Embedded Firmware & Systems Engineer II

Job Summary

Embedded Firmware & Systems Engineer II is responsible for designing and developing embedded firmware and system-level solutions for robotics and industrial automation applications. This role focuses on integrating embedded platforms with sensors, actuators, and industrial control systems, with a strong emphasis on real-time performance and industrial communication protocols such as EtherCAT, PROFINET, and EtherNet/IP. The engineer will contribute to system architecture, firmware development, and cross-functional integration, while supporting validation, debugging, and continuous improvement of complex embedded systems in a fast-paced R&D environment.

Essential Job Functions

• Design and develop embedded firmware for real-time systems with a focus on system-level integration and industrial communication
• Architect and implement robust communication interfaces using protocols such as PROFINET, EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, Modbus (RTU/TCP), and CAN/CANopen
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (hardware, software, and test engineers) to define and drive end-to-end system architectures for robotics and automation applications
• Integrate embedded systems with industrial controllers (PLCs), sensors, actuators, and motion control systems.
• Optimize firmware components using C/C++, ensuring reliability, scalability, and performance in real-time environments
• Lead system-level debugging, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis across firmware, communication networks, and hardware interfaces
• Participate in system design reviews, define interface requirements, and contribute to overall product architecture decisions
• Develop and execute test plans for system validation, including communication reliability, timing constraints, and interoperability
• Develop and maintain clear documentation for system architecture, communication interfaces, and firmware design
• Stay current with emerging technologies in robotics, industrial automation, and embedded systems, and propose innovative solutions
• Collaborate with the Electrical Engineering team to design, build, and test rapid prototypes that support new product concepts and align with overall development strategies and design inputs
• Provide regular updates on project progress, technical risks, and design changes to stakeholders and leadership

Competencies:

• Strong expertise in real-time embedded systems and firmware development
• Deep understanding of industrial communication protocols and distributed systems
• Ability to think at a system level, integrating hardware, firmware, and networked components
• Proficiency in C/C++ for embedded applications
• Experience debugging complex systems involving hardware, firmware, and communication layers
• Strong problem-solving skills with a focus on root cause analysis and system optimization
• Effective communicator with the ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced R&D environment

Education/Experience: 

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Robotics, or related field
• 6+ years of experience in embedded systems development with exposure to industrial or robotics applications

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with industrial protocols such as PROFINET, EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, Modbus, CAN/CANopen
• Familiarity with PLC systems and industrial automation environments
• Experience with RTOS (FreeRTOS, Zephyr, etc.) and/or embedded Linux
• Strong understanding of embedded communication protocols, peripheral interfaces, and device integration, including TCP/IP, UART, SPI, I2C, USB, ADCs, DACs, PWM, timers, and other microcontroller subsystems
• Hands-on experience with microcontrollers (Microchip, STMicro, NXP, Renesas, etc.)
• Understanding of motion control systems and sensor integration
• Familiarity with tools such as logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, and protocol analyzers
• Knowledge of version control (Git) and modern development workflows

Supervisory Responsibility:

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.  Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.