Real-Time Firmware Engineer

ConnectDER; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); Hybrid; USD 115,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance (75% coverage)

Flexible paid time off

401K with company match

Equity stock options

Job summary

ConnectDER in Philadelphia is seeking a Real-Time Firmware Engineer to design and implement firmware for innovative energy solutions. You will work closely with a dynamic team, contributing to product development in a hybrid environment that encourages creativity and collaboration. Candidates should possess over 5 years of experience in firmware engineering, particularly with microcontroller-based applications and C/C++. A competitive salary range of $115,000 to $130,000 annually plus bonuses and equity options is offered.

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience designing and testing firmware for microcontroller-based products.
• Experience developing software applications in C/C++.
• Understanding of static source code analysis methods.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver real-time firmware for microcontroller-based systems.
• Collaborate with hardware and software engineers in product development.
• Debug and troubleshoot complex timing-critical systems.

Skills

Real-Time Firmware design

Embedded software/firmware in C/C++

Debugging and troubleshooting techniques

Multi-threaded applications

Education

5+ years of experience in Real-Time Firmware Engineering

Tools

JTAG Debuggers

Multimeters

Oscilloscopes

Git

Job description

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

ConnectDER (www.ConnectDER.com) represents the next generation in US-based resource technology product development. Our signature product, the ConnectDER Meter Socket Adapter, dramatically cuts down the cost and interconnection time for solar energy, EV charging, and home battery storage, putting clean, resilient power within reach of millions of homeowners. With a pipeline of exciting innovations, we’re only just getting started on our journey to transform how the world makes and consumes its energy.

We are a dynamic, venture-backed company based in Philadelphia, PA, near Center City, with a team of over 50 dedicated professionals working in remote, hybrid, and on‑site roles across the United States. As we continue to grow, we are committed to developing cutting‑edge products that empower technology partners, installers, electricians, and their customers. We seek talented individuals who can deliver high‑quality service and drive the value of clean energy resources forward.

Our culture is collaborative, transparent, and team‑oriented. We value open communication and people who bring thoughtful perspectives to the table. If you're looking for an opportunity to stretch your skills, get creative, and be a part of something new and meaningful, ConnectDER is the place for you!

Benefits

• Health insurance plan – we cover 75% for employees, spouses, and children.
• Flexible paid time off – take the time off that you need.
• 401K with company match – we want to help you meet your future financial goals.
• Equity stock options – your opportunity to share in the success of the company.

We’re looking for a Real‑Time Firmware Engineer who wants to work on challenging, meaningful problems at the intersection of hardware, software, and clean energy.

This is not a maintenance role. You’ll be helping build a new product from the ground up and contributing directly to firmware that powers electrification, grid resiliency, and distributed energy resources (DERs).

If you’re someone who enjoys deep technical work, solving real‑world problems, and seeing your code move from concept to deployed product, this role is built for you.

Responsibilities

• Play a hands‑on role in designing and delivering real‑time firmware for microcontroller‑based systems.
• Design, implement, and test real‑time firmware for control, communications, and functional safety.
• Contribute directly to product development from concept through release.
• Collaborate closely with hardware, firmware, and software engineers in a highly integrated environment.
• Develop requirements, specifications, and test strategies.
• Debug and troubleshoot complex, timing‑critical systems.
• Support product deployment and help resolve real‑world technical challenges.

Work Environment / Physical Demands

Must have the ability to work on a computer for extended periods of time with or without accommodation. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Location & Travel

This is a full‑time hybrid position requiring three days on‑site at our Philadelphia office and up to 5% travel.

Compensation

$115,000 – $130,000 annually, plus bonus and equity.

What Success Looks Like

First 90 Days

• Build a strong understanding of the product, system architecture, and problem space.
• Develop a clear approach to implementing solutions.

6 Months

• Independently own and deliver a meaningful portion of the product.
• Contribute production‑ready firmware to the system.

12 Months

• Your work is validated, integrated, and released as part of the product.

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience as a Real‑Time Firmware engineer designing, implementing, and testing embedded software/firmware for microcontrollers‑based products.
• Professional experience developing software applications in C/C++.
• Experience using RTOS to create software/firmware for multi‑threaded, timing‑critical applications. Good understanding of timing budgets in critical systems.
• Proficient with debugging/troubleshooting techniques, including JTAG Debuggers, trace analyzers, and use of electronics lab equipment such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and signal/function generators.
• Professional experience using source control management systems (e.g., Git).
• Understanding of static source code analysis tools/methods.
• Basic understanding of electronics concepts.

Preferred Qualifications

• Developing embedded firmware for functional safety (electrical, automotive, or medical).
• Electric meters, circuit breakers, or AC power management preferred.
• Working in regulated industries and creating certification documentation.
• Familiarity with IEC 60730, IEC 61508, or ISO 26262 preferred.
• ARM processors (preferably Cortex‑R), including execution models, interrupt management, and DMA.
• TI AM64xx experience preferred.
• Authoring low‑level drivers and SOC management (UART, SPI, I2C, DDR4, secure boot, etc.).
• Implementing serial interfaces; CAN bus or Modbus knowledge preferred.
• Digital signal processing.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• You come in with a strong foundation: you’re not learning embedded systems from scratch.
• You’re adaptable and comfortable with evolving requirements.
• You bring informed opinions, but stay open and collaborative.
• You can both write great code and explain it clearly.
• You enjoy working on a team that solves problems together.

Not a Fit

• You’re a web or cloud engineer without deep firmware experience.
• You prefer highly structured, slow‑moving environments.
• You struggle with collaboration or communicating technical ideas.

Salary Range

$115,000 – $130,000 USD

To apply, please submit your resume. Applications without a resume will not be considered.

At ConnectDER, we believe diverse perspectives make us stronger and more innovative. We welcome candidates of all backgrounds and experiences and encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every listed qualification—great talent comes in many forms.

ConnectDER is committed to developing a barrier‑free recruitment process and work environment. If you require any accommodation during the application and interview process, please email us at [e-mail] and we’ll work with you to meet your accessibility needs.

Selected candidates must pass a criminal history background screening and a reference check. All your information will be kept confidential according to all applicable guidelines.

As set forth in ConnectDER’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.