Onsite role in Redmond.
Max BR: Hourly
5+ years of experience required.
CW Job Description Embedded SW Engineer (Contractor)
Overview
We're looking for a Contingent Worker (CW) to support the development of visual perceptual quality software for embedded AR/VR devices. You'll modify device firmware, build and maintain test infrastructure, write automated and manual tests, and collaborate closely with engineering teams to ensure display and graphics pipelines meet rigorous perceptual quality standards. This role spans low-level firmware through application-level tooling, requiring strong systems thinking and a quality-first mindset.
Responsibilities
Develop and modify device firmware (C/C++) to support visual perceptual quality features across computer vision, graphics, and display pipelines.
Design, implement, and maintain test infrastructure for evaluating perceptual quality metrics (e.g., latency, quality/accuracy, motion-to-photon).
Write new tests and maintain existing tests including unit tests, integration tests, manual validation procedures, and CI automation.
Debug issues across the full software stack from hardware bring-up and driver-level defects through application-layer rendering providing both quick workarounds for time-critical issues and long-term solutions.
Develop optimized firmware and software utilities targeting embedded environments, with portability across processors and platforms.
Integrate platform-level features where applicable.
Collaborate with internal teams to improve and tailor existing firmware, device drivers, and applications to project requirements.
Create clean, well-documented, and testable code; contribute to CI/CD build scripts and automation pipelines as needed.
Document designs, tradeoffs, test methodologies, and results for cross-functional stakeholders.
Minimum Qualifications
5+ years of industry experience developing and testing low-level firmware or systems software for embedded platforms.
5+ years of solid programming skills in C and C++, with experience writing production firmware and test applications.
Experience with the full software development lifecycle: requirements gathering, design, implementation, testing, and delivery.
Experience building reusable test frameworks, harnesses, or infrastructure for hardware-in-the-loop or perceptual quality validation.
Demonstrated debugging skills across complex software/hardware stacks (graphics, display, or sensor pipelines preferred).
Experience with RTOS and developing multi-threaded or real-time applications.
Experience with CI/CD development tools and processes.
Scripting skills using Python or similar languages for developing utilities and test automation.
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or a relevant field.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with computer vision, graphics and display systems.
Understanding of visual/perceptual quality metrics and measurement methodologies (e.g., JND, SSIM, flicker thresholds, motion-to-photon latency).
Experience with AR/VR display technologies and associated performance constraints.
Android platform experience (NDK, JNI, HAL) or low-level platform integration.
Familiarity with image/video quality assessment tools or development of custom measurement utilities.
Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to work independently and manage priorities.
Pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act, Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, qualified applicants will be considered for assignment with arrest and conviction records. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness, meet client expectations, standards, and accompanying requirements, and safeguard business operations and company reputation.
EEO:
Mindlance is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of Minority/Gender/Disability/Religion/LGBTQI/Age/Veterans.