Firmware Engineer

Job Title: Firmware Engineer

Job Description

This role focuses on designing, developing, testing, and optimizing low-level firmware and operating systems-level software for embedded systems used in advanced computing applications. You will work at the intersection of embedded systems, graphics and display pipelines, and emerging AR/VR and AR/AI technologies, contributing directly to next-generation hardware-software integration. The position offers the opportunity to tackle complex engineering challenges across firmware, hardware, and graphics systems while collaborating with advanced engineering teams and external partners.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain high-quality firmware using C and C++ for embedded environments, ensuring portability across various processors and platforms.
• Develop optimized firmware for graphics and display pipelines to support product use cases and deliver high-performance visual experiences.
• Collaborate with internal engineering teams and external vendors to improve, tailor, and integrate existing firmware, device drivers, software stacks, and applications to meet project requirements.
• Debug issues across the full software stack, including hardware functionality, firmware, and device drivers, delivering rapid workarounds for time-critical problems and robust long-term solutions.
• Write new tests and maintain existing test suites, including unit tests, manual tests, and CI-based automated tests, to ensure firmware quality and reliability.
• Manage the full software development lifecycle (SDLC), from requirements gathering and design through development, testing, deployment, and ongoing support.
• Develop and maintain scripting utilities using Python or similar languages to support test automation, CI/CD pipelines, and development workflows.
• Work with real-time operating systems (RTOS) and multi-threaded environments to design, implement, and debug concurrent firmware components.
• Perform performance tuning and optimization of firmware, device drivers, and low-level software to meet stringent resource, latency, and throughput constraints.
• Use debugging tools and techniques such as JTAG, logic analyzers, and trace tools to diagnose and resolve complex hardware-software interaction issues.
• Collaborate closely with hardware engineers, system architects, and cross-disciplinary engineering groups to ensure seamless hardware-software integration.
• Document designs, implementation details, and test results clearly and thoroughly to support ongoing maintenance, reviews, and cross-team communication.
• Prioritize tasks effectively, manage deadlines, and operate with minimal supervision while maintaining high standards of code quality and system reliability.

Essential Skills

• 8+ years of industry experience developing and testing low-level firmware for embedded systems.
• 8+ years of solid, hands-on programming experience in C and C++ in production environments, including development of production-level firmware and test applications.
• Demonstrated expertise developing production-level firmware and low-level software for embedded systems using C and C++.
• Hands-on experience designing, implementing, and debugging firmware in real-time operating systems (RTOS) and multi-threaded environments.
• Expert knowledge of the full software development lifecycle, including requirements gathering, design, development, testing, and deployment.
• Strong experience debugging across the hardware-software stack, including firmware, device drivers, and hardware layers, with the ability to deliver rapid fixes and long-term solutions.
• Experience with CI/CD development tools and processes and building or maintaining CI/CD pipelines.
• Scripting skills using Python or equivalent languages for developing utilities and test automation.
• Expert problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex system issues and implement effective system changes.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage one's time effectively under deadlines.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage in technical discussions and produce clear documentation.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a closely related technical discipline.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Familiarity with AR/VR technologies, graphics rendering, display systems, or graphics and display pipelines.
• Experience working with device drivers, firmware stacks, and low-level software optimization for embedded systems.
• Experience with multi-threaded programming and concurrency models in embedded or systems-level software.
• Knowledge of or experience with RTOS platforms such as FreeRTOS, ThreadX, or similar real-time operating systems.
• Experience with CI/CD tools such as Jenkins, Git-based platforms, Azure DevOps, or comparable systems.
• Proficiency with debugging tools and techniques including JTAG, logic analyzers, and trace tools for hardware-firmware analysis.
• Experience in firmware optimization and performance tuning to meet demanding system requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with hardware teams, vendors, and cross-functional engineering groups.
• Strong analytical problem-solving abilities and attention to detail in design, implementation, and testing.
• Ability to work effectively under deadlines while maintaining high-quality deliverables.
• Commitment to structured development processes, rigorous testing practices, and continuous improvement.
• Candidates should have a consistent employment history with at least 8 years of relevant embedded firmware experience.

Work Environment

You will work in a team-oriented engineering environment that emphasizes cross-functional collaboration and system-level thinking. The role involves fast-paced development cycles focused on delivering high-quality, production-ready firmware and low-level software. You will split your time between independent, deep technical work and team-based problem solving, regularly interacting with hardware engineers, system architects, and external vendors. The environment uses structured development processes with integrated CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and rigorous validation practices. Work centers around advanced embedded systems, graphics and display technologies, AR/VR and AR/AI innovations, and complex hardware-software integration challenges, offering strong opportunities for technical growth and continuous learning.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Redmond, WA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $85.00 - $90.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Redmond,WA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 26, 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.