Firmware Engineer

Job Description

Job DescriptionJob Title: Firmware Engineer
Job Description

This role focuses on designing, developing, documenting, and testing firmware for embedded systems that support advanced smart grid solutions. The firmware engineer contributes to product design specifications, participates in agile development teams, and collaborates closely with cross-discipline hardware and software architecture teams. The position offers long-term stability, significant growth opportunities, and the chance to work on innovative energy management technologies that support smart metering, grid edge intelligence, and smart infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, document, and test I/O communications and device drivers for embedded systems.
• Contribute to the creation and refinement of product design specifications, including functional requirements, use cases, detailed designs, interfaces, and test plans.
• Participate in design verification testing processes and procedures to ensure high-quality firmware deliverables.
• Develop and validate firmware components and solutions, ensuring they meet performance, reliability, and quality standards.
• Work as part of an agile development team, collaborating with cross-discipline architecture teams to develop hardware and software components for smart grid solutions.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within the firmware development area, contributing ideas and implementing enhancements to processes and tools.
• Participate in the recruitment, development, and mentoring of junior engineers, providing technical guidance and feedback.
• Contribute to innovative technology and solutions development and/or validation for smart grid and embedded systems applications.
• Assist in planning and supporting field installations during Alpha and Beta phases, helping to diagnose and resolve issues in real-world environments.
• Participate in design and code reviews, providing constructive feedback to improve code quality, maintainability, and performance.
• Contribute to product and system-level test efforts, including integration and validation of firmware with hardware and software components.
• Design firmware to comply with industry standard interfaces where required, ensuring interoperability and adherence to relevant standards.
• Use development and debugging tools for embedded systems to troubleshoot and resolve firmware issues efficiently.
• Interface with serial ports, A/D and D/A converters, RAM/Flash memories, and other digital electronics as part of firmware development.
• Communicate effectively in both verbal and written form with team members and stakeholders to document designs, report progress, and resolve issues.

Essential Skills

• 3–5 years of experience in firmware development for embedded systems.
• Proficiency in embedded C and C++ programming for microcontroller-based systems.
• Experience developing firmware using real-time operating systems (RTOS).
• Embedded Linux experience, including development and debugging in Linux-based environments.
• Hands-on experience with I/O communications and device driver development.
• Experience using development and debugging tools in an embedded system environment.
• Familiarity with microcontrollers and embedded systems architecture.
• Ability to design, develop, document, and validate firmware components and solutions.
• Experience with IPv4 and IPv6 networking concepts in embedded contexts.
• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Programming experience in Assembly languages; C# experience is a plus.
• Exposure to full product life cycle and software development methodologies, including agile practices.
• Familiarity with interfacing to serial ports, A/D and D/A converters, RAM/Flash memories, and other digital electronics.
• Experience with RF networks, security encryption, and packet-based networks is desirable.
• Experience with protocol stacks such as Zigbee (802.15.4), IP, and/or C12.22 is a plus.
• Experience with additional protocol stacks such as 802.15.4e, 6LowPAN, SNMPv2/3, DHCPv6, and FTP is desirable.
• Experience with Linux beyond embedded use is desirable.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite for documentation and communication.
• Experience with requirements management tools and bug management tools is desirable.
• Experience with Python for scripting or test automation is a plus.
• Experience designing to industry standard interfaces is an advantage.
• Ability to contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and innovative technology development.
• Interest in mentoring and supporting junior engineers.

Work Environment

This is a full-time role based in Alpharetta, GA, with core hours typically from Monday to Friday, around 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The position is initially structured through an engineering and services firm with the intent to transition to a permanent role with the client after an initial period. The work environment is professional and business casual, with a focus on collaboration within agile development teams and cross-discipline architecture groups. You will work with modern embedded development tools, real-time operating systems, embedded Linux, and networking technologies in a setting that emphasizes innovation in smart grid and energy management solutions. The role offers stability due to an abundance of ongoing work, as well as opportunities for professional growth and involvement in field installations and real-world deployments.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Alpharetta, GA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $85000.00 - $115000.00/yr.

Our client is a global leader in energy management solutions, operating in over 30 countries and headquartered in Switzerland. We are thrilled that you’ve considered us to be a part of your professional journey. As a part of the family, employees are offered a comprehensive and competitive package of benefits including medical, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, and a 401(k)-retirement plan featuring a generous company match incentive. Additionally, we offer three (3) weeks of Paid Time Off (PTO) as well as eleven (11) paid holidays. We also offer a tuition reimbursement program, optional pet insurance, supplemental medical coverage and a host of other perks to ensure the health, wellness, and enrichment of our team members.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Alpharetta,GA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 20, 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 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com 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.