Embedded Firmware Engineer (USB-C, PD)

Role Description

We're bringing up new hardware built around USB-C Power Delivery controllers and are looking for an embedded firmware engineer to help take these boards from bare PCB to working, production-quality firmware. You'll write and debug firmware on 32-bit ARM microcontrollers, configure companion ICs over I2C/SPI/UART, and work hands-on at the bench in collaboration with our hardware team.

Job Responsibilities

- Bring up new PCBs: validate power/clocks, connect a debugger, enable peripherals, and get firmware running on new hardware

- Develop and debug embedded C firmware on ARM Cortex-M-class MCUs

- Configure and drive companion ICs over I2C or other peripheral buses

- Implement and debug USB-C / USB-PD behavior (power negotiation, source/sink roles, fault handling, etc.)

- Debug at the bench with oscilloscope, protocol/logic analyzer, multimeter, and SWD/JTAG

- Work from datasheets, register tables, and schematics

- Document configurations and design decisions

- Collaborate with hardware engineers to isolate hardware vs. firmware issues

Required Skills

- Strong embedded C on 32-bit MCUs (ARM Cortex-M or similar): interrupts, register-level peripheral work, development under flash/RAM constraints

- Working understanding of USB-C/USB-PD (source/sink/DRP roles, power contract negotiation)

- I2C/SPI/UART peripheral/companion-IC communication, configuration, and debug

- Hands-on hardware bring-up experience: taking a board from power-on to running firmware, or debugging firmware against real hardware

- Datasheet and schematic literacy: able to configure a part from its register tables and confirm pin/power connections

- Comfortable with standard bench debug tools: oscilloscope, logic/protocol analyzer, SWD/JTAG debugger, UART logging

- Git proficiency

Preferred Skills

- Experience with a Cypress/Infineon MCU SDK/IDE and its middleware (e.g. ModusToolbox, STM32Cube, or similar), including creating/customizing a board support package

- Firmware update/bootloader work (DFU or equivalent): building and flashing update images

- Power-path or regulator firmware: VBUS control, fault detection/recovery (OVP/UVP/OCP), enable/soft-start sequencing

- USB subsystem experience: hubs, DisplayPort Alt Mode, redrivers/retimers, or billboard devices

Nice to have

- Prior work with Infineon EZ-PD / PMG1 (or Cypress CCGx) PD controllers and ModusToolbox

- CI for embedded builds

- USB-IF PD compliance/USB-C requirements familiarity

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Bellevue, WA.

The pay range for this position is $80.00 - $116.00/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 hybrid position in Bellevue,WA.

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 22, 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 View email address on click.appcast.io 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.