Principal Firmware Engineer

JMA Wireless; Plano (TX); On-site; USD 160,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Paid maternity leave

Paid paternity leave

Tuition assistance

Disability insurance

Job summary

A leading tech company is looking for a Principal Firmware Engineer to oversee firmware development for wireless applications. The successful candidate will collaborate across teams, ensuring the integration of secure and efficient firmware solutions. This is a full-time role based in Texas, with significant growth potential in the evolving 5G landscape.

Qualifications

• Minimum 12 years of experience with wireless firmware.
• Strong skills in object-oriented design.
• Experience with embedded systems and security principles.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with teams to define firmware specifications.
• Develop and maintain firmware and software.
• Lead and mentor team members.

Skills

C++ programming

Embedded C

Python/Bash scripting

Linux kernel development

Debugging and testing

Agile methodologies

Education

12+ years in firmware/software design

Tools

Git

FPGA development tools

Job description

Principal Firmware Engineer

Join JMA Wireless to lead firmware and software development for embedded systems and wireless radio applications. Successful candidates will be instrumental in architecting, designing, and developing firmware/software solutions that integrate into cutting‑edge wireless technologies, advancing JMA’s capabilities for wireless cellular systems.

Base Pay Range

$160,000.00/yr - $180,000.00/yr

Job Summary

JMA is restoring U.S. leadership in wireless technology at a critical time in the transition to 5G. We manufacture the world’s most advanced software‑based 5G platform in Syracuse, NY, at the only U.S.‑owned 5G factory. Our technology powers mobile carriers, iconic stadiums, universities, healthcare centers, transit hubs, and the U.S. Military, ushering in a new era of connectivity. Join us to shape the future of 5G.

Position Responsibilities

• Collaborate with System Engineering teams to translate system‑level requirements into optimal firmware architecture, focusing on performance, modularity, security, and scalability.
• Collaborate with Hardware and FPGA teams to define firmware specifications, support board design, and integrate firmware into state‑of‑the‑art SoC solutions.
• Develop, optimize, and maintain firmware and software across the JMA Radio product line.
• Develop and execute test and verification frameworks (unit to system tests) to ensure reliability, functionality, and security, maximizing automation and continuous integration.
• Collaborate with Radio Integration teams to develop test cases and plans validating each product’s functionality and performance.
• Define branching strategy, deployment pipelines, and maintain repositories according to JMA Software Development rules.
• Work with Project Management to support task breakdown, backlog management, estimation, and resource scheduling; actively participate in JIRA/Scrum meetings.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to team members, fostering collaboration and innovation, and driving team growth.
• Create and maintain detailed, version‑controlled documentation of firmware architecture, design, and features to facilitate collaboration and knowledge transfer.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and emerging technologies in wireless, embedded systems, and radio products.
• Thought‑lead and recommend new tools, methodologies, and techniques to enhance firmware/software development processes.

Required Skills & Experience

• Minimum 12 years of firmware/software architecture, design, and implementation experience with emphasis on wireless applications and radio products.
• Strong object‑oriented design and development skills using C++, and proficiency in embedded C. Python/Bash scripting is a plus.
• Experience with modular, test‑oriented, and scalable solution design.
• Experience with Linux kernel, Embedded Linux, RTOS, U‑Boot/kernel development, Device Tree, and file‑system operations.
• Knowledge of embedded system security principles, security‑by‑design, and OS hardening.
• Experience designing and developing with SoCs, FPGA, and embedded processors.
• Strong debugging, testing, and multithreading skills; familiarity with lab instrumentation.
• Proficiency with Git and agile workflows.
• Knowledge of O‑RAN specifications (WG4, WG11) and related functionalities is a strong plus.
• Familiarity with wireless protocols (LTE, 5G) and FPGA‑based system implementation.
• Understanding of RF systems and signal‑processing challenges.
• Knowledge of Telecom technologies: Sync‑E, PTP, IEEE‑1588v2, Ethernet, TCP/IP, UDP.
• Familiarity with 3GPP RAN specifications and related functions.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with a focus on root‑cause analysis.
• Position to be based in JMA Office in either Florham Park, NJ or Plano, TX.

Seniority Level

• Mid‑Senior level

Employment Type

• Full‑time

Job Function

• Engineering and Information Technology
• Telecommunications

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid maternity leave
• Paid paternity leave
• Tuition assistance
• Disability insurance

EEO Statement

JMA welcomes diversity and is an equal opportunity workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

AI Tools Disclosure

We may use artificial intelligence tools to support parts of the hiring process. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. For more information on how your data is processed, please contact us.