Firmware Controls Engineer

Job Title: Firmware Controls Engineer

Job Description

This role focuses on designing, implementing, and maintaining software and firmware control algorithms for precision variable frequency drives (VFDs) within embedded systems. The Firmware Controls Engineer applies advanced control theory to electric motor drives and DC/DC converters, collaborates closely with hardware engineering teams, and ensures that embedded control solutions meet both technical specifications and customer requirements.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, test, debug, and support operating system and application software for precision variable frequency drives that meet technical and customer requirements.
• Develop, implement, and refine control algorithms for electric motors and DC/DC converters using control theory and embedded systems techniques.
• Adhere to established coding standards, revision control practices, and software development processes to ensure high-quality, maintainable code.
• Solicit, analyze, and incorporate feedback from customers and end users to enhance product functionality, performance, and usability.
• Conduct and participate in code reviews and design reviews to improve software quality and ensure robust system architecture.
• Propose and champion new ideas, features, and enhancements, and present them constructively to stakeholders and team members.
• Document software and firmware designs thoroughly, including code comments, design reports, and technical descriptions for future reference and knowledge sharing.
• Track, prioritize, and resolve reported software and firmware bugs, performing thorough testing and verification to confirm the effectiveness and stability of fixes.
• Design and develop reusable software and system components, and integrate them into both existing and new product designs to improve efficiency and consistency.
• Collaborate closely with electrical hardware engineers in planning, design, and development to ensure software and hardware compatibility and optimal system performance.
• Serve as a technical lead on assigned projects, coordinating with cross-functional teams and customers to meet deliverables and resolve technical or product issues.
• Use tools such as Matlab, Simulink, and related modeling environments to design, simulate, and validate control algorithms prior to implementation.
• Apply knowledge of real-time operating systems and embedded C/C++ development to implement deterministic, reliable control firmware.
• Utilize version control tools such as GIT to manage source code, branching, merging, and release processes.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of development processes, tools, and methodologies within the firmware and controls engineering team.

Essential Skills

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering with an emphasis on control of electric motors and/or DC/DC converters.
• Strong experience in control theory and its application to engineering problems, particularly in electric motor drives and power electronics.
• Solid understanding of basic physics relevant to electromechanical systems and power conversion.
• Expert-level proficiency with Matlab and Simulink for modeling, simulation, and analysis of control systems.
• Experience with real-time operating systems for embedded applications.
• Experience with Verilog HDL code development for digital hardware or FPGA-based control implementations.
• Experience with C and C++ for embedded software development on microcontrollers or DSPs.
• Experience using GIT or similar version control systems for source code management.
• Minimum of 3 years of related experience in firmware, controls engineering, or embedded systems development.
• Ability to work closely with electrical hardware engineers to ensure hardware-software compatibility and system-level performance.
• Ability to design, implement, test, and debug embedded control software and firmware for precision variable frequency drives.
• Capability to conduct and participate in code and design reviews and to follow established coding and revision control standards.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Vivado and Vitis design suites for FPGA and embedded system development.
• Experience with Matlab/System Generator for FPGA-based control and signal processing design.
• Experience with Mathematica or similar tools for advanced mathematical modeling and analysis.
• Familiarity with power electronics, including variable frequency drives, DC/DC converters, and electric motor control systems.
• Experience working with PC boards and understanding of hardware interfaces relevant to embedded control systems.
• Experience with firmware development for embedded systems in power electronics applications.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to diagnose and resolve complex control and firmware issues.
• Effective communication skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and engaging with customers and end users.
• Ability to document designs clearly and thoroughly, including reports, design descriptions, and code-level documentation.
• Interest in championing new ideas and features and contributing to continuous product improvement.

Work Environment

This is an onsite role in a hardware-focused engineering environment where firmware, controls, and power electronics development occur in close collaboration. The Firmware Controls Engineer works directly with electrical hardware engineers, power electronics equipment, and embedded development platforms to design and validate control solutions for variable frequency drives and related systems. The position involves hands-on work with embedded systems, test setups, and laboratory equipment, as well as frequent use of software tools such as Matlab, Simulink, Verilog development environments, Vivado, Vitis, and version control systems like GIT. Working hours follow a standard onsite engineering schedule, with in-person collaboration, design reviews, and lab testing forming a key part of the daily routine.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Franksville, WI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $160000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

full company benefits- health, dental, vision, 401K, etc.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Franksville,WI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 4, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: 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.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.