Lead Firmware Engineer — Embedded Systems & RTOS Expert

Boston Engineering; Waltham (MA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

Boston Engineering, based in Waltham, MA, seeks a Lead Firmware Engineer to own embedded software across tactical and strategic levels. You will design, code, debug, and mentor on RTOS-based systems, partnering with electrical and mechanical teams to deliver robust firmware.

The role requires 7+ years in embedded development, strong C/C++, Python tooling, and hands-on RTOS experience. Office-based role in Waltham with a focus on production readiness and system-level collaboration.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of embedded/firmware development experience.
• 3+ years in a senior or technical lead role.
• BS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field; MS preferred.
• Strong C and C++ experience for embedded systems and Python for tooling/testing.
• Hands-on RTOS experience such as FreeRTOS, ROS2, Zephyr, or similar.
• Experience with STM32, ARM-based MCUs/SoCs, x86, PIC32, or similar.
• Experience with I2C, SPI, UART, Ethernet, GPIO, and other interfaces.
• Experience with Git, embedded development tools, build systems, and debugging environments.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and optimization of embedded firmware systems.
• Write and review RTOS-based firmware using FreeRTOS, ROS2, Zephyr, or similar.
• Architect firmware integrated with custom hardware, sensors, and control systems.
• Develop firmware, device drivers, and communication stacks.
• Review schematics and PCB layouts to identify firmware impacts and risks.
• Debug complex software, firmware, and hardware issues with bench tools.
• Build and maintain benchtop development setups for early firmware work.
• Lead technical design reviews, architecture discussions, and roadmap planning.
• Mentor engineers on firmware architecture, debugging, and best practices.
• Support development workflows, integration, manufacturing, and transition to production.
• Communicate technical concepts, risks, and status to stakeholders.

Skills

Embedded firmware

C/C++ programming

RTOS experience

Python tooling

System architecture

Mentoring

Communication skills

Education

BS in CS/EE/CE

MS preferred

Tools

FreeRTOS

ROS2

Zephyr

STM32

Git

CI/CD pipelines

Job description

Boston Engineering, based in Waltham, MA, seeks a Lead Firmware Engineer to own embedded software across tactical and strategic levels. You will design, code, debug, and mentor on RTOS-based systems, partnering with electrical and mechanical teams to deliver robust firmware.

The role requires 7+ years in embedded development, strong C/C++, Python tooling, and hands-on RTOS experience. Office-based role in Waltham with a focus on production readiness and system-level collaboration.