Principal Firmware Architect - Embedded IoT

CHEP; Santa Clara (CA); Hybrid; USD 190,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

CHEP is seeking a Principal Firmware Engineer to lead embedded software for tracking devices in a hybrid Santa Clara/Manchester role. You will own firmware features, optimize performance, and collaborate across hardware, cloud, and customer success teams to deliver robust solutions.

You will guide architecture, develop in C/C++ on microcontrollers/SoCs with FreeRTOS or Zephyr, and mentor a growing firmware group while translating customer needs into actionable product features.

Qualifications

• 8–12 years of embedded software development experience.
• Experience with FreeRTOS or Zephyr or similar OS.
• BS/MS in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
• Experience with embedded/IoT firmware platforms and SoCs.
• Experience leading complex features across multiple teams.
• Knowledge of communication protocols: TCP/IP, Bluetooth, Wi‑Fi.
• Experience with sensors and GPS in IoT devices.

Responsibilities

• Define and own technical features for firmware with a focus on performance, power, and security.
• Write and debug embedded C/C++ for microcontrollers, microprocessors, and SoCs.
• Collaborate with hardware teams to bring up new hardware and ensure firmware interaction.
• Establish best practices for code quality, documentation, and automated testing.
• Translate customer requirements into firmware features and improvements.
• Develop tracking and sensor telemetry apps for LPWAN or Cellular IoT networks.

Skills

Embedded C/C++

Firmware development

Debugging

System integration

Leadership

TCP/IP/WiFi/Bluetooth

Sensor integration

LPWAN/IoT

Education

B.S. or M.S. in CS/EE

Tools

FreeRTOS

Zephyr

SoCs

Lab instrumentation

Job description

CHEP is seeking a Principal Firmware Engineer to lead embedded software for tracking devices in a hybrid Santa Clara/Manchester role. You will own firmware features, optimize performance, and collaborate across hardware, cloud, and customer success teams to deliver robust solutions.

You will guide architecture, develop in C/C++ on microcontrollers/SoCs with FreeRTOS or Zephyr, and mentor a growing firmware group while translating customer needs into actionable product features.