Firmware Engineer 4

Monarch Quantum; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 175,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

401(k) plan with 4% employer matching

20 paid time off days per year

13 paid company holidays

9/80 work schedule

Job summary

Monarch Quantum is seeking a Principal Firmware Engineer to build foundational FPGA-based systems in a fast-paced startup. You will own architectural decisions, mentor junior engineers, and drive cross-functional collaboration across firmware, hardware, and software teams.

The role demands hands-on development, rigorous timing closure, and adherence to best practices, with an emphasis on scalable engineering processes and clear documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant FPGA/Embedded Development experience.
• U.S. person required due to export-controlled information.

Responsibilities

• Develop FPGA-based solutions using hybrid C/C++ and HDL architectures.
• Provide firmware architecture expertise in design trade studies and down-selects.
• Collaborate with program management and project engineers to develop and status project scope.

Skills

FPGA/Embedded Development

Digital Logic

Computer Architecture

Xilinx Vivado/Vitis

FPGA Simulation/Verification

Hybrid SOC/Soft-Microprocessor

C/C++ Real-Time Embedded

Timing Closure

Device Protocols (SPI, I2C, Ethernet)

Firmware Best Practices

Agile Development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering or related field

Tools

Xilinx Vivado/Vitis

Job description

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as a Principal Firmware Engineer. As we scale, you will be instrumental in building our foundation from the ground up. This is a dynamic, hands-on role for a self-starter who thrives in a fluid startup environment. You'll have the opportunity to work on cutting edge technologies, work closely with leadership, and develop and implement engineering practices that support our mission and growth. Your key responsibilities are as follows:

• Develop FPGA based solutions utilizing hybrid C/C++ microprocessor and HDL fabric architectures.
• Provide firmware subject matter expertise in architectural development and multi-disciplinary design trade-studies and down-selects
• Work with program management and project engineers to develop, execute and status project scope
• Work with internal and external stakeholders to develop and verify/validate embedded systems requirements and interface control documents
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including firmware, hardware, and software engineers
• Participate in code reviews, provide constructive feedback, and adhere to best coding practices
• Maintain clear and well-structured documentation
• Work independently and in a team while over communicating with the manager, project engineer, and the teammates
• Use tenacity, patience, self-discipline, and passion for excellence to assure accuracy of execution schedule, data quality/integrity, conformance to company best practices, clarity in communication, and documentation
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers

Requirements

Please Note this position requires access to export-controlled information. Employment is contingent upon the applicant being a U.S. person as defined by 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3).

Experience

• A bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience, ideally within a startup or technology company

Skills

• 7+ years of professional experience in FPGA/Embedded Development
• Strong understanding of digital logic, computer architecture, and electronics.
• Experience using Xilinx Vivado/Vitis development toolset
• Experience performing FPGA simulation, integration, and verification
• Experience developing hybrid SOC and soft-microprocessor architectures
• Proficient in C/C++ language with an emphasis in real-time embedded development
• Experience working through complex timing closure issues in system involving dense IP and algorithmic outputs
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently and in a team
• Experience with device level communication protocols (e.g., SPI, I2C, Ethernet, Serial, SerDes)
• Knowledge of firmware best practices, including design patterns, SOLID principles, and performance optimization
• Experience working in an agile development environment

Startup Mindset

• You're creative, flexible, and eager to wear multiple hats
• You're passionate about building systems from the ground up and comfortable with ambiguity and change

Benefits

The expected annual salary range for this position is $175,000-$225,000.

As a full-time employee, you will be eligible for Monarch's comprehensive benefits package, which includes:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Fidelity 401(k) plan with 4% employer matching
• 20 paid time off (PTO) days per year
• 13 paid company holidays
• 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off)

Monarch Quantum is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, veteran status or any other characteristics protected under applicable federal, state and local laws.