Firmware Engineer – Embedded Systems & FPGA Development

CFD Research Corporation; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Medical, vision, dental insurance

Paid leave and disability coverage

Life insurance

Job summary

CFD Research Corporation seeks a Firmware Engineer with strong embedded firmware experience in C/C++ for microcontrollers and processors, plus FPGA logic design. You will work with hardware engineers to ensure robust, secure embedded systems for aerospace and military applications.

The role requires hands-on design in a fast-paced R&D environment, proficiency with RTOS, and the ability to navigate AS9100 quality standards while collaborating across multidisciplinary teams.

Qualifications

• BS in Electrical/Computer Engineering or related field (or higher).
• Strong embedded C/C++ for microcontrollers/embedded processors.
• Experience with RTOS, bare metal, interrupts, timing-critical code.
• Understanding of digital interfaces and embedded system architectures.
• Ability to read schematics and understand hardware/software interaction; U.S. citizen with ability to obtain security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and test embedded firmware in C/C++, including drivers and HAL layers.
• Develop FPGA logic (VHDL/Verilog) for DSP, interfaces, or high-speed control functions.
• Collaborate with Embedded Hardware Design Engineers on system architecture and interfaces.
• Implement communication protocols (SPI, I2C, UART, CAN, USB, Ethernet, Modbus).
• Support PCB layout review with firmware input for routing, timing, EMI/ESD mitigation.

Skills

Embedded firmware development

RTOS development

C/C++ programming

Digital interfaces protocols

Hardware-software interaction

Lab equipment knowledge

Git/version control

Education

BS in Electrical/Computer Engineering

MS/PhD in Electrical/Computer Engineering

Tools

VHDL/Verilog

MATLAB/Simulink

Python scripting

Oscilloscope / logic analyzers

Job description

About CFD Research: Since its inception in 1987, CFD Research has delivered innovative technology solutions within the Aerospace & Defense, Biomedical & Life Sciences, Intelligence & Sensing, and Energy & Materials industries. CFD Research has earned multiple national awards for successful application and commercialization of innovative component/system technology prototypes, multi-physics simulation software, multi-disciplinary analyses, and expert support services. Based in Huntsville, Alabama where laboratory facilities and headquarters are located, CFD Research also has office and laboratory facilities in Dayton, Ohio, prototyping test and evaluation facilities in Hollywood, Alabama, and office facilities in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. CFD Research is an ISO9001:AS9100D registered company and is appraised at CMMI Level II for Services. CFD Research is a 100% ESOP (employee-owned company) recognized in Inc. Magazine's Inc5000 as a top growing company for four of the last five years. Learn more at www.cfd-research.com

We are seeking a highly capable Firmware Engineer with strong expertise in embedded firmware development, microcontroller and processor based systems, and FPGA logic design. This position works in close partnership with Embedded Hardware Design Engineers and multidisciplinary teams to develop robust, reliable, and secure embedded systems for aerospace and military applications.

The ideal candidate is an analytical thinker and hands on designer who thrives in a fast paced R&D environment—tackling complex design challenges, innovating mechanical solutions, performing structural and thermal analysis leveraging practical engineering skills along with advanced simulation, modeling, and problem solving capabilities to produce robust, high quality electronics for mission critical applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and test embedded firmware in C/C++, including drivers, HAL layers, communication stacks, control loops, and board bring up
• Develop FPGA logic (VHDL or Verilog) for digital signal processing, communication interfaces, sensor integration, or high speed control functions
• Work closely with Embedded Hardware Design Engineers to define system architecture, validate interfaces, and ensure seamless hardware/firmware integration
• Implement and support communication protocols such as SPI, I2C, UART, CAN, RS 485, USB, Ethernet, Modbus, and other low and high speed interfaces
• Participate in schematic reviews and provide firmware related input to PCB layout for signal routing, timing, EMI/ESD mitigation, and overall system reliability
• Support system level testing, debugging, and validation using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, JTAG/in circuit debuggers, protocol analyzers, and other lab equipment
• Develop test firmware, scripts, and automated test frameworks for prototype evaluation and production verification
• Create technical documentation, software requirements, architecture descriptions, and test procedures consistent with AS9100 quality standards
• Support compliance and qualification efforts to standards including AS9100, MIL STD 461, MIL STD 810, DO 704, and related specifications
• Collaborate with cross functional teams

Required Qualifications

• BS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Firmware Engineering, or related discipline
• Strong proficiency in embedded firmware development in C/C++ for microcontrollers and embedded processors
• Experience with RTOS based development, bare metal systems, interrupt handling, timing critical code, and power managed firmware
• Understanding of digital interfaces, communication protocols, and embedded system architectures
• Experience with lab equipment including oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, protocol analyzers, multimeters, and power supplies
• Familiarity with software configuration management, version control (Git), and structured engineering workflows
• Ability to read schematics and understand hardware-software interactions at the board level
• Candidate must be a U.S. Citizen and possess the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Embedded Systems
• Experience developing FPGA logic in VHDL or Verilog, along with simulation, timing analysis, and synthesis workflows
• Experience with microcontroller families such as ARM Cortex M, PIC, AM2631 or embedded Linux based systems
• Familiarity with EMC/EMI considerations, signal integrity, and working with electronics designed for harsh environments
• Background in aerospace, defense, or ruggedized embedded systems development
• Experience implementing secure bootloaders, cryptography, OTA updates, and cybersecurity conscious embedded design
• Experience with MATLAB/Simulink, Python scripting, or automated hardware in the loop testing
• Knowledge of AS9100 documentation, configuration management, traceability, and structured design processes
• Experience collaborating deeply with hardware engineers and contributing to full lifecycle hardware/firmware co design

Desired Attributes

• Strong analytical and problem solving skills
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Clear communication and technical writing ability
• Ability to work both independently and within multidisciplinary teams
• Passion for innovation and mission oriented engineering

Multiple locations

This role can be based at our CFD Research office in Dayton, OH (PREFERRED location), or our office in Huntsville, AL and Hollywood, AL will also be considered. This role is 100% onsite.

Benefits

• CFD Research offers competitive salaries and excellent employee benefits, including an employer matching 401(k) and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
• CFD Research offers our Full-Time, permanent employee-owners a highly competitive insurance package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance.
• Additionally, we offer company paid leave, compensation time, parental leave, long-term and short-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment, and life insurance.
• Part-Time and Temporary employee-owners may receive partial or reduced benefits and leave time based on their employment status level.
• Performance appraisals occur twice a year and annual pay increases are based upon corporate goals, personal development, performance, and outstanding achievements.
• In addition, group and individual bonuses are awarded for exceptional performance.

CFD Research is an EO employer - Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories