Firmware Engineer

Gem Care, Inc; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Gem Care, Inc in Knoxville, TN is seeking a Staff Firmware Engineer to own firmware projects and lead cross-functional teams. This senior role delivers robust embedded software across Linux and RTOS platforms.

The successful candidate will have deep C/C++ expertise, experience with BSPs, bootloaders, device drivers, and debugging, and will mentor other engineers while collaborating with Hardware, Software, Test, Manufacturing and Supply Chain teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in engineering or CS.
• 8+ years in firmware or embedded software with leadership.
• Expert-level C/C++ for embedded firmware.
• Experience with embedded Linux and RTOS environments.
• Experience developing BSPs, bootloaders, drivers and middleware.

Responsibilities

• Own and lead firmware projects from concept to production release.
• Define firmware architectures and implementation strategies.
• Guide multiple firmware engineers through technical leadership.
• Develop embedded firmware for Linux and RTOS platforms in C/C++.
• Lead BSPs, bootloaders, drivers and middleware integration.
• Oversee bring-up, debugging, and system integration activities.
• Apply verification/validation strategies to ensure quality and compliance.
• Mitigate technical risks across the development lifecycle.

Skills

Embedded firmware

C/C++ programming

Linux RTOS

BSPs/Bootloaders

Device drivers

Debugging

Version control

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or CS

Tools

U-Boot

GRUB

Linux kernel

Emulators

Job description

Firmware Engineer

Firmware Engineer needed for a rapidly growing Industrial Automation and Communication company located in Knoxville, TN. This is a Direct Hire position with an excellent salary and benefits package. Starting salary range is $120,000 to $150,000 (depending on experience, education, and training).

Job Description

The Staff Firmware Engineer is a senior technical leader responsible for owning firmware projects or major subsystems and leading technical execution across multiple contributors. This role combines deep firmware expertise with mentorship, cross-functional collaboration, and accountability for delivering robust, scalable embedded software aligned with product and business objectives. The successful, self-motivated candidate will have experience in operating systems and the development and use of board support packages for custom embedded hardware platforms, fluent in the C and C++ programming languages, experienced using debuggers and emulators, and effective communication both written and verbal.

Essential Job Functions

• Own and lead the technical execution of firmware projects or major subsystems from concept through production release


• Define firmware architectures, design approaches, and implementation strategies


• Coordinate and guide the work of multiple firmware engineers through technical leadership and review


• Design, implement, and review embedded firmware using C and C++ across Linux and RTOS-based platforms


• Lead development and integration of board support packages (BSPs), bootloaders, device drivers, and middleware


• Lead firmware bring-up, debugging, optimization, and system integration activities


• Establish and apply firmware verification and validation strategies to ensure quality, reliability, and regulatory compliance


• Identify, assess, and mitigate technical risks throughout the firmware development lifecycle


• Serve as a primary firmware technical interface with Hardware, Software, Test, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Project Management teams


• Provide advanced technical support for manufacturing, field, or customer issues


• Mentor and coach Associate, Firmware, and Senior Firmware Engineers


• Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of firmware development standards, tools, and processes

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field from an accredited institution; Master's degree preferred


• Eight or more years of experience in firmware or embedded software engineering with demonstrated leadership of complex projects


• Expert-level proficiency in embedded firmware development using C and C++


• Extensive experience with embedded Linux systems and real-time operating systems


• Strong experience with Linux kernel configuration, building, and debugging


• Extensive experience developing and debugging device drivers and low-level firmware


• Experience configuring and customizing bootloaders (e.g., U-Boot, GRUB)


• Strong understanding of firmware architecture, modular design, and system trade-offs


• Deep experience with source version control systems and software release processes


• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills


• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence without authority

Desired Qualifications

• Experience serving as technical lead on multi-disciplinary or cross-functional projects


• Experience with Windows-based embedded or device driver development


• Experience with ARM and x86 processor architectures


• Strong networking and Ethernet-based communication experience


• Experience implementing cryptographic algorithms and secure communication protocols


• Experience with product certification activities (e.g., CE, UL)


• Experience in industrial automation or embedded control systems