Firmware Engineer -- Embedded Controls / Sensors

Parra Consulting Group; Aberdeen, Northern (MD, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Parra Consulting Group (PCG) is seeking a Firmware Engineer -- Embedded Controls / Sensors to develop and modify embedded firmware for advanced hardware systems. This role collaborates with cross-functional teams to integrate sensors, actuators, optics, and control hardware at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland.

You will design, debug, and optimize firmware running on embedded processors, gaining hands-on experience with gimbals, motors, and imaging subsystems while working to troubleshoot

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI security clearance.
• Experience developing or modifying embedded firmware in C/C++ or similar low-level languages.
• Experience with microcontrollers, embedded processors, or SoCs and related peripherals.
• Experience interfacing with hardware using SPI, I2C, UART, CAN, PWM, ADC/DAC, or similar interfaces.
• Experience developing firmware for motors, actuators, sensors, optics, gimbals, or other electromechanical systems.
• Strong understanding of real-time embedded systems, interrupts, timers, memory management, and hardware interfaces.
• Experience debugging firmware and hardware using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, debuggers, and other lab equipment.
• Ability to read schematics, datasheets, I/O docs, and existing firmware to modify embedded systems.

Responsibilities

• Design, modify, and debug embedded firmware for complex hardware systems.
• Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, software, and systems teams to integrate sensors and actuators.
• Troubleshoot firmware/hardware interactions across the hardware/firmware boundary.

Skills

Embedded firmware

C/C++

Real-time systems

Microcontrollers

Hardware interfacing

Oscilloscopes

Schematics reading

Tools

SPI/I2C/UART/CAN interfaces

PWM/ADC/DAC

Embedded processors/SoCs

Embedded Linux/RTOS

Job description

Parra Consulting Group (PCG) is seeking a Firmware Engineer -- Embedded Controls / Sensors to develop and modify embedded firmware for advanced hardware systems supporting critical national security missions. This role works directly with devices such as gimbals, optics, motors, sensors, and other embedded subsystems to implement new capabilities, integrate hardware, and troubleshoot complex system behavior. This position is located at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland.

More About the Role

As a Firmware Engineer, you'll design, modify, and debug low-level software running on embedded processors and microcontrollers. You'll work closely with electrical, mechanical, software, and systems engineers to integrate sensors, actuators, imaging systems, and control hardware. The role requires hands-on experience understanding existing firmware, developing new functionality, and solving problems that cross the hardware/firmware boundary.

Required Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI security clearance.
• Experience developing or modifying embedded firmware in C/C++ or similar low-level languages.
• Experience with microcontrollers, embedded processors, or SoCs and associated peripherals.
• Experience interfacing with hardware using SPI, I2C, UART, CAN, PWM, ADC/DAC, or similar interfaces.
• Experience developing firmware for motors, actuators, sensors, optics, gimbals, or other electromechanical systems.
• Strong understanding of real-time embedded systems, interrupts, timers, memory management, and hardware interfaces.
• Experience debugging firmware and hardware using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, debuggers, and other laboratory equipment.
• Ability to read schematics, datasheets, interface control documents, and existing firmware to understand and modify embedded systems.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience developing firmware for gimbals, motor controllers, camera systems, electro-optical systems, or stabilized payloads.
• Experience with motor control, encoders, PID/control loops, position control, or stabilization systems.
• Experience integrating IMUs, cameras, environmental sensors, GNSS receivers, or other sensor systems.
• Experience with embedded Linux, RTOS environments, or bare-metal development.
• Familiarity with STM32, NXP, TI, Microchip, or similar embedded platforms.
• Experience reverse engineering, modifying, or extending existing or undocumented firmware.
• Familiarity with bootloaders, firmware update mechanisms, device drivers, and low-level communications protocols.
• Experience supporting UAS, robotics, autonomous systems, imaging systems, or other embedded platforms.
• Experience rapidly prototyping and testing firmware against physical hardware.

Why Join PCG

Parra Consulting Group offers a collaborative, mission-focused environment where your expertise directly supports national security operations. PCG provides competitive compensation, 100% employer-paid medical/dental/vision coverage, life and disability insurance, and a PTO plan to ensure professional growth and work-life balance.