Lead Embedded Firmware and Systems Engineer

FUTEK; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

FUTEK, a leader in precision sensor technology, seeks a Lead Embedded Firmware & Systems Engineer to own architecture, development, validation, and release of embedded firmware for microcontroller-based precision sensors and instrumentation products.

The role focuses on reliable C/C++ firmware, real-time performance, and hardware/software integration. You will define firmware requirements, bring-up boards, lead debugging efforts, and drive scalable technical direction across product platforms.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or closely related field.
• 10+ years in embedded firmware development or production firmware for microcontroller-based products.
• Strong hands-on C/C++ experience for bare-metal and RTOS-based systems, including drivers and debugging.
• Experience with UART, SPI, I2C, USB, timers, DMA, GPIO, and communication buses.
• Ability to lead design/code reviews, mentor engineers, and coordinate cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Own embedded firmware architecture, design, implementation, validation, and release for microcontroller-based platforms.
• Develop real-time C/C++ firmware for data acquisition, signal processing, diagnostics, and control features.
• Define interfaces, state machines, timing, and memory usage in collaboration with hardware, software, and test teams.
• Lead bring-up, debugging, protocol troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and corrective actions.
• Improve firmware practices, standards, documentation, and release-readiness processes.

Job description

About the CompanyFUTEK is a leading manufacturer of precision sensor technology, specializing in load cells, torque sensors, and measurement solutions used across industries like aerospace, medical, robotics, and manufacturing. Our mission is to enable innovation through highly accurate measurement solutions that power real-world applications. At FUTEK, we combine engineering excellence with a collaborative, growth-oriented culture—giving employees the opportunity to make a tangible impact while continuing to develop their skills.Job Summary:The Lead Embedded Firmware & Systems Engineer will own the architecture, development, validation, and release of embedded firmware for FUTEK precision sensor and instrumentation products. This role is intended for a seasoned engineer who can operate with high independence, define firmware direction, and drive embedded system decisions across hardware, software, test, manufacturing, and product stakeholders.The position focuses on reliable, maintainable C/C++ firmware, real-time embedded performance, hardware/firmware integration, and industrial communication capability. Success in this role includes delivering production-ready firmware, improving firmware development practices, mentoring engineers, and helping establish scalable technical direction for future product platforms.Essential Functions:Own embedded firmware architecture, design, implementation, validation, and release activities for microcontroller-based precision sensor and instrumentation platforms.Develop robust embedded firmware in C/C++ for real-time data acquisition, signal processing, diagnostics, calibration support, communications, and product-control features.Define firmware requirements, interfaces, state machines, timing behavior, memory usage, and system-level tradeoffs in collaboration with hardware, software, test, manufacturing, and product stakeholders.Implement and maintain low-level drivers, board-support packages, communication interfaces, and embedded middleware for peripherals such as ADCs, DACs, timers, DMA, GPIO, UART, SPI, I2C, USB, CAN, Ethernet, RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485.Lead firmware bring-up, board-level debugging, protocol troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and corrective actions using schematics, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, protocol analyzers, JTAG/SWD tools, and other lab equipment.Develop and execute firmware verification, regression, and release-readiness plans, including test procedures, design reviews, code reviews, release notes, and technical documentation.Drive integration of embedded products with industrial controllers, sensors, communication gateways, and production/test systems where applicable.Establish and improve firmware development practices, including coding standards, version control workflows, reusable firmware architecture, design documentation, and issue-tracking discipline.Provide technical guidance, mentorship, design-review leadership, and project/task coordination for engineers and cross-functional contributors while maintaining direct ownership of critical firmware deliverables.Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related technical field; advanced degree preferred but not required.10+ years of professional experience developing embedded firmware, embedded systems, or production firmware for microcontroller-based products.Strong hands-on C/C++ experience for bare-metal and/or RTOS-based embedded systems, including firmware architecture, drivers, debugging, and performance optimization.Demonstrated ownership of firmware development from requirements and architecture through implementation, verification, documentation, release, and production support.Strong understanding of microcontroller peripherals and embedded interfaces, including UART, SPI, I2C, USB, timers, interrupts, DMA, ADC/DAC integration, GPIO, and communication buses.Hands-on experience troubleshooting hardware/firmware integration issues using schematics, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, protocol analyzers, and embedded debugging tools.Proven ability to communicate technical risks, lead design/code reviews, mentor engineers, document decisions, and collaborate across engineering, manufacturing, test, and quality functions.Preferred Qualifications:Experience with industrial and embedded communication protocols such as CAN, CANopen, J1939, EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, IO-Link, EtherCAT, Modbus RTU/TCP, TCP/IP, UDP/IP, MQTT, OPC UA, RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485.Experience with Microchip/PIC, STM32/STMicro, NXP, Renesas, or similar microcontroller families, including bootloaders, HAL/BSP development, flash-memory handling, and field-update strategies.Experience with RTOS environments such as FreeRTOS, Zephyr, or similar, and/or embedded Linux where applicable.Experience with precision measurement, sensors, instrumentation, signal conditioning, calibration workflows, data acquisition, mixed-signal systems, or low-noise embedded electronics.Experience with Git or similar version control, issue tracking, automated testing, static analysis, CI/CD for embedded firmware, or formal release-control practices.Experience supporting manufacturing test, production programming, failure analysis, field returns, corrective actions, and production-readiness reviews.Supervisory Responsibility:This position has no supervisory responsibilities.Work Environment:Much of this job is conducted in an office setting while utilizing standard office machinery. However, job requires frequent visits to the Production area where the employee may be frequently exposed to airborne particles, mild fumes and moving mechanical parts and vibration. The noise level in the office setting is considered low. The noise level in the Production area is considered moderate.Physical Demands:Role requires regular computer-based engineering work, hands-on use of electronic test equipment, review of schematics and technical documentation, and occasional work near production/test areas. Candidate should be able to handle small electronic assemblies, follow ESD and lab-safety practices, and perform reasonable lab setup, debugging, and prototype validation tasks with or without reasonable accommodation.Other Duties:Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.Equal Opportunity StatementFUTEK is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We participate in E-Verify. Final candidates may be required to successfully complete a background check and drug screening, where permitted by applicable law.