Firmware Systems Engineering Manager, SmartSense; Boston, MA or Hopkins, MN - Hybrid

Overview

Smart Sense, a Digi International business, provides end-to-end IoT solutions that help organizations monitor critical operations across healthcare, food safety, life sciences, and supply chain. Our platform combines wireless sensors, intelligent gateways, and cloud software to deliver real-time visibility and automated compliance at enterprise scale. More than 2,000 organizations rely on Smart Sense technology to make data-driven decisions in regulated, high-impact environments.

Position

We are seeking an Embedded Firmware Systems Engineering Manager to lead and grow the team responsible for developing the firmware that powers Smart Sense’s next-generation IoT sensors and gateway platforms. This role combines senior-level technical leadership with hands-on engineering. You will define system architecture, guide firmware execution, and contribute directly to code development. The ideal candidate is a principal-level engineer with deep experience building large-scale IoT systems, low-power embedded platforms, connectivity stacks, and device-cloud communication.

LOCATION
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Based in the Greater Boston area with the ability to work hybrid onsite.

This is an opportunity to help define the embedded technology that powers one of the industry’s most trusted IoT platforms. As we expand into new sensing technologies, edge compute, and next-generation connectivity, you will have a meaningful role in shaping the direction of Smart Sense’s device architecture and product capabilities. You’ll work with experienced firmware, hardware, and cloud engineers who are passionate about building reliable systems that operate s is a chance to make a tangible impact while growing a high-performing engineering team.

• Lead system-level engineering across MCU firmware, embedded Linux, connectivity pipelines, and device-cloud interfaces.
• Define and evolve platform architecture including wireless stacks, OTA update systems, low-power design, telemetry, and performance.
• Contribute hands-on to firmware development in C/C++, RTOS environments, embedded Linux services, and edge compute components.
• Ensure fleet KPIs including connectivity stability, uptime, power efficiency, and OTA reliability.
• Work closely with Hardware Engineering on sensor interfaces, radio integration, manufacturability, and system validation.
• Drive CI/CD automation, secure coding practices, test infrastructure, and engineering processes.
• Debug complex issues across MCU, Linux, RF, sensors, and hardware interfaces using advanced diagnostic tools.
• Mentor, develop, and coach firmware engineers to build a strong, scalable engineering organization.
• Partner with Product, Cloud, QA, and Operations to ensure predictable delivery and cross-team alignment.

• 10+ years of embedded systems or firmware engineering experience, including real-time MCU development.
• 1+ years of engineering leadership with strong delivery and quality outcomes.
• Expert proficiency in embedded C/C++, RTOS architectures, device drivers, and low-power IoT system design.
• Strong background in embedded Linux (Yocto, Ubuntu) and device service development.
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines, Git, Jenkins, Docker, and secure software development practices.
• Strong knowledge of wireless protocols such as BLE, Zigbee, LTE, and device-cloud communication.
• Skilled in debugging across hardware, firmware, Linux, and RF domains.
• Experience with at least one major cloud IoT platform (AWS IoT, Azure IoT, or Google Cloud IoT) is required and considered a must for this role

• Experience with Digi XBee modules, cellular gateways, or large-scale IoT telemetry architectures.
• Knowledge of RF tuning, sensor system design, or power optimization.
• Exposure to compliance or regulatory frameworks.

We note that we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. This includes, but is not limited to, work visas, employment-based visas, or residency sponsorship. Candidates must have valid work authorization in the United States at the time of application. Visa applications of any kind will not be considered.

Digi International offers a distinctive Total…