Firmware Engineer

Position Summary:

WAC Group is seeking a Firmware Engineer to support the development, testing, and maintenance of embedded firmware for connected lighting and IoT products. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with C/C++ on microcontrollers, is comfortable debugging hardware and software issues, and is eager to grow into broader ownership of firmware features, communication protocols, and production support. This role will work closely with senior firmware, hardware, app, cloud, QA, and manufacturing teams to deliver reliable smart products for commercial and residential markets.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, implement, and maintain embedded firmware in C/C++ for ARM Cortex-based microcontrollers, including STM32, Nordic nRF, ESP32, and similar platforms, under guidance from senior engineers.
• Support development of wireless and wired device communication features using technologies such as Bluetooth, Thread, Wi-Fi, RS485, DMX512/RDM, DALI/D4i, UART, SPI, I2C, and proprietary protocols.
• Debug firmware issues using standard tools such as JTAG/SWD debuggers, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, protocol analyzers, and serial console tools.
• Assist with bootloader, OTA firmware update, device provisioning, encryption, and key management features according to established architecture and security practices.
• Develop device-side interfaces and services that support integration with mobile apps, cloud platforms, manufacturing systems, and internal test tools.
• Interface with analog and digital sensors, drivers, radios, power circuits, and other embedded hardware components.
• Contribute to manufacturing test solutions, hardware validation tools, and Python-based automated test frameworks.
• Use established build systems, CI/CD workflows, GCC, IAR, Git, Jira, and related development tools to produce reliable release candidates.

Critical Success Factors:

• Deliver well-structured, testable, and maintainable firmware for smart modules, gateways, and connected devices while following established architecture and coding standards.
• Contribute to reliable communication features for wireless and wired protocols, including Bluetooth Mesh, Wi-Fi, DMX512/RDM, RS-485, DALI/D4i, and related smart lighting technologies.
• Demonstrate steady growth in technical ownership by writing clear code, participating in reviews, resolving defects, and supporting unit, integration, regression, and system-level testing.

Requirements:

• BS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent industry experience.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in embedded firmware engineering, or equivalent hands-on project experience for exceptional candidates.
• Working proficiency in C/C++ for resource-constrained embedded systems.
• Experience with 32-bit ARM microcontrollers and common embedded development/debugging workflows.
• Familiarity with in-circuit debugging techniques using JTAG, SWD, serial consoles, and related tools.
• Working knowledge of hardware communication protocols such as SPI, UART, I2C, BLE/Mesh, DMX, DALI, Wi-Fi, or similar technologies.
• Hands-on lab experience with hardware bring-up, prototyping, and debugging using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, protocol analyzers, or similar instrumentation.
• Basic proficiency in scripting languages such as Python or Bash for automation, tooling, and test support.
• Experience with software configuration and issue management tools such as Git and Jira.
• Understanding of design for manufacturability, testability, reliability, and cost is preferred.
• Experience supporting product validation, manufacturing test, or production troubleshooting is preferred.
• Strong technical documentation, written communication, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to follow structured engineering processes while applying creative problem-solving to technical challenges.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.
• Ability to collaborate with third-party development partners and external engineering teams is preferred.
• Mandarin language proficiency is a plus.

We recognize people as our most valuable asset. Our competitive salary and benefits package include paid time off; medical & dental coverage (including family coverage), vision, life, 401(k); tuition assistance; and continuous training and development. For immediate consideration, please submit your resume as directed. Due to the high volume of applications, only candidates who meet the qualifications will be contacted.

WAC is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or any other protected characteristic. In addition to federal law requirements, WAC complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in all its locations. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Please note, all responsibilities outlined in the above job description are subject to change as needed. All efforts will be made to ensure proper notice is given for changes in responsibilities.