Principal Firmware Engineer - Video Streaming & Embedded Systems

OverviewThe Principal Firmware Engineer is a senior-level technical leader responsible for the design, development, and implementation of audio/video conferencing and embedded system solutions. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in audio/video technologies, software architecture, design patterns, and best practices, along with a proven track record of leading and mentoring teams and delivering high-quality software products on time and within budget.ResponsibilitiesDefine and drive the technical strategy, firmware architecture, and technology roadmap for audio/video conferencing and embedded systems platforms, ensuring scalability, reliability, security, and long-term maintainability.Lead and contribute hands-on to the design, development, debugging, and optimization of complex embedded firmware and system-level solutions across hardware, firmware, operating systems, networking, audio, and video subsystems to improve performance, interoperability, and end-to-end user experience.Serve as the principal technical authority for embedded systems, multimedia processing, device networking, and real-time communication technologies, providing guidance on complex technical challenges and critical design decisions.Establish and champion firmware engineering standards, design methodologies, automation practices, debugging approaches, and validation processes that improve product quality, development efficiency, and system robustness.Partner with Product Management, Systems Engineering, Hardware Engineering, and Program Management to translate business objectives and customer requirements into scalable platform solutions, execution plans, and product roadmaps.Lead architecture reviews, design reviews, and root-cause analyses for complex system issues, proactively identifying technical risks, dependencies, security concerns, and reliability gaps.Evaluate emerging technologies, industry standards, and market trends in audio/video conferencing, embedded systems, networking, and real-time communications to guide innovation and strategic technology investments.QualificationsBachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field is requiredMaster's Degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field is preferredEmbedded software development in audio/video conferencing and embedded systemsNetworking protocols — TCP, UDP, and related stack implementationVideo/audio streaming protocols (RTP, RTSP) and codecs (H.264/H.265, VP9) — highly desirableVideo or graphics software systems — VAAPI, GStreamer, FFmpeg, OpenMAX, OpenGLEmbedded software development in C/C++ or Java across Linux, Android, and RTOS platformsAudio/video technologies — conferencing systems, codec pipelines, streaming architectures, and best practicesSoftware architecture, design patterns, and engineering standards for complex embedded systemsNetworking protocols — TCP, UDP, and stack-level implementation for embedded systemsVideo/audio streaming protocols (RTP, RTSP) and codecs (H.264/H.265, VP9) and related technologiesVideo/graphics software systems — VAAPI, GStreamer, FFmpeg, OpenMAX, OpenGLTeam mentorship and guidance — translating business requirements into technical specificationsProblem solving, critical thinking, and communication across cross-functional teamsFull software development lifecycle — requirements gathering through deploymentPer applicable state requirements, the annual pay range for this position ($159,500 - $258,000) which consists of base salary (subject to performance), reflects the hiring range for candidates. Also note, an individual’s offer may vary from this range as it may be impacted by additional factors, including but not limited to the candidate's hiring location, qualifications, experience, and market factors.JobFamilyEngineeringJobFunctionFirmware EngineeringPayTypeSalaryEmploymentIndicatorRegular