Principal / Technologist Firmware Engineer
On-siteShenzhen Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
Job Summary
Architect, develop, and optimize firmware and software for embedded platforms spanning bare-metal, RTOS, and Linux environments. Write board support packages, bootloaders, and drivers while designing and verifying FPGA logic to integrate custom peripherals. Lead board bring-up activities, debug system-level issues using logic analyzers and oscilloscopes, and profile performance metrics like latency and power consumption. Develop host-side applications for device communication and test automation, then mentor junior engineers by establishing coding standards and reviewing code. Collaborate with hardware and product teams to translate requirements into integrated solutions, driving complex projects from concept to production.
Required Qualifications
- B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline
- 8+ years of professional embedded software/firmware development experience
- Deep proficiency in C/C++ for resource-constrained targets
- Extensive experience with at least one commercial or open-source RTOS
- Solid understanding of real-time scheduling, interrupt handling, synchronization primitives, and deterministic timing
- Demonstrated experience with Linux kernel internals — driver development, kernel module programming, user-space/kernel-space interfaces (ioctl, sysfs, netlink), and cross-compilation toolchains
- Hands-on development in Verilog or VHDL targeting Xilinx and/or Intel (Altera) platforms
- Familiarity with synthesis, timing closure, simulation, and on-chip debug (ILA/SignalTap)
- Proven track record building PC-side applications for embedded device interaction — serial/USB/Ethernet communication stacks, GUI or CLI tools, and automated test frameworks
- Expert-level use of JTAG/SWD debuggers, logic analyzers, oscilloscopes
- Proficiency with version control (Git), CI/CD pipelines, and build systems (Make, CMake, Yocto/Buildroot)
- Strong technical writing and verbal communication skills
- Ability to produce clear design documents, interface specifications, and technical reports
- Proficient in English verbal communication
- Ability to effectively collaborate and conduct technical discussions across cross-functional and cross-regional teams
Desired Qualifications
- Experience with high-speed interfaces: PCIe, USB 3.x, Ethernet (including RGMII/SGMII), or MIPI
- Familiarity with hardware description and verification methodologies (SystemVerilog, UVM) or High-Level Synthesis (HLS)
- Experience with signal/image processing algorithms implemented in firmware or FPGA fabric
- Proficiency in Python for scripting, test automation, and rapid prototyping
- Experience with Agile/Scrum development methodologies in a hardware-software co-development environment
- Familiarity with storage systems, motor control, or industrial/IoT domains
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