Firmware Engineer – Embedded Controls / Sensors

CACI; Maryland; On-site; USD 108,000 - 228,000; Full time

Job summary

CACI is seeking a Firmware Engineer - Embedded Controls / Sensors to design, modify, and debug low‑level software for embedded processors. You will collaborate with hardware teams to integrate sensors, actuators, imaging systems, and control hardware while applying hands‑on experience with real‑time embedded systems and debugging tools.

This role requires TS/SCI clearance and experience with C/C++, microcontrollers, and hardware interfaces.

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI security clearance
• Typically has a University Degree (BA/BS) or equivalent experience and minimum 6-7 years of related work
• 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

Responsibilities

• Develop and modify embedded firmware for advanced hardware systems supporting critical national security missions
• Work directly with devices such as gimbals, optics, motors, sensors, and other embedded subsystems to implement new capabilities, integrate hardware, and troubleshoot complex system behavior

Skills

C/C++

Embedded firmware

Microcontrollers

Hardware interfaces

RTOS

Education

BA/BS or equivalent

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Logic analyzers

Debuggers

Job description

Job Title: Firmware Engineer - Embedded Controls / Sensors

Job Category: Engineering. Time Type: Full time. Minimum Clearance Required to Start: TS/SCI. Employee Type: Regular. Percentage of Travel Required: Up to 25%. Type of Travel: Local.

The Opportunity

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.

Responsibilities

Develop and modify embedded firmware for advanced hardware systems supporting critical national security missions. You'll work directly with devices such as gimbals, optics, motors, sensors, and other embedded subsystems to implement new capabilities, integrate hardware, and troubleshoot complex system behavior.

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI security clearance
• Typically has a University Degree (BA/BS) or equivalent experience and minimum 6-7 years of related work
• 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.

What You Can Expect:

A culture of integrity.

At CACI, we place character and innovation at the center of everything we do. As a valued team member, you’ll be part of a high‑performing group dedicated to our customer’s missions and driven by a higher purpose – to ensure the safety of our nation.

An environment of trust.

CACI values the unique contributions that every employee brings to our company and our customers - every day. You’ll have the autonomy to take the time you need through a unique flexible time off benefit and have access to robust learning resources to make your ambitions a reality.

A focus on continuous growth.

Together, we will advance our nation’s most critical missions, build on our lengthy track record of business success, and find opportunities to break new ground — in your career and in our legacy.

Pay Range

There are a host of factors that can influence final salary including, but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education, and certifications. Our employees value the flexibility at CACI that allows them to balance quality work and their personal lives. We offer competitive compensation, benefits and learning and development opportunities. Our broad and competitive mix of benefits options is designed to support and protect employees and their families.

At CACI, you will receive comprehensive benefits such as healthcare, wellness, financial, retirement, family support, continuing education, and time off benefits.

$108,400 - 227,500 USD

CACI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic.