Description
We are hiring on behalf of our client for a Technical Lead, Embedded Software & Firmware to drive the design, development, and execution of complex embedded systems.
This is a hands-on technical leadership role focused primarily on embedded and firmware development, including RTOS-based systems, hardware bring-up, driver development, and system-level debugging. The position plays a critical role in shaping technical direction, unblocking engineering teams, and ensuring robust, high-performance embedded solutions across complex products.
Note: This role requires U.S. work authorization due to access to export-controlled technology. Verification will be required prior to employment.
Position Overview
The Technical Lead owns embedded software strategy and execution across projects, ensuring systems are architected correctly, risks are identified early, and engineering teams are set up for success.
This individual will:
- Set technical direction and best practices
- Lead system architecture and design decisions
- Drive process improvements and engineering standards
- Act as a key escalation point for complex technical challenges
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the design, development, and optimization of embedded and firmware systems across complex engineering environments
- Architect firmware tightly integrated with custom hardware, sensors, and control systems
- Develop and review RTOS-based firmware (e.g., FreeRTOS, ROS2, Zephyr), including task design, synchronization, and timing analysis
- Evaluate schematics and PCB layouts to identify integration risks and firmware impacts early
- Debug complex system-level issues using lab tools (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, protocol analyzers)
- Support early-stage firmware development through benchtop system setups prior to final hardware availability
- Ensure systems meet real-time performance, reliability, and mission-critical requirements
- Lead technical design reviews, architecture discussions, and roadmap planning
- Communicate technical concepts, risks, and tradeoffs to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Identify and resolve cross-functional bottlenecks across firmware, hardware, and systems integration
Required Experience
- 7+ years of experience in embedded/firmware development, including 3+ years in a technical lead or senior role
- Strong expertise in C/C++ for embedded systems and Python for tooling/testing
- Hands-on experience with RTOS environments (FreeRTOS, ROS2, Zephyr, or similar)
- Experience developing on embedded platforms (e.g., ARM-based MCUs/SoCs, STM32, x86, PIC32)
- Deep understanding of low-level interfaces (I2C, SPI, UART, Ethernet, GPIO)
- Proven experience debugging system-level issues across hardware, firmware, and software layers
- Experience with version control (Git), build systems, and embedded debugging tools
- Strong documentation, communication, and organizational skills
Leadership & Technical Capabilities
- Ability to act as the escalation point for complex embedded and system-level challenges
- Experience mentoring engineers and elevating technical standards across teams
- Proven ability to architect scalable, maintainable firmware and embedded systems
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to break down complex or ambiguous challenges into executable plans
- Experience supporting repeatable development workflows and configuration management
Preferred Experience
- Experience in robotics, autonomous systems, maritime systems, or similar complex environments
- Familiarity with cloud-connected systems, data pipelines, or remote system management
- Experience with networking stacks and board-level communication debugging
- Exposure to navigation, localization, sensor fusion, or autonomy systems
- Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines for embedded systems
- Knowledge of quality frameworks (e.g., ISO 9001, CMMI)
- Experience working in regulated, safety-critical, or mission-critical environments
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
- Proven ability to lead technical initiatives and influence system architecture decisions
- Strong analytical mindset with a hands-on, solution-oriented approach
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage cross-functional teams and stakeholders