Senior Firmware Engineer

About i3 Product Development

At i3, we bring ideas to life. We're a multidisciplinary product development firm that thrives at the intersection of engineering, design, and innovation. Our collaborative, in-person culture empowers diverse teams to solve tough challenges, build meaningful products, and make a real impact. We believe in working closely with our clients as partners, focusing on outcomes, adaptability, and long-term trust.

The Opportunity

We're seeking a Firmware Engineer with 10+ years of experience to join our expanding embedded development team. This hands-on role encompasses the entire development lifecycle—from early exploration to final validation. You'll work on diverse products across medical, agriculture, consumer, and industrial sectors, contributing your technical expertise and your voice and perspective throughout the product journey.

This position extends well beyond programming; you'll collaborate across disciplines, work directly with clients, participate in planning and estimation, and have opportunities to lead technical direction. We want to hear from you if you're driven by curiosity, enjoy solving complex challenges, and excel in a collaborative environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement firmware for embedded systems (8- and 32-bit microcontrollers and embedded Linux)
• Develop control algorithms, peripheral interfaces, and communication protocols (UART, SPI, I2C, CAN, BLE, etc.)
• Create clean, efficient code using C and C++, validated through rigorous hardware-based testing
• Partner with electrical engineers to bring up and debug hardware platforms
• Support firmware architecture decisions and documentation throughout development
• Troubleshoot complex system-level issues using lab equipment (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, debuggers)
• Participate in project planning, technical estimation, and client communication
• Contribute to process improvement and knowledge sharing across the team
• Mentor and support less experienced engineers

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of embedded firmware development experience
• Proficiency in C and C++ with strong embedded design principles
• Experience developing for both bare-metal systems and RTOS environments
• Experience with 8- and 32-bit microcontrollers (ARM Cortex-M, etc.)
• Familiarity with embedded Linux environments and peripheral driver integration
• Hands-on experience with debugging tools and lab instrumentation
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Strong communication skills with technical peers and client stakeholders
• Ability to work independently, manage ambiguity, and adapt quickly across projects

Preferred Qualifications

• Python experience for testing, scripting, or automation
• Familiarity with Yocto or Buildroot for embedded Linux builds
• Experience with bootloaders, OTA update strategies, or embedded security
• Exposure to regulated product development (medical, automotive)
• Knowledge of modern software development practices (version control, CI/CD)
• Experience with firmware-level UI development (displays, menu systems)
• Comfort mentoring junior engineers and cross-functional teammates

What Sets You Apart

• Hands-on experience – You've built real systems and solved real problems
• Curiosity and adaptability – You learn quickly and navigate diverse projects
• Clear communication – You explain complex ideas and build strong relationships
• Systems thinking – You understand how firmware connects with hardware, users, and business goals
• Ownership mindset – You embrace autonomy, accountability, and technical leadership
• Client-focused attitude – You build solutions that deliver client success

Why i3?

• Work on diverse, challenging projects with meaningful impact
• Join a collaborative, cross-disciplinary team of experts
• Thrive in an in-person culture valuing connection and creativity
• Grow in a culture of trust, transparency, and professional development
• Stretch your skills in new and exciting directions