Senior Firmware Engineer

Engtal; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Engtal seeks a Senior Firmware Engineer to develop real-time embedded software in C++ for defense-grade systems. You will design electrical systems, interpret MCU datasheets, and collaborate with the electronics team.

Responsibilities include testing, SIL/HIL, CI integration, and documentation. You will optimize performance, reduce power, and ensure compatibility with sensors, actuators and control hardware in rugged environments.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in electrical and firmware design.
• Embedded real-time software development.
• Experience with MCU-based control systems and power conversion.
• Ability to read datasheets and design schematics.
• Knowledge of CAN, UART, I2C protocols used in robotics.

Responsibilities

• Develop Real-Time Embedded Software in C++ for defense applications.
• Design and develop electrical systems from datasheets and schematics.
• Write tests and integrate MCU tests in CI/CD environments.
• Incorporate MCU and embedded Linux into SIL/HIL tests.
• Document designs with diagrams, simulations and test protocols.
• Test and debug in lab and field environments; optimize for rugged conditions.

Skills

C++ Embedded

Python scripting

Schematic design

Altium Designer

OrCAD

Eagle

MCU peripherals CAN UART I2C

RTOS / Embedded Linux

Power electronics

CI testing

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Electrical Engineering / CS

Tools

Altium Designer

OrCAD

Eagle

Job description

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Firmware Engineer with strong expertise in microcontroller firmware development in C++, schematic design, and electrical simulation. The ideal candidate will play a critical role in developing robust, high-performance electrical systems that integrate seamlessly with our electromechanical components, helping to ensure our products meet rigorous military-grade requirements. You will contribute to developing, optimizing, and implementing embedded software for real-time control of our systems.

What You’ll Do:

• Develop Real-Time Embedded Software: Design and implement embedded software in C++, focusing on real-time responsiveness and efficiency for autonomous defense applications.
• Design and Develop Electrical Systems: Interpret microcontroller, digital, and analog IC datasheets and circuit schematics. Create and communicate design constraints and preferences to the electronics design team.
• Write simulations, unit tests and system tests to validate your code. Integrate MCU tests within our CI environment.
• Work to incorporate our MCU and embedded Linux code in Software-in-the-loop (SIL) and Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) tests.
• Documentation and Reporting: Develop and maintain detailed documentation of designs, including pseudocode, block diagrams, schematics, simulation results, and test protocols.
• Test and Debug Embedded Systems: Conduct extensive testing, simulation, and debugging in both lab and field environments. Troubleshoot and optimize electronics and software for various real-world conditions.
• Performance Optimization: Continuously improve code performance and reduce power consumption to maximize system efficiency on hardware-constrained platforms.

What You’ll Need:

• Experience: 3+ years of experience in electrical and firmware design, including schematic design and embedded software development.
• Educational Background: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Embedded Circuit Design: Knowledge of microcontroller-based control systems, including power conversion and motor drives.
• Languages: Proficiency in C++ for embedded systems and Python for scripting or development tasks.
• Schematic Review: Proficiency with electrical design tools such as Altium Designer, OrCAD, or Eagle.
• Peripherals & Protocols: Knowledge of typical MCU peripherals (e.g. Timers, ADC, DAC) and communication protocols used in robotics (e.g., CAN, UART, I2C).
• Testing and Validation: Hands‑on experience with testing methodologies, equipment, and validation protocols for designs that meet military standards.
• Embedded Software: 3+ years of experience developing real‑time, safety‑critical embedded systems.
• Robotics Systems: Experience deploying real‑time control software in robotics or autonomous systems.
• Systems Integration: Ability to integrate software with sensors, actuators, and control hardware.

You’ll Stand Out:

• Embedded Linux and RTOS Experience: Familiarity with embedded Linux environments, RTOS, and building custom kernels for embedded platforms.
• High-Performance Systems: Experience optimizing code for low‑latency, high-performance embedded applications with strict power and computational constraints.
• Networking & Protocols: Knowledge of networking protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP, EtherCAT)