Embedded Firmware Engineer Flight Control & Motor Controller Systems
Job Description
Job Description
Bridge high-level flight logic and real hardware in a fast-scaling aerospace startup.
Allocortech is a nimble, high-growth company delivering safety-critical avionics, motor controllers, and power systems for next-generation UAS, eVTOL, hybrid-electric platforms, and unmanned systems. Our Taurus motor controllers and Atlas flight computers are already flying on demanding customer programs, including U.S. Army VICTOR UAS efforts.
As we scale production and expand our product line, we need a hands-on Embedded Firmware Engineer who can own firmware development across flight computers, motor controllers, and power distribution systems — someone who thrives at the intersection of silicon-level hardware and safety-critical software.
Why This Role Exists
Engineering Services is capacity-constrained. Senior engineers are stretched across internal R&D and multiple customer programs, creating risk for on-time delivery and consistent quality on flight-critical systems.
This role adds dedicated senior-level firmware expertise focused on real-time embedded systems. You will own firmware architecture and implementation for key platforms (Atlas Flight Computer, Dauphine maritime systems, and Taurus motor controllers), strengthen our Hardware-in-the-Loop and Software-in-the-Loop testing capabilities, and help establish repeatable, auditable firmware development practices that support AS9100 and DO-178C traceability as the company grows.
What You’ll Own
- Architect, implement, and maintain firmware for the Atlas Flight Computer, Dauphine maritime platform, and Taurus motor controllers using the Allocore SDK.
- Develop and optimize low-level drivers and application logic for high-bandwidth real-time communication stacks (CAN-FD, RS-485, RS-422, and Switched Ethernet).
- Implement and maintain peripheral drivers (PWM, ADC/DAC, GPIO, high-speed serial) on STM32H7 and Pixhawk-compatible (FMUv6) architectures.
- Support the integration and tuning of Field Oriented Control (FOC/SVPWM) algorithms for BLDC motor controllers, ensuring high efficiency and robust four-quadrant operation.
- Design and implement automated Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) and Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) test suites to validate firmware against safety-critical aerospace requirements.
- Troubleshoot complex system-level issues using logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, and JTAG/SWD debuggers to isolate firmware/hardware interactions.
- Produce clear, auditable design documents, Interface Control Documents (ICDs), and pull request descriptions that meet AS9100/DO-178C traceability standards.
- Help define and improve firmware development workflows, coding standards, and verification practices as the team and product portfolio grow.
What You Bring
Required
- 3–7 years of professional embedded firmware development experience using C and C++.
- Demonstrated expertise developing for ARM Cortex-M microcontrollers (especially STM32H7) in bare-metal or RTOS environments.
- Strong proficiency with real-time communication protocols including CAN/CAN-FD, RS-485, and Ethernet (10/100/1000).
- Hands-on experience with hardware debugging tools — JTAG/SWD debuggers (GDB, Segger J-Link), oscilloscopes, and logic analyzers.
- Experience with cross-compilation toolchains (GCC/LLVM), Make/CMake build systems, and Git-based version control.
- BS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent.
Preferred
- Experience with PX4/Pixhawk FMUv6 hardware standards and flight management software.
- Familiarity with DO-178C or similar functional safety standards for flight-critical software.
- Exposure to Field Oriented Control (FOC) implementations or power electronics firmware.
- Experience with embedded Linux (e.g., Toradex Verdin SoM) for mission computer applications.
- Comfort using AI coding assistants to accelerate development, testing, and documentation.
Why You’ll Love It Here
This is a high-impact, hands-on role where your code runs on real flight hardware and directly affects vehicle performance and safety. You’ll work closely with electrical and mechanical engineers on a small, agile team with short decision cycles and real ownership.
We’re growing fast while maintaining the quick-turn, high-quality engineering culture that sets us apart from larger aerospace suppliers. You’ll have the opportunity to shape firmware processes and standards as we scale toward higher production volumes and greater certification maturity. The Shenandoah Valley offers an excellent quality of life with easy access to the Blue Ridge Mountains.
If you enjoy working at the boundary of hardware and software, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and want to see your firmware fly on cutting-edge unmanned systems, we’d love to talk.
Apply Now
We review applications on a rolling basis and move quickly for strong candidates.
Allocortech is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.