worldwide, the Company operates two groups: Environmental Solutions and Safety and Security Systems. For more information on Federal Signal, visit: www.federalsignal.com

The Company is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will not be discriminated against on the basis of, and will receive consideration for employment without regard to, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category, characteristic, or trait under applicable law.