Firmware Engineer II

RiseMe; Newton (NJ); On-site; USD 99,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Generous PTO

401(k) plan

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Thorlabs is seeking an embedded firmware engineer to design, implement, and test real-time firmware for microcontrollers used in complex optical instruments. You will develop testing interfaces, documentation, and troubleshooting procedures while coordinating with software and manufacturing teams.

The role demands hands-on debugging, prototyping, and on-site collaboration at Newton, NJ. The candidate should have a strong background in embedded hardware, C/C++/C#, and experience with FreeRTOS,

Qualifications

• 3+ years’ embedded software/firmware and debugging experience.
• Strong knowledge of C, C++, and C# in firmware.
• Experience with FreeRTOS and real‑time control systems.
• Familiar with hardware debugging and scope usage.
• Proficient in using version control and DevOps practices.

Responsibilities

• Develop embedded firmware to control optical, mechanical, and electrical components.
• Design and support firmware documentation and test procedures.
• Characterize products with qualification and acceptance tests.
• Collaborate with software team to maximize functionality.
• Drive design from concept through prototyping, debugging, and manufacturing.

Skills

Embedded software

Firmware debugging

C/C/C#

FreeRTOS

Version control (DevOps)

PID control

Real-time I2C/SPI/USB

Troubleshooting electronics

Optoelectronic circuits

Education

MS in Electrical or Computer Engineering

BS + 5+ years (substitution)

Tools

Oscilloscope

DevOps tooling

Job description

At Thorlabs, we design and manufacture components, instruments, and systems that transform the world by identifying, enabling, and accelerating key photonics (i.e., light-based) technologies. Backed by a dedicated workforce of more than 3,000 employees worldwide, Thorlabscontributes to cutting-edge research and real-world innovation.

Whether you're early in your career or bringing years of experience, you’ll find opportunities to grow, take ownership, and make meaningful contributions from day one. We know every employee brings unique talents and perspectives that fuel our success, and we seek driven individuals who are excited to make an impact in a fun, fast-moving culture.

The position conceives, plans, designs, develops, and implements real-time firmware for microcontrollers to be used in complex instruments. The position is expected to develop basic software and user interfaces for testing. Activities include design documentation, prototype verification and debug, test development, and transfer to manufacturing. It requires troubleshooting complex electronics and system problems and being committed to customer satisfaction. Although the location of the position is in Newton, NJ, from time to time it may be required to undertake duties at other Thorlabs locations.

Essential Job Functions include the following, but are not limited to:

• Develop embedded firmware to control and or monitor many different optical, mechanical, and electrical components within an integrated system
• Design and support documentation including, but not limited to: firmware theory of operation, SDK definition, source control, and revision tracking, test procedures, and end user’s manuals.
• Specify and perform the testing required to characterize catalog or system products. This includes technical data such as qualification test procedures, acceptance test procedures, report, testing jigs and fixtures, etc.
• Work closely with software group to maximize functionality and technology usage
• Take a design from an initial concept through prototyping, debugging, and manufacturing phases
• Manage project timeline
• Troubleshoot and resolve electronics-related system issues
• Develop test fixtures for manufacturing
• Assist and/or troubleshoot our production team when problems arise.

In addition to the essential functions and duties listed above, all positions are also responsible for:

• Meeting company standards pertaining to quantity and quality of work performed on an ongoing basis, performing all work-related tasks in a manner that is in compliance with all Company policies and procedures.
• Adhering to Company policies, procedures, and directives regarding standards of workplace behavior in completing job duties and assignments.

The Company retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Physical Activities:

This is largely a sedentary role; however, some filing is required. This would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand, as necessary.

Qualifications:

• 3+ years’ experience with embedded software / firmware and debugging

Education:

• MS Degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering
• Experience can substitute for MS Degree (BS + 5+ Years)

Specialized Knowledge and Skills:

• Thorough knowledge in embedded hardware, such as a microprocessor and microcontroller-based control and monitoring circuits.
• Expert in in C, C++, C#.
• Experienced in using an oscilloscope.
• Direct experience working with FreeRTOS.
• Experiences with version control software, such as DevOps.
• PID control implementation in Firmware.
• Experienced with developing firmware for real-time I2C, SPI, USB protocols.
• Proven expertise in troubleshooting and resolving electronic issues in instruments.
• Experienced with design and implementation of optoelectronic circuits and control systems.
• Knowledge of motion control with different type of actuators
• Knowledge of Analog or Digital boards and systems
• Strong communication skills and presentation skills
• Strong ability to take initiative.
• Flexibility/adaptability in a fast-paced & dynamic environment

The salary range for this position is$99,200 - $120,000 D.O.E.

Thorlabs offers a complete benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision insurance, company paid life insurance, a generous PTO package, a 401(k) plan, and tuition reimbursement just to name a few.