Embedded Firmware Engineer

Embedded Firmware Engineer (USB-C / Power Delivery)

LHH Recruitment Solutions is partnering with an innovative technology organization to identify an Embedded Firmware Engineer for a 6-month contract opportunity with strong potential for conversion to a permanent position. This role is ideal for an engineer who thrives at the intersection of hardware and software, enjoys hands-on board bring-up activities, and has experience developing firmware for embedded systems utilizing USB-C Power Delivery (USB-PD) technologies.

This is a hybrid position based in Bellevue, WA, requiring three days onsite per week. Due to project requirements, U.S. Person status is required.

Position Overview

As an Embedded Firmware Engineer, you will play a key role in bringing new hardware platforms from prototype to production. Working closely with hardware engineers, you will develop and debug firmware for ARM-based microcontrollers, configure peripheral devices, and implement USB-C/USB-PD functionality on next-generation hardware designs.

The ideal candidate brings strong embedded C development experience, hands-on hardware debugging expertise, and the ability to work directly from schematics, datasheets, and register-level documentation to quickly diagnose and resolve complex system issues.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform hardware bring-up activities on newly developed PCB designs, including validation of power rails, clocks, peripheral interfaces, and core functionality.

• Develop, maintain, and optimize embedded firmware in C for ARM Cortex-M and similar 32-bit microcontroller platforms.

• Configure and communicate with companion devices and peripheral ICs through I2C, SPI, UART, and related interfaces.

• Implement and debug USB-C and USB Power Delivery features, including:

• Power contract negotiation

• Source, sink, and dual-role power (DRP) functionality

• Fault detection and recovery

• Device state management

• Utilize debugging tools including oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, protocol analyzers, multimeters, SWD/JTAG debuggers, and serial logging tools.

• Analyze schematics, datasheets, and technical documentation to develop firmware solutions and troubleshoot hardware interactions.

• Identify and isolate hardware versus firmware issues through systematic debugging and testing.

• Document firmware architecture, configurations, register settings, and design decisions.

• Participate in code reviews and maintain source control using Git.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with hardware, systems, and test engineering teams throughout the development lifecycle.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent practical experience.

• Strong experience developing embedded firmware in C for 32-bit microcontrollers, particularly ARM Cortex-M platforms.

• Experience with:

• Interrupt-driven firmware architectures

• Register-level peripheral programming

• Resource-constrained embedded systems

• Memory and performance optimization

• Working knowledge of USB-C and USB Power Delivery (USB-PD) protocols, including power negotiation and role management.

• Experience configuring and debugging peripherals using:

• I2C

• SPI

• UART

• Demonstrated success performing hardware bring-up and low-level firmware debugging on physical hardware.

• Ability to read and interpret:

• Hardware schematics

• Datasheets

• Register maps

• Technical reference manuals

• Proficiency with laboratory and debugging equipment, including oscilloscopes, analyzers, and embedded debugging tools.

• Experience using Git for version control and collaborative development.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with embedded development environments such as:

• Infineon ModusToolbox

• STM32Cube

• Similar MCU SDKs and middleware platforms

• Experience creating, modifying, or supporting Board Support Packages (BSPs).

• Knowledge of firmware update mechanisms, bootloaders, and DFU (Device Firmware Update) processes.

• Experience with power-path management and regulator firmware, including:

• VBUS control

• Overvoltage protection (OVP)

• Undervoltage protection (UVP)

• Overcurrent protection (OCP)

• Power sequencing and soft-start control

• Experience supporting USB subsystems such as:

• USB hubs

• DisplayPort Alt Mode

• Redrivers and retimers

• Billboard devices

Nice-to-Have Experience

• Prior experience with:

• Infineon EZ-PD platforms

• PMG1 devices

• Cypress CCGx USB-PD controllers

• Familiarity with USB-IF compliance requirements and USB-C certification processes.

• Experience implementing CI/CD pipelines for embedded firmware builds and testing.

• Additional expertise in advanced USB Power Delivery ecosystem components and compliance validation.

Work Environment

• Hybrid schedule with 3 days onsite in Bellevue, WA

• Collaborative engineering environment with close interaction between firmware and hardware teams

• Hands-on laboratory and development setting

• Opportunity to contribute directly to next-generation product development efforts

Employment Details

• Duration: 6-month contract

• Potential for Conversion: Yes

• Compensation: $90-110/hr

• Location: Bellevue, WA (Hybrid, 3 days onsite)

• Work Authorization: U.S. Persons required

• Industry: Advanced Technology / Embedded Systems

Benefit Offerings:

Benefit offerings include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, and 401K plan. Our program provides employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. Available paid leave may include Paid Sick Leave, where required by law; any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law; and Holiday pay upon meeting eligibility criteria.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.lhh.com/us/en/candidate-privacy

The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

• The California Fair Chance Act

• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance

• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers

• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Pay Details: $60.00 to $80.00 per hour

Search managed by: Scott McKeen

Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Military connected talent encouraged to apply

To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.lhh.com/us/en/candidate-privacy

The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

• The California Fair Chance Act
• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.