Senior Embedded Firmware Architect for Robotics & Autonomy

Boston Engineering; Waltham (MA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) match

Paid time off

Job summary

Boston Engineering in Waltham, MA, seeks a hands-on Lead Firmware Engineer focused on embedded/firmware for robotics and advanced systems. You will own architecture, drive design reviews, and collaborate across electrical and mechanical teams to deliver robust firmware.

The role requires 7+ years in embedded development, strong C/C++, and RTOS experience; security clearances may apply for certain programs. Local candidates only; relocation assistance may be available.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Computer Science, Electrical/Computer Engineering, or related field.
• 7+ years embedded/firmware development incl. 3+ years in a senior/lead role.
• C and C++ for embedded, plus Python for tooling.
• Hands-on with RTOS environments (FreeRTOS, ROS2, Zephyr).
• Experience with embedded targets (STM32, ARM MCUs/SoCs, x86, PIC32).
• Experience with I2C, SPI, UART, Ethernet, GPIO, and low-level interfaces.
• Familiarity with cloud/servers for data offload/management.
• Experience debugging networking stacks and board-level communication.
• Authoring/reviewing software requirements, specs, and design docs; leading design reviews.
• ISO 9001 and CMMI desirable.
• Experience with maritime/robotics/military platforms desirable.
• Navigation/localization/sensor fusion/autonomy is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Own embedded software at tactical and strategic levels; architect systems, identify risks, unblock team.
• Set technical direction, document processes, establish best practices, raise engineering bar.
• Collaborate with electrical and mechanical teams; mentor, review code/design, improve processes.
• Develop/maintain firmware tightly integrated with hardware, sensors, and control systems.
• Review schematics/PCB layouts for firmware impact and risks early in development.
• Debug complex issues with test tools; determine root cause across software/firmware/hardware.
• Build/maintain benchtop setups to enable early firmware development.
• Ensure firmware meets real-time performance, reliability, and mission-critical requirements.

Skills

C/C++ for embedded

Python for tooling/testing

RTOS (FreeRTOS/ROS2/Zephyr)

Debugging with scopes & analyzers

System design leadership

Mentoring & code reviews

CI/CD for embedded

Documentation & processes

Hardware bring-up

Board/schematic review

Education

BS or MS in Computer Science / Electrical/Computer Engineering or related field

Tools

Git version control

Build systems

Debugging environments

CI/CD pipelines for embedded

Schematic/PCB review tools

Job description

Boston Engineering in Waltham, MA, seeks a hands-on Lead Firmware Engineer focused on embedded/firmware for robotics and advanced systems. You will own architecture, drive design reviews, and collaborate across electrical and mechanical teams to deliver robust firmware.

The role requires 7+ years in embedded development, strong C/C++, and RTOS experience; security clearances may apply for certain programs. Local candidates only; relocation assistance may be available.