Real-Time Embedded Firmware Engineer – Laser Systems

ipgjobs; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

IPG Defense in Huntsville, AL, is seeking a mid-level Software/Firmware Engineer to design and implement embedded control software for laser assemblies and beam-delivery subsystems. The role emphasizes ARM-based processing, deterministic timing, and low-latency communication for real-time power modulation and safety interlocks, with junior and senior levels considered based on experience.

You will collaborate with optical, electrical, and systems engineers, support board bring-up, and contribute

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Computer, or Software Engineering.
• 3–7 years of experience developing embedded systems or real-time firmware.
• Proficiency in C/C++ and experience with STM32 or similar ARM Cortex microcontrollers.
• Strong understanding of RTOS concepts, deterministic timing, and hardware–software integration.
• Experience implementing closed-loop control in firmware (PID, feed-forward) and analyzing loop behavior (e.g., Bode/frequency response).
• Experience with embedded communication interfaces (SPI, I2C, UART, CAN, or Ethernet).
• Hands-on embedded debugging and board bring-up experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and validate embedded firmware for laser, thermal, and beam-control subsystems.
• Develop deterministic state-machine logic governing interlocks, firing sequences, and subsystem coordination.
• Implement and tune digital control loops, including PID and feed-forward control, and validate loop performance using frequency-response analysis.
• Create and maintain real-time communication links between embedded controllers and higher-level command software.
• Support board bring-up, hardware–software integration, and debugging using lab instruments (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, JTAG debuggers).
• Develop unit and integration tests and contribute to version control and continuous-integration practices for firmware.
• Collaborate closely with optical, electrical, and systems engineers to ensure seamless integration across the full directed-energy platform.
• Conduct firmware verification, configuration control, and field testing per MIL-STD requirements.
• Support documentation, cybersecurity, and sustainment of deployed systems.

Skills

C/C++ programming

ARM Cortex microcontrollers

RTOS concepts

Real-time firmware

Embedded debugging

Hardware–software integration

PID/fed-forward control

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Computer, or Software Engineering

Tools

STM32 or similar ARM Cortex MCUs

Job description

IPG Defense in Huntsville, AL, is seeking a mid-level Software/Firmware Engineer to design and implement embedded control software for laser assemblies and beam-delivery subsystems. The role emphasizes ARM-based processing, deterministic timing, and low-latency communication for real-time power modulation and safety interlocks, with junior and senior levels considered based on experience.

You will collaborate with optical, electrical, and systems engineers, support board bring-up, and contribute