Principal Firmware Engineer

Green Key Resources; Mountain View (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Green Key Resources seeks a Principal Firmware Engineer to lead real-time embedded software and electronics for autonomous defense platforms. You will design, implement, and test high-reliability C++ code and hardware interfaces in safety-critical environments.

In this role you’ll mentor engineers, drive hardware-software integration, and ensure performance under mission-critical conditions, while documenting designs and validating against military standards.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in embedded systems and electrical design.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• Deep knowledge of microcontroller systems, motor control, and power electronics.
• Proficiency in C++ for embedded systems; Python for scripting/test automation.
• Experience integrating sensors, actuators, and control hardware in robotic or autonomous systems.
• Hands-on testing and validation experience aligned with military or aerospace standards.

Responsibilities

• Build Real-Time Embedded Software - Develop high-reliability C++ code for real-time, safety-critical applications in autonomous defense systems.
• Design Mission-Ready Hardware Systems - Interpret IC datasheets and create detailed schematics for embedded controllers, power systems, and sensor interfaces.
• Test in Real-World Environments - Conduct rigorous lab and field testing, debug embedded systems under dynamic conditions, and validate performance in line with military standards.
• Document with Precision - Maintain robust design documentation—block diagrams, schematics, pseudocode, simulation results, and test protocols.
• Optimize for the Battlefield - Continuously improve code efficiency and reduce power consumption on resource-constrained hardware to meet mission needs.

Job description

We’re seeking a Principal Firmware Engineer to join our defense technology team developing mission-critical, autonomous systems. In this role, you’ll lead the design and implementation of real-time embedded software and electronics for advanced autonomous platforms deployed in the most demanding defense environments.

What You’ll Do

• Build Real-Time Embedded Software - Develop high-reliability C++ code for real-time, safety-critical applications in autonomous defense systems.
• Design Mission-Ready Hardware Systems - Interpret IC datasheets and create detailed schematics for embedded controllers, power systems, and sensor interfaces.
• Test in Real-World Environments - Conduct rigorous lab and field testing, debug embedded systems under dynamic conditions, and validate performance in line with military standards.
• Document with Precision - Maintain robust design documentation—block diagrams, schematics, pseudocode, simulation results, and test protocols.
• Optimize for the Battlefield - Continuously improve code efficiency and reduce power consumption on resource-constrained hardware to meet mission needs.

What You Bring

• 7+ years of experience in embedded systems and electrical design
• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
• Deep knowledge of microcontroller systems, motor control, and power electronics
• Proficiency in C++ for embedded systems; Python for scripting/test automation
• Experience integrating sensors, actuators, and control hardware in robotic or autonomous systems
• Hands-on testing and validation experience aligned with military or aerospace standards

Bonus If You Have

• Experience with Embedded Linux, RTOS, and custom kernel builds
• Familiarity with TCP/IP, UDP, and embedded communication protocols (CAN, UART, I2C)
• Track record of optimizing low-latency, high-efficiency embedded systems for constrained environments