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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Embedded Engineer

💰 $95,000 - $175,000

EngineeringFirmwareHardwareSoftware DevelopmentIoT

🎯 Role Definition

As a pivotal member of our technology team, the Embedded Engineer is the creative force that breathes life into hardware. You will be at the intersection of hardware and software, responsible for designing, developing, testing, and maintaining the firmware and low-level software that powers our innovative products. This role requires a deep understanding of electronics, computer architecture, and software engineering principles to create robust, efficient, and reliable embedded systems. From initial concept and prototyping to mass production and post-launch support, you will be instrumental in delivering cutting-edge solutions that define the user experience and product performance.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Junior Embedded Engineer / Firmware Engineer
  • Electrical Engineering Graduate with a software focus
  • Computer Science Graduate with a low-level systems/IoT specialization

Advancement To:

  • Senior or Staff Embedded Engineer
  • Embedded Systems Architect
  • Principal Firmware Engineer
  • Engineering Manager / Technical Lead

Lateral Moves:

  • IoT Solutions Architect
  • Hardware Design Engineer
  • Systems Validation Engineer
  • Technical Product Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Design, develop, and implement robust, scalable, and secure firmware for various microcontroller-based systems (e.g., ARM Cortex-M/A, RISC-V, ESP32).
  • Write high-quality, maintainable, and efficient code in C and C++, focusing on low-level hardware interaction, performance optimization, and memory management.
  • Develop and integrate Board Support Packages (BSPs) and device drivers for peripherals such as SPI, I2C, UART, ADC, DAC, and GPIO.
  • Implement and debug wireless communication protocols, including Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Wi-Fi, Zigbee, LoRaWAN, and cellular modems (LTE-M/NB-IoT).
  • Lead the bring-up, testing, and validation of new hardware prototypes, working hands-on with boards and using lab equipment to diagnose issues.
  • Architect and implement software for Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) like FreeRTOS, Zephyr, or Mbed OS, managing tasks, memory, and concurrency.
  • Develop and execute comprehensive unit, integration, and system-level test plans to ensure software reliability and robustness.
  • Troubleshoot and debug complex, system-level issues that involve interactions between hardware, firmware, and external systems.
  • Optimize firmware for low-power operation, analyzing and minimizing energy consumption for battery-powered devices.
  • Collaborate closely with hardware engineers during the schematic design and PCB layout process, providing critical feedback on component selection and system architecture.
  • Implement secure bootloaders and over-the-air (OTA) firmware update mechanisms to ensure devices are secure and maintainable in the field.
  • Create and maintain comprehensive software design documentation, including architectural diagrams, API specifications, and release notes.
  • Profile and optimize code for execution speed, memory footprint, and overall system performance to meet stringent product requirements.
  • Develop manufacturing test firmware and support the transition of products from development to high-volume production.
  • Participate in rigorous code reviews to maintain high standards of code quality, share knowledge, and improve team practices.

Secondary Functions

  • Develop and maintain build automation and continuous integration (CI/CD) pipelines for embedded software projects.
  • Write host-side scripts and applications (e.g., in Python, C#) for testing, debugging, and interfacing with embedded devices.
  • Evaluate and select third-party software libraries, development tools, and microcontrollers for new projects.
  • Provide technical support to other engineering teams (e.g., mobile app, cloud) regarding firmware APIs and device behavior.
  • Stay current with emerging technologies, industry trends, and best practices in the embedded systems domain.
  • Mentor junior engineers, providing guidance on technical challenges and professional development.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Expert-level proficiency in C and modern C++ (C++11/14/17) for constrained embedded systems.
  • Deep experience with 32-bit microcontroller architectures, such as ARM Cortex-M series (STM32, nRF52) or RISC-V.
  • Hands-on experience with Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) like FreeRTOS or Zephyr.
  • Strong knowledge of low-level communication protocols including I2C, SPI, UART, and CAN bus.
  • Proven ability to read and interpret electronic schematics and component datasheets.
  • Proficiency with lab equipment, including oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, multimeters, and power supplies.
  • Expertise in using debugging tools such as JTAG/SWD debuggers (e.g., Segger J-Link, OpenOCD) and protocol analyzers.
  • Solid experience with version control systems, particularly Git, and collaborative workflows (e.g., GitFlow).
  • Familiarity with wireless technologies like Bluetooth/BLE and Wi-Fi and their corresponding stacks.
  • Scripting skills for automation and testing using languages like Python or Bash.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities with a systems-thinking approach.
  • Meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable products.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills for documenting designs and collaborating with a multi-disciplinary team.
  • Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a fast-paced, collaborative engineering group.
  • A proactive and self-motivated mindset with a passion for continuous learning and tackling new challenges.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree in a relevant technical field.

Preferred Education:

  • Master's Degree in a relevant technical field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Computer Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Computer Science (with a focus on systems or embedded)
  • Mechatronics Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-10+ years of professional experience in embedded systems design and firmware development.

Preferred: Demonstrable experience taking at least one product from the concept/prototyping phase through to manufacturing and commercial launch. Experience in domains such as consumer electronics, medical devices, automotive, or industrial IoT is highly valued.

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