Firmware Controls Engineer

Job Title: Firmware Controls Engineer

Job Description

This role focuses on designing, implementing, and maintaining advanced software and firmware control algorithms for precision variable frequency drives (VFDs). The Firmware Controls Engineer applies strong control theory expertise and embedded systems experience to develop reliable, high-performance solutions that integrate seamlessly with electrical hardware and meet demanding technical and customer requirements.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, test, debug, and support operating system and application software for precision variable frequency drives that meet technical specifications and customer needs.
• Develop and maintain firmware algorithms for controlling electric motors and power electronics, ensuring stability, efficiency, and robustness.
• 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 performance and usability.
• Conduct and actively participate in code reviews and design reviews to improve software quality and share best practices.
• Propose and respectfully champion new ideas, features, and improvements, regardless of size, to continuously advance product capabilities.
• Document software and firmware designs thoroughly, including comments, reports, and technical descriptions that support future maintenance and development.
• Track, investigate, and resolve reported software and firmware bugs, performing thorough testing to verify the effectiveness and safety of fixes.
• Design and develop reusable software and system components and integrate them into 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 performance, compatibility, and reliability.
• Serve as a technical lead on assigned projects, coordinating with cross-functional teams and customers to meet deliverables and resolve technology or product issues.
• Utilize tools such as Matlab and Simulink to model, simulate, and validate control algorithms prior to implementation in embedded systems.

Essential Skills

• Masters 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 motor control and power electronics.
• Solid understanding of basic physics relevant to electromechanical and power conversion systems.
• Expert-level proficiency with Matlab and Simulink for modeling, simulation, and implementation of control algorithms.
• Experience with real-time operating systems for embedded applications.
• Experience developing with Verilog HDL for programmable logic or FPGA-based control implementations.
• Proficiency in C and C++ for embedded software development on microcontrollers or processors.
• Experience using GIT or similar version control systems for collaborative software development.
• At least 3 years of related experience in firmware, embedded systems, or controls engineering.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Vivado and Vitis design tools for FPGA and embedded system development.
• Experience with Matlab/System Generator for FPGA-based algorithm design and implementation.
• Familiarity with Mathematica or similar mathematical design and analysis suites.
• Experience working with electric motors, power electronics, and PC board-level hardware in a development environment.
• Experience in designing control systems for DC/DC converters or similar power conversion topologies.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional engineering teams, including hardware and systems engineers.
• Strong documentation, reporting, and communication skills to clearly convey design intent and technical findings.

Work Environment

This is an onsite role in a collaborative engineering environment focused on precision variable frequency drives, electric motor control, and power electronics. You will work closely with electrical hardware engineers and other technical professionals, using tools such as Matlab, Simulink, Verilog HDL, Vivado, Vitis, and real-time operating systems to develop and validate embedded control solutions. The work involves hands-on interaction with embedded systems, PC boards, and test setups, as well as participation in design and code reviews. The environment emphasizes adherence to coding standards, disciplined use of version control, thorough documentation, and continuous improvement of products and processes.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Wauwatosa, 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 benefits- health, dental, vision, 401K

Job Type & Location

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

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 6, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Wauwatosa,WI.

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.