Embedded Systems Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Electrical & Embedded Systems Engineer (ESP32)

Job Description

We are seeking a highly skilled and innovative Electrical & Embedded Systems Engineer with deep expertise in ESP32 microcontroller design. In this role, you will own the complete electronics pipeline for upcoming product lines, from schematic capture and multi-layer PCB layout through to robust, production-grade embedded firmware. You will design reliable, cost-effective hardware while developing intelligent, connected features such as smart automation, environmental sensing, and seamless IoT connectivity. This position suits a creative problem-solver who understands how physical hardware integrates with modern cloud infrastructure and APIs, and who thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, simulate, and prototype reliable, cost-effective circuit boards built around the ESP32 architecture, ensuring robust performance and manufacturability.
• Develop multi-layer PCB layouts optimized for power efficiency, thermal management, and strong RF performance for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
• Write clean, well-structured, and thoroughly documented embedded firmware in C/C++ using ESP-IDF or Arduino IDE to handle sensor data acquisition, motor and pump control, and power state management.
• Implement firmware-level clients for REST, MQTT, and WebSocket APIs to connect devices to mobile applications, smart home ecosystems, and cloud backends.
• Design embedded systems that integrate seamlessly with network protocols such as Wi-Fi and BLE, ensuring secure and reliable data exchange.
• Create complete Design for Manufacturing (DFM) packages, including optimized PCB designs, comprehensive Bills of Materials (BOM), and manufacturing files such as Gerbers and pick-and-place data.
• Collaborate closely with in-house manufacturing and assembly teams to ensure designs align with production capabilities and quality standards.
• Bring up prototype boards, perform hardware and firmware debugging, and use lab equipment such as oscilloscopes and logic analyzers to diagnose and resolve issues.
• Develop and execute testing and validation procedures to ensure robust error handling, system stability, and long-term reliability in real-world conditions.
• Act as the technical authority on the electronics platform, defining system architecture and guiding design decisions across hardware and firmware.
• Evaluate and select new sensors, wireless modules, and control methods to maintain a cutting-edge electronics platform for evaporative cooling products.
• Propose innovative features and improvements, such as enhanced automation and environmental sensing capabilities, to differentiate products and improve user experience.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of electronics, firmware, and mechanical systems throughout the product lifecycle.
• Document designs, test results, and engineering decisions clearly to support manufacturing, maintenance, and future product iterations.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 5+ years of professional experience in electrical engineering, hardware design, and embedded software development.
• Proven track record of bringing ESP32-based products from concept through to production, including prototyping, validation, and release.
• Deep understanding of ESP32 peripherals such as I2C, SPI, UART, ADC, PWM, and timers, as well as ESP32 power management modes.
• Strong proficiency in C and C++ for embedded microcontrollers, with experience developing production-quality firmware.
• Hands-on experience with ESP-IDF and/or Arduino IDE for ESP32-based development.
• Mastery of professional PCB design and EDA tools such as Altium Designer, KiCad, or Eagle for schematic capture and multi-layer PCB layout.
• Solid understanding of network protocols including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and how to integrate hardware systems with cloud APIs.
• Experience implementing and handling data payloads in formats such as JSON, including secure communication using TLS/SSL.
• Strong hands-on lab skills, including excellent soldering abilities for both through-hole and SMD components, and experience with rapid prototyping and hardware debugging.
• Ability to use standard lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and other diagnostic tools to troubleshoot hardware and firmware issues.
• An innovative, self-motivated mindset with the ability to work independently and take ownership of complex projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively within an entrepreneurial manufacturing setting, balancing innovation with practical production considerations.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience designing electronics for outdoor, high-humidity, or otherwise harsh environments, including considerations for ingress protection and conformal coating.
• Familiarity with regulatory compliance and testing processes, such as FCC, CE, or UL, including designing with compliance in mind.
• Experience with or interest in FreeRTOS or similar real-time operating systems for embedded applications.
• Experience in designing or optimizing systems for evaporative cooling or other environmental control applications.
• Interest in transitioning from a contract position into a permanent, full-time leadership role within a facility-based engineering and manufacturing team.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate technical concepts and design decisions to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• A passion for innovation in IoT, smart devices, and connected hardware products.

Work Environment

This role is based in a hands-on engineering and manufacturing environment where you will work closely with in-house production and assembly teams. You will regularly use professional EDA tools for schematic capture and PCB layout, and you will spend significant time in the lab working with oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, soldering stations, and other standard electronics equipment. The work involves developing and testing electronics intended for use in demanding conditions, such as outdoor or high-humidity environments, particularly within evaporative cooling applications. You can expect a fast-paced, entrepreneurial atmosphere that encourages innovation, experimentation, and continuous improvement. Collaboration across disciplines is central to the culture, and engineers are empowered to own their designs from concept through to manufacturing and field deployment.

This is a Contract position based out of Pompano Beach, FL.

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $65.00/hr.

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.

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 Pompano Beach,FL.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 30, 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 withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

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

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall 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 applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.