Firmware Engineer

Eightelevengroup; Waukesha (WI); On-site; USD 83,000 - 103,000; Full time

Job summary

Eightelevengroup is seeking a mid‑career Firmware Engineer (Contractor) to contribute to embedded software development for MR platforms. The role emphasizes learning unfamiliar systems, solving technical ambiguity, and delivering high‑quality firmware with minimal day‑to‑day guidance.

You will work across firmware, systems, hardware, and architecture teams, using diagnostic tools to troubleshoot complex issues. Strong C++ fundamentals and real‑time embedded experience are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field.
• 5+ years of professional experience developing embedded or firmware software.
• Strong C++ programming skills, including object‑oriented design, memory management, concurrency fundamentals, debugging, and writing maintainable production code.
• Hands‑on experience developing software that interacts with hardware, real‑time systems, device interfaces, or resource‑constrained embedded platforms.
• Proven ability to learn unfamiliar technologies and codebases independently, break down ambiguous problems, and deliver results with minimal guidance.

Responsibilities

• Own assigned firmware features or components from requirements analysis through design, implementation, integration, verification, and defect resolution.
• Independently learn existing code, hardware interfaces, development tools, and system behavior; identify and utilize relevant resources.
• Develop maintainable embedded software in modern C++ with sound OO design and robust error handling.
• Collaborate with systems, hardware, FPGA, software, and architecture teams to clarify requirements and resolve cross‑functional issues.
• Use debuggers, emulators, analyzers, logs, and other diagnostic methods to isolate and resolve complex software/hardware problems.
• Create unit and integration tests, contribute to automated testing, and support CI to improve quality.
• Participate in design and code reviews; provide constructive feedback and incorporate input promptly.
• Estimate, plan, and track work through user stories with clear communication of status and blockers.
• Follow quality processes and produce clear technical documentation supporting traceability and maintenance.
• Work with globally distributed teams and contribute to consistent design across MR platforms.

Skills

C++ fundamentals

Embedded software

Object-oriented design

Memory management

Concurrency fundamentals

Debugging

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science

Related field

Tools

Git

Emulators

Debuggers

Containers

Job description

Firmware Engineer

On‑Site Role

Compensation: $60 - $75 per hour

ABOUT THE ROLE

Our client is seeking a mid‑career Firmware Engineer (Contractor) to join their team and contribute to embedded software development for MR platforms. This role is focused on delivering high‑quality firmware while independently learning unfamiliar systems, resolving technical ambiguity, and progressing work with minimal day‑to‑day guidance. The successful candidate will work across firmware, systems, hardware, and architecture teams to translate requirements into reliable, maintainable software. This position requires strong C++ fundamentals, practical embedded development experience, disciplined engineering practices, and the ability to quickly learn and adapt within a complex technical environment. You will be expected to own firmware features from requirements analysis through implementation and verification, collaborate with cross‑functional teams, and utilize diagnostic tools to troubleshoot complex issues. The role also emphasizes clear communication, technical documentation, and effective teamwork with globally distributed colleagues.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Own assigned firmware features or components from requirements analysis through design, implementation, integration, verification, and defect resolution
• Independently learn existing code, hardware interfaces, development tools, and system behavior; identify and utilize appropriate technical resources and ask focused questions when needed
• Develop maintainable embedded software in modern C++ using sound object‑oriented design, clear interfaces, and appropriate error handling
• Collaborate with systems, hardware, FPGA, software, and architecture teams to clarify requirements, evaluate tradeoffs, and resolve cross‑functional issues
• Use debuggers, emulators, analyzers, logs, and other diagnostic methods to isolate and resolve complex software and hardware interaction problems
• Create unit and integration tests, contribute to automated testing, and support continuous integration to improve software quality and regression coverage
• Participate in design and code reviews; provide constructive feedback and incorporate review input promptly
• Estimate, plan, and track work through user stories; communicate status, risks, dependencies, and technical blockers early and clearly
• Follow applicable quality processes and produce clear technical documentation that supports design traceability, testing, and long‑term maintenance
• Work effectively with globally distributed teams and contribute to consistent design and architectural improvements across MR platforms

WHAT YOU BRING

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
• 5+ years of professional experience developing embedded or firmware software
• Strong C++ programming skills, including object‑oriented design, memory management, concurrency fundamentals, debugging, and writing maintainable production code
• Hands‑on experience developing software that interacts with hardware, real‑time systems, device interfaces, or resource‑constrained embedded platforms
• Proven ability to learn unfamiliar technologies and codebases independently, break down ambiguous problems, and deliver results with minimal guidance
• Experience with embedded development and diagnostic tools such as debuggers, emulators, protocol or logic analyzers, and system logs
• Experience with Linux‑based development environments, source control such as Git, and build or container‑based workflows
• Familiarity with continuous integration, automated testing, and disciplined code review practices
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical decisions, raise risks, and collaborate across functions
• Preferred: Experience with real‑time operating systems, multi‑threaded or concurrent software, hardware bring‑up, board‑level debugging, device drivers, communication protocols, FPGA/firmware integration, or regulated/safety‑critical environments