Firmware Controls Engineer

Job Title: Firmware Controls Engineer

Job Description

This role focuses on designing, implementing, and maintaining software and firmware algorithms that operate precision variable frequency drives (VFDs). The Embedded Controls Engineer applies advanced control theory to embedded systems, working closely with hardware teams to ensure high performance, reliability, and compatibility of electric motor control and power electronics products.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, test, debug, and support operating system and application software for precision variable frequency drives that meet technical specifications and customer requirements.

• Develop, maintain, and optimize embedded control algorithms for electric motors and DC/DC converters using control theory principles.

• Adhere to established coding standards, revision control practices, and software development processes to ensure code quality and traceability.

• Solicit, analyze, and incorporate feedback from customers and end users to continuously improve software functionality, performance, and usability.

• Conduct and actively participate in code reviews and design reviews, providing constructive feedback and ensuring alignment with system requirements.

• Champion new ideas and features, regardless of size, and present them clearly and respectfully to team members and stakeholders.

• Document designs thoroughly with clear code comments, technical reports, and design descriptions to support maintainability and knowledge sharing.

• Track, analyze, and resolve reported software bugs, and perform thorough testing to verify the effectiveness and robustness of implemented fixes.

• Design and develop reusable software and system components and integrate them into both existing and new product designs to improve efficiency and consistency.

• Collaborate closely with electrical hardware engineers in the planning, design, and development of products to ensure software and hardware performance, integration, and compatibility.

• Serve as a technical lead on assigned projects, coordinating with cross-functional teams and customers to meet deliverables and resolve technology or product issues.

• Utilize tools such as MATLAB and Simulink to model, simulate, and validate control algorithms before implementation on embedded platforms.

• Apply real-time operating system concepts to ensure deterministic behavior and reliable execution of embedded control software.

• Use version control tools such as Git to manage source code, branches, and releases across multiple projects.

Essential Skills

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering with an emphasis on control of electric motors and/or DC/DC converters.

• Strong Experience in control theory and its application to engineering problems, especially in electric motor and power electronics control.

• Solid understanding of basic physics as it applies to electromechanical and power electronic systems.

• Expert-level proficiency with MATLAB and Simulink for modeling, simulation, and design of control systems.

• Experience with real-time operating systems and their use in embedded control applications.

• Experience developing with Verilog HDL for programmable logic or FPGA-based control implementations.

• Experience with C and C++ for embedded software development on microcontrollers or embedded processors.

• Experience using Git for source code management, version control, and collaborative development.

• At least 3 years of related professional experience in embedded systems, control engineering, or a closely related field.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Vivado and Vitis design tools for FPGA and embedded system development.

• Experience with MATLAB/System Generator for FPGA-based control design.

• Experience with Mathematica or similar mathematical design and analysis suites.

• Experience working with electric motors, power electronics, and PC board-level hardware.

• Familiarity with firmware development for power electronics and variable frequency drives.

• Ability to work as a technical lead, coordinating efforts across multiple functional groups and with customers.

• Strong documentation skills, including writing clear design reports, specifications, and code comments.

• Ability to effectively communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Work Environment

This is an onsite position where the Embedded Controls Engineer works closely with electrical hardware engineers and cross-functional teams in a collaborative development environment. The role involves hands-on interaction with embedded systems, electric motor drives, power electronics, and related test equipment. Work typically takes place in an engineering office and lab setting, with access to tools such as MATLAB, Simulink, FPGA design suites, and version control systems. The onsite environment supports frequent design reviews, real-time collaboration, and direct access to hardware prototypes and test setups.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Racine, WI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $145000.00/yr.

Full benefits- health, dental, vision, 401K

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Racine,WI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 12, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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.