Principal Firmware Engineer

Company DescriptionBoston Engineering is looking for a Principal Firmware Engineer to join our team in Waltham, MA!Boston Engineering is where innovative ideas become real-world technologies. Headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, we've spent more than 30 years partnering with commercial and government clients to solve complex engineering challenges and bring breakthrough products to market. From advanced robotics and autonomous systems to medical devices, digital solutions, defense technologies, and industrial automation, our teams work on meaningful projects that push the boundaries of what's possiblePlease note: This is an onsite position in Waltham, MA. Boston Engineering is unable to provide relocation assistance, so candidates must currently reside within commuting distance.Job DescriptionThis role is restricted to US persons (i.e., US citizens, permanent residents, and other protected individuals under the Immigration and Naturalization Act, 8 USC 1324b(a)(3)) due to access to export-controlled technology. Boston Engineering will require proof of status prior to employment.See the Kind of Work You'll Be Part OfSee how Boston Engineering helps clients turn complex ideas into real-world products and technologies. ️ WATCH: Boston Engineering – Product Development ServicesJob Description: This is a Principal Firmware Engineer role. While the title includes "software," the work is primarily embedded and firmware-focused: RTOS-based systems, hardware bring-up, driver development, board-level debugging, and close collaboration with electrical and mechanical teams. This is not a role where you'll simply provide technical direction from the sidelines. You'll be designing, coding, debugging, integrating, and solving difficult problems alongside the engineering team. The Principal Firmware Engineer owns embedded software at both the tactical and strategic levels, ensuring systems are architected correctly, risks are identified early, and the broader team is unblocked when challenges arise. This role sets technical direction, improves and documents software processes, establishes best practices, and mentor's engineers. How You'll Spend Your Time 40% — Hands-on firmware development and debugging 30% — Systems Design 15% — Integration, manufacturing and production support 15% — Mentoring, code/design reviews, and process improvement See the Technology in Action Take a look at how Boston Engineering applies engineering expertise to the development of BIOSwimmer, an autonomous underwater robotic fish. ️ WATCH: How Reverse Engineering Propels BIOSwimmer – The Robotic FishWhat You'll Do Lead the design, development, and optimization of embedded and firmware systems Write and review RTOS-based firmware using FreeRTOS, ROS2, Zephyr, or similar Architect firmware integrated with custom hardware, sensors, and control systems Develop firmware, device drivers, and communication stacks Review schematics and PCB layouts to identify firmware impacts and integration risks Debug complex software, firmware, and hardware issues using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, protocol analyzers, and other bench tools Build and maintain benchtop development setups ("roadkills") for early firmware development Lead technical design reviews, architecture discussions, and roadmap planning Act as the technical escalation point when embedded or system-level issues block progress Mentor engineers on firmware architecture, debugging, and best practices Break down ambiguous problems into executable engineering plans Support development workflows, integration, manufacturing, and transition to production Communicate technical concepts, tradeoffs, risks, and status to engineering and non-engineering stakeholders QualificationsRequirements and Preferences 7+ years of embedded/firmware development experience, including 3+ years in a senior or technical lead role BS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field; MS preferred Strong C and C++ experience for embedded systems and Python for tooling/testing Hands-on RTOS experience such as FreeRTOS, ROS2, Zephyr, or similar Experience with STM32, ARM-based MCUs/SoCs, x86, PIC32, or similar Experience with I2C, SPI, UART, Ethernet, GPIO, and other low-level interfaces Experience with Git, embedded development tools, build systems, and debugging environments Experience authoring and reviewing software requirements, specifications, and design documentation Experience leading technical and design reviews Strong written and verbal communication skills Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance Highly Desirable Experience with maritime systems, robotics, uncrewed systems, or military platforms Experience with navigation, localization, sensor fusion, or autonomy systems Experience debugging networking stacks and board-level communication issues Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines, ISO 9001, or CMMI quality frameworks Experience working in customer-driven R&D and product development environments Bonus Attributes Proposal development, feasibility studies, or early-stage technical concepts AI, machine learning, or computer vision applied to embedded or robotic systems Safety-critical or mission-critical software development Government or defense-related programs Agile, DevOps, or quality management systems Additional InformationEmployment Type: Full-Time RoleReports to: Director, Software EngineeringLocation: Office-based role in Waltham, MassachusettsRelocation: Not available at this time.Travel: MinimalSalary Range: The base salary range for this position is $150,000 to $175,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications. The final offer amount will be determined by factors such as the candidate’s education, knowledge, experience, and skills. A comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, 401(k) match, and paid time off, is also provided.All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.Questions?Please contact Christine Higgins, Senior Talent Acquisition Partner, Boston Engineering email: View email address on click.appcast.io LinkedIn: Christine Higgins | LinkedInSummaryType: Full-timeFunction: EngineeringExperience level: Mid-Senior LevelIndustry: Design