Staff Firmware Engineer

Firmware EngineerFirmware Engineer needed for a rapidly growing Industrial Automation and Communication company located in Knoxville, TN. This is a Direct Hire position with an excellent salary and benefits package. Starting salary range is $120,000 to $150,000 (depending on experience, education, and training).Job Description:The Staff Firmware Engineer is a senior technical leader responsible for owning firmware projects or major subsystems and leading technical execution across multiple contributors. This role combines deep firmware expertise with mentorship, cross-functional collaboration, and accountability for delivering robust, scalable embedded software aligned with product and business objectives. The successful, self-motivated candidate will have experience in operating systems and the development and use of board support packages for custom embedded hardware platforms, fluent in the C and C++ programming languages, experienced using debuggers and emulators, and effective communication both written and verbal.Essential Job FunctionsOwn and lead the technical execution of firmware projects or major subsystems from concept through production releaseDefine firmware architectures, design approaches, and implementation strategiesCoordinate and guide the work of multiple firmware engineers through technical leadership and reviewDesign, implement, and review embedded firmware using C and C++ across Linux and RTOS-based platformsLead development and integration of board support packages (BSPs), bootloaders, device drivers, and middlewareLead firmware bring-up, debugging, optimization, and system integration activitiesEstablish and apply firmware verification and validation strategies to ensure quality, reliability, and regulatory complianceIdentify, assess, and mitigate technical risks throughout the firmware development lifecycleServe as a primary firmware technical interface with Hardware, Software, Test, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Project Management teamsProvide advanced technical support for manufacturing, field, or customer issuesMentor and coach Associate, Firmware, and Senior Firmware EngineersContribute to the development and continuous improvement of firmware development standards, tools, and processesMinimum QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field from an accredited institution; Master’s degree preferredEight or more years of experience in firmware or embedded software engineering with demonstrated leadership of complex projectsExpert-level proficiency in embedded firmware development using C and C++Extensive experience with embedded Linux systems and real-time operating systemsStrong experience with Linux kernel configuration, building, and debuggingExtensive experience developing and debugging device drivers and low-level firmwareExperience configuring and customizing bootloaders (e.g., U-Boot, GRUB)Strong understanding of firmware architecture, modular design, and system trade-offsDeep experience with source version control systems and software release processesExcellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skillsStrong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence without authorityDesired QualificationsExperience serving as technical lead on multi-disciplinary or cross-functional projectsExperience with Windows-based embedded or device driver developmentExperience with ARM and x86 processor architecturesStrong networking and Ethernet-based communication experienceExperience implementing cryptographic algorithms and secure communication protocolsExperience with product certification activities (e.g., CE, UL)Experience in industrial automation or embedded control systems