Firmware Engineer

Job: Firmware Engineer Location: San Diego, CA Onsite/Remote: Onsite 5-days/week Pay: $75-$85/hr Role Summary In this role, you will be help design, develop, debug, test, and integrate low-level firmware that directly interfaces with satellite hardware, payload electronics, sensors, communication subsystems, and onboard processing systems. You will work at the intersection of hardware and software, enabling critical functionality through board support packages (BSPs), device drivers, bootloaders, hardware abstraction layers, and real-time firmware. Domain knowledge in RF systems, communications, digital signal processing (DSP), antennas, FPGA interfaces, or satellite payloads is helpful. The ideal candidate combines strong embedded C/C++ development skills with deep hardware understanding and a passion for solving complex hardware-software integration challenges. Key Job Responsibilities In this role, you will drive the design, development, integration, and sustainment of firmware that supports satellite payload and avionics hardware throughout the product lifecycle, from board bring-up and system integration through launch, operations, and de-orbit. Own firmware components through requirements analysis, architecture, implementation, validation, integration, and release readiness. Develop low-level firmware in C/C++ for microcontrollers, processors, custom ASICs, FPGAs, and embedded hardware platforms. Design and maintain board support packages (BSPs), hardware abstraction layers (HALs), bootloaders, and device drivers. Develop firmware that interfaces with devices and electronics using protocols such as SPI, I2C, I3C, UART, RS-422, RS-485, GPIO, Ethernet, PCIe, and similar communication interfaces. Perform board bring-up activities including hardware validation, peripheral enablement, clock configuration, memory initialization, and power subsystem verification. Debug complex hardware and firmware issues using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, protocol analyzers, JTAG debuggers, emulators, and lab instrumentation. Collaborate with hardware, IC, FPGA, RF, verification, and manufacturing teams to support system integration and issue resolution. Build and execute firmware validation plans including functional testing, stress testing, automated regression testing, and hardware-in-the-loop validation. Support high-reliability firmware development practices including fault management, watchdog implementation, redundancy, power management, and resiliency features. Contribute to firmware design reviews, root-cause investigations, laboratory testing, manufacturing support, and field issue analysis. Required Qualifications 4+ years of professional experience developing embedded firmware for production systems. Strong programming experience in C and C++ for embedded or real-time systems. Experience developing firmware for microcontrollers, processors, custom hardware, or SoC-based platforms. Hands-on experience with board bring-up, hardware validation, and low-level debugging. Experience developing device drivers, BSPs, bootloaders, firmware frameworks, or hardware abstraction layers. Strong understanding of embedded communication protocols such as SPI, I2C, I3C, UART, Ethernet, CAN, RS-422, or RS-485. Experience working in RTOS or bare-metal environments. Experience debugging hardware/software interaction issues using laboratory instrumentation and structured root-cause analysis methodologies. Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent practical experience. Preferred Qualifications Experience developing firmware for high-reliability applications such as satellite systems, avionics, aerospace, industrial control systems, automotive electronics, defense systems, or medical devices. Experience with BSP development and customization for embedded processors and RTOS environments. Experience interfacing with FPGA, ASIC, RF, sensor, power management, or communication subsystems. Familiarity with processor architectures such as ARM Cortex-M, ARM Cortex-A, RISC-V, or similar embedded platforms. Knowledge of memory technologies including DDR, NOR Flash, NAND Flash, EEPROM, and related initialization and validation procedures. Knowledge of telecommunications systems, RF architectures, antenna systems, Layer 1 communications concepts, and digital signal processing. Experience supporting firmware deployment in manufacturing, production test, or hardware qualification environments. Familiarity with scripting and automation tools such as Python for hardware validation, manufacturing test, and firmware verification. Experience collaborating with systems, FPGA, verification, manufacturing, hardware, and operations teams in complex multidisciplinary programs. Export Control Requirement Due to applicable export control laws and regulations, candidates must be a U.S. citizen or national, a U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum. Everforth Apex is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Everforth Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRateds Best of Staffing® in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work® in the United Kingdom and Mexico. Everforth Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click here for more details. By applying for this job, you agree to receive calls, AI-generated calls, text messages, or emails from Everforth Apex and its affiliates, and contracted partners. Frequency varies for text messages. Message and data rates may apply. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. You can reply STOP to cancel and HELP for help. You can access our privacy policy at Everforth Apex Benefits Overview: Everforth Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Everforth Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Everforth Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Everforth Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Everforth Apex team member can provide. Everforth Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Everforth Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. 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