Firmware Engineer

Position: Staff Firmware Engineer
Location: Denver

Kforce has a client that is seeking a Staff Firmware Engineer in Lakewood, CO.

Summary:

The Staff Firmware Engineer leads the design, development, and optimization of firmware for embedded systems. You will mentor less experienced engineers, troubleshoot issues, and ensure firmware components are reliable, efficient, and scalable.

Responsibilities:
Firmware Architecture & Design:

* Lead the design and development of firmware for embedded systems, including creating and optimizing firmware architecture to meet system requirements

* Develop and implement low-level device drivers, hardware abstraction layers (HAL), bootloaders, and firmware for microcontrollers, processors, and SoCs (System on Chips)

* Architect firmware for scalability, reusability, and ease of integration into complex hardware systems

* Analyze system requirements and translate them into efficient and maintainable firmware solutions

Development & Debugging:

* Write high-quality, optimized, and well-documented firmware code in languages such as C, C++, or assembly language

* Use debugging tools, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, etc. to troubleshoot and debug firmware on embedded systems

* Develop test frameworks and utilize automated testing

Firmware Optimization & Performance Tuning:

* Optimize firmware code for performance, memory usage, and energy efficiency

* Conduct performance analysis and profiling

* Implement techniques for power management and low-power operation for embedded systems, especially in battery-operated devices

Product Lifecycle Support:

* Provide ongoing firmware support throughout the product lifecycle, including bug fixes, updates, and enhancements

* Develop and maintain detailed firmware documentation, including design documents, release notes, and user manuals

Quality Assurance & Best Practices:

* Lead efforts to identify potential risks in the firmware development process and work to mitigate them before they impact production
* Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field

* 8 years of experience in embedded systems development and firmware engineering, with at least 4-5 years of experience in a senior or lead role

* Proficiency in C, C++, and assembly language programming for embedded systems

* Extensive experience with embedded debugging tools, such as JTAG, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and serial analyzers

* Strong understanding of hardware design, including circuit diagrams, data sheets, and schematics

* Experience with version control tools (e.g., Git), continuous integration, and issue tracking systems

* Familiarity with software development processes (Agile, Scrum) and tools (e.g., JIRA, Confluence)

* Strong experience with power management techniques and optimization for embedded systems

* Strong leadership skills with the ability to lead technical projects and mentor other engineers

* Ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and articulate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders

* Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines

* Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

* Work with hardware engineers to ensure firmware integration with hardware components

* Collaborate with software engineering teams to ensure smooth interaction between firmware, OS (if applicable), and application-level software

* Understand business and technical goals

* Provide firmware support for integration, testing, and system validation across various stages of the product lifecycle

Physical Demands:

* Sitting:
Often for extended periods at desks or meetings

* Standing or walking:
Occasionally for meetings or office tasks

* Using computers:
Typing and using office equipment

* Lifting:
Light, less than 10 pounds

* Repetitive motions