Principal Firmware Engineer

Company DescriptionBoston 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 possible.
The company integrates advanced technologies with practical engineering execution, delivering end-to-end services from concept through commercialization. Boston Engineering combines technical rigor, cross-disciplinary teams, and proven processes to accelerate product development and to solve complex challenges. The company is ISO-certified and CMMC-certified, with a commitment to operational excellence, innovation, and measurable client outcomes. Its mission is to improve the way people work and live through innovative product development and novel engineering.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.This is a hands-on Principal Firmware Engineer. 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. Some upper-stack or tooling work exists, but the core responsibility is commanding and controlling hardware.The Principal Firmware Engineer owns embedded software at both the tactical and strategic levels, ensuring that systems are architected correctly, risks are identified early, and the broader team is unblocked when challenges arise. This role sets technical direction, streamlines and documents software processes, establishes best practices, and raises the embedded engineering bar across projects.40%: Technical hands of keyboard30%: Systems design15%: Integration, manufacturing, production support15%: Mentoring, code/design reviews, process improvementRequirements and PreferencesProven ability in:Leading the design, development, and optimization of embedded and firmware systems for robotics, autonomous, or maritime platformsStreamlining and documenting software processes to accelerate projects and ensure repeatability, while maintaining high-quality standardsArchitecting and implementing firmware tightly integrated with custom hardware, sensors, and control systemsWriting and reviewing RTOS-based firmware (FreeRTOS, ROS2, Zephyr), including task design, synchronization, memory management, and timing analysisReviewing schematics and PCB layouts to identify firmware impacts, integration risks, and potential design issues early in the development cycleDebugging complex system issues using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, protocol analyzers, and other bench tools, and determining root cause across software, firmware, and hardwareBuilding and maintaining benchtop development setups (“roadkills”) to enable early firmware development prior to final hardware availabilityEnsuring firmware meets real-time performance, reliability, and mission-critical requirementsLeading technical design reviews, architecture discussions, and roadmap planning with a focus on system-level risk and feasibilityClearly communicating technical concepts, tradeoffs, risks, and status to both engineering and non-engineering stakeholdersAnticipating and addressing technical bottlenecks that span firmware, hardware, and system integrationExperience working in challenging, hands-on, and customer-driven engineering environmentsClosely collaborating withelectrical, mechanical, systems, and product teamsDemonstrating proficiencyin standard embedded development tools, git version control, build systems, and debugging environmentsStrong organizational skills and clear written and verbal communicationsAbility to obtain and maintain a security clearanceSuccessful candidates must have demonstrated success and capability in the following:Acting as the technical escalation point when embedded or system-level issues block progressMentoring and coaching engineers on embedded firmware architecture, debugging techniques, and best practicesWriting high-quality, maintainable, and well-documented firmware and low-level softwareDeveloping and maintaining embedded system software, including firmware, device drivers, and communication stacksPerforming thorough testing and debugging to ensure system functionality, reliability, and safetyProposing and implementing technical solutions that improve system robustness, debuggability, and performanceBreaking down ambiguous or novel problems into executable engineering plans, including scope, risk, and estimatesSupporting software configuration management and repeatable development workflowsWorking across R&D and product environments with an understanding of long-term maintainability and transition to productionQualificationsBS (acceptable) or MS (preferred) in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field7+ years of experience in embedded/firmware development, including 3+ years in a senior or technical lead roleFluency in C and C++ for embedded systems, as well as Python for tooling and testingHands-on experience with RTOS environments (FreeRTOS, ROS2, Zephyr, or similar)Experience developing software on embedded targets such as STM32, ARM-based MCUs/SoCs, x86, PIC32, or similarExperience with I2C, SPI, UART, Ethernet, GPIO, and low-level hardware interfacesFamiliarity with cloud and/or other networks/servers for data offload, analysis, and managementExperience debugging networking stacks and board-level communication issues is a strong plusExperience authoring and reviewing software requirements, specifications, and design documentation, and leading effective design reviewsFamiliarity with CI/CD pipelines for embedded systemsFamiliarity with ISO 9001 and CMMI quality frameworks is desirableExperience with maritime systems, robotics, uncrewed systems, or military platforms is highly desirableExposure to navigation, localization, sensor fusion, or autonomy systems is a plusBonus Attributes:Experience contributing to proposal development, feasibility studies, or early technical conceptsBackground or interest in machine learning, computer vision, or AI as applied to embedded or robotic systemsFamiliarity with safety-critical or mission-critical software development practicesUnderstanding of Agile methodologies and practical DevOps workflows in embedded environmentsExperience working on government or defense-related programs, including technical documentation and customer interactionExperience working within or supporting quality management systems (QMS)Additional InformationEmployment Type: Full-TimeRoleReports to:Director, Software EngineeringLocation: Office-based role in Waltham, MassachusettsRelocation: Not available at this time.Travel: MinimalSalary Range:Thebase 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 Engineeringemail: LinkedIn:Christine Higgins | LinkedInSummaryType: Full-timeFunction: EngineeringExperience level: Mid-Senior LevelIndustry: Design