Firmware Engineer

Senior Firmware / Embedded Software Engineer

Job Description

This role focuses on leading and delivering embedded firmware for next‑generation products from initial concept through production. The Senior Firmware / Embedded Software Engineer works hands-on in a highly technical environment, architecting robust firmware solutions for microcontroller-based systems. The position involves close collaboration with hardware, electrical, and systems engineering teams to bring new designs to life and ensure they meet performance, reliability, and low‑power requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to firmware development for new product designs, guiding projects from early prototype stages through full production release.
• Design, develop, debug, and maintain embedded firmware in C for microcontroller-based systems.
• Develop and support RTOS-based firmware architectures, including task scheduling, memory management, and inter-task communication.
• Collaborate closely with hardware, electrical, and systems engineers during schematic reviews, board bring-up, and system validation.
• Support board bring-up and debugging activities on STM32-based platforms and similar ARM Cortex‑M microcontrollers.
• Interface with and integrate sensors, peripherals, and external devices into embedded systems.
• Participate actively in design reviews, architecture discussions, and technical decision-making to ensure robust and scalable solutions.
• Ensure that firmware meets defined performance, reliability, and low-power requirements throughout the product lifecycle.
• Contribute to technical documentation, coding standards, and firmware best practices to support maintainable and high-quality codebases.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• At least 5 years of embedded or firmware development experience, with a strong preference for candidates with 10 or more years of experience.
• Strong proficiency in C programming for embedded systems.
• Hands-on experience working in RTOS environments, including task management and resource handling.
• Experience developing firmware for STM32 or similar ARM Cortex‑M microcontrollers.
• Demonstrated experience supporting the full new product development (NPD) lifecycle, from concept through production, beyond sustaining or maintenance work.
• Ability to debug across firmware, hardware, and system levels using tools such as JTAG, logic analyzers, and oscilloscopes.
• Practical experience with embedded systems, including embedded C, RTOS-based development, and microcontroller integration.
• Experience with sensor integration and data acquisition in embedded environments.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with FreeRTOS or similar real-time operating systems.
• Familiarity with version control systems, particularly Git-based workflows such as GitHub.
• Knowledge of communication protocols including I²C, SPI, UART, and CAN.
• Experience working with low-power or battery-powered embedded designs.
• Exposure to production or regulated development environments with structured processes and documentation.
• Experience contributing to firmware best practices, coding standards, and technical documentation.

Work Environment

The role operates in a highly technical product development environment focused on embedded systems and new product introduction. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, including hardware, electrical, and systems engineers, throughout schematic reviews, board bring-up, and validation activities. The work involves frequent use of development and debugging tools such as JTAG interfaces, logic analyzers, and oscilloscopes, as well as hands-on interaction with STM32 and similar ARM Cortex‑M microcontroller platforms. The environment emphasizes collaboration, rigorous technical reviews, and adherence to best practices for firmware design, performance, reliability, and low-power operation.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Gary, IN.

The pay range for this position is $58.00 - $65.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Gary,IN.

This position is anticipated to close on May 20, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.