About Cogent Infotech
Cogent Infotech is a technology and talent solutions company headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA. We support clients across commercial, federal, state, and local markets with services in digital transformation, application development, cloud, cybersecurity, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and workforce solutions.
Job Title: Embedded Systems Engineer I
Experience: 1 2 years (including school projects or internships)
Location: Oakland, CA | Onsite (5 days per week)
Salary: $100,000 $120,000 annually, plus a 6% annual bonus at target payout, based on company performance.
Job Summary
We are seeking a motivated, hands-on Embedded Systems Engineer I to support the development, testing, troubleshooting, and refinement of embedded products and prototype systems. The role focuses on programming prototype devices, executing firmware test plans, documenting results, tracking defects, troubleshooting embedded systems, and supporting firmware development. The engineer will collaborate with firmware, electrical, mechanical, and product development teams to help advance new products and features from concept through final product testing.
Key Responsibilities- Upload and validate new firmware releases on prototype devices and embedded systems.
- Create, maintain, and execute firmware and embedded-systems test plans.
- Develop software or firmware for test fixtures, development tools, and prototype equipment.
- Identify, reproduce, and document firmware bugs and hardware defects; maintain clear bug-tracking documentation.
- Collaborate with firmware and hardware engineers on firmware development, debugging, integration, and release activities.
- Work hands-on with prototype hardware and software to support prototyping and evaluation of new embedded products and technologies.
Required Qualifications- Technical diploma, associate degree, bachelor s degree, or equivalent practical experience in embedded systems, electronics, computer science, software engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field.
- Experience working with computers, electronic systems, software, firmware, or laboratory/test equipment.
- 1 2 years of C/C++ programming experience, including school projects or internships.
- 1 2 years of software or firmware testing experience, including school projects or internships.
- Experience writing code in C, C++, Python, or another relevant programming language.
- Ability to create and execute test plans accurately and document test results, technical issues, and observed product behavior clearly.
- Basic understanding of software or firmware development and debugging.
- Strong attention to detail, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills; ability to work effectively with cross-functional engineering teams.
- 1 2 years of experience using Microsoft Office software, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Ability to work onsite in Oakland, California, five days per week.
Desired Qualifications- Bachelor s degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Embedded Systems, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Experience with embedded systems, microcontrollers, firmware, or hardware/software integration (e.g., Arduino or ESP32).
- Experience creating test scripts, diagnostic tools, firmware utilities, or test-fixture software.
- Experience with serial communications or interfaces such as USB, I2C, SPI, CAN, UART, or Ethernet.
- Ability to read a circuit diagram.
- Experience programming ARM-based microprocessors, preferably STM, in C or C++.
- Experience programming DC or stepper motors and working with sensors.
- Experience using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, multimeters, programmers/debuggers, or other electronic test equipment.
- At least 1 year of embedded systems programming experience.
Key Skills
Embedded Systems " Firmware Development " C / C++ " Python " Firmware Testing " Test Plans & Documentation " Debugging & Troubleshooting " Prototype Development " Hardware/Software Integration " Microcontrollers " Serial Communications " Test Fixtures " Defect Tracking " Microsoft Word / Excel / PowerPoint " Cross-Functional Collaboration
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining an inclusive workplace. Employment decisions shall not be based on any characteristic protected by applicable law.