The Role
Investigates and resolves embedded firmware failures in advanced robotic platforms from prototype through production. Leads root cause analysis, debugging, corrective actions, system integration, diagnostics, automated testing, regression testing, and release readiness. Supports bootloaders, RTOS, drivers, motor-control firmware, and communication interfaces while analyzing reliability trends. Documents findings, guides junior engineers and technicians, and collaborates with firmware, hardware, controls, manufacturing, and safety teams.
Summary Generated by Built In
Systems Engineer – Embedded Firmware
Sigma Design is a product development, engineering, and manufacturing firm. Based out of the Pacific Northwest, we offer innovative concept through production services to diverse clients around the globe. Sigma Design believes in hiring, developing, and recognizing the best. We offer competitive compensation, a 401(k) with up to 4% company match, quarterly bonus program, 15-days of accrued PTO and 9 company paid holidays. In addition, Sigma Design has multiple options for medical insurance and dental insurance. We also offer voluntary benefits: vision, long-term disability, and life insurance.
Position Details:
- The hiring range for this role is typically between $95,000 and $116,000 annually, with the full range extending to $137,000 annually, based on experience, internal equity, and career progression
- This position will be In Office
The Systems Engineer – Embedded Firmware is responsible for troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and sustaining support of embedded firmware systems within advanced robotic platforms. This position investigates firmware failures, drives corrective actions, and supports system integration and reliability improvements from prototype development through production.
Essential Job Functions - Responsibilities:
- Lead root cause analysis and failure investigations for embedded firmware issues, including system crashes, boot failures, memory corruption, timing issues, and communication errors
- Provide troubleshooting and sustaining support for embedded systems, including bootloaders, RTOS, device drivers, motor-control firmware, and communication interfaces
- Investigate system-level issues across firmware, software, and hardware interfaces using debugging tools, firmware logs, crash dumps, and diagnostic testing
- Review firmware updates, software changes, and system configurations to identify potential risks related to performance, timing, and system reliability
- Develop and maintain firmware diagnostics, self-tests, automated testing, and regression procedures to improve failure detection and resolution
- Support system integration and release readiness, including firmware testing, version control, compatibility, and issue tracking
- Analyze firmware performance and failure trends to identify opportunities for reliability and system improvements
- Document investigation findings, debugging procedures, and troubleshooting guidelines; provide technical guidance to technicians and junior engineers
- Collaborate with firmware, electrical, systems software, controls, manufacturing, and safety teams to support prototype development and system integration
- Follow Business Technology policies to protect sensitive data and reduce information security occurrences.
Education and Experience: (Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities)
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, or a related field, or equivalent required
- Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in embedded firmware development, debugging, integration, or sustaining engineering; alternatively, a master's degree with 3 years of relevant experience
- Experience with root cause analysis, failure investigations, and corrective action processes
- Proficiency debugging embedded C/C++ firmware using tools such as JTAG/SWD, GDB, serial consoles, and log analysis
- Experience with RTOS or bare-metal systems, bootloaders, board support packages (BSPs), and peripheral drivers
- Familiarity with embedded communication protocols such as CAN, EtherCAT, I2C, SPI, UART, and Ethernet
- Scripting experience, preferably Python, for test automation and data analysis; familiarity with version control and firmware continuous integration
- Strong written and verbal English language communication skills
- Excellent teamwork/interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively, both within and outside one's own work group
- Demonstrate commitment and adherence to Sigma Design Core Values
- Pass a post-offer background verification
Work Environment
Standard lab/production environment. Appropriate safety garments (PPE) must be worn. Occasionally may be required to work in environmental conditions that emulate typical user environments in order to facilitate design testing and validation. Occasionally may be required to travel as required to other facilities, clients, or suppliers. Must be able to stand and work as long as 12 hours in different positions. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds unassisted.
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, or a related field, or equivalent
- At least 5 years of relevant embedded firmware development, debugging, integration, or sustaining engineering experience; alternatively, a master’s degree with 3 years of relevant experience
- Experience with root cause analysis, failure investigations, and corrective action processes
- Proficiency debugging embedded C/C++ firmware using JTAG/SWD, GDB, serial consoles, and log analysis
- Experience with RTOS or bare-metal systems, bootloaders, board support packages, and peripheral drivers
- Familiarity with CAN, EtherCAT, I2C, SPI, UART, and Ethernet communication protocols
- Scripting experience, preferably Python, for test automation and data analysis
- Familiarity with version control and firmware continuous integration
- Strong written and verbal English communication skills
- Excellent teamwork and interpersonal skills
- Ability to collaborate within and outside the work group
- Commitment to and adherence to Sigma Design Core Values
- Successful completion of post-offer background verification
- Ability to wear required PPE, stand and work for up to 12 hours, and lift up to 50 pounds unassisted
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The Company
What We Do
SIGMADESIGN is a product design and engineering firm headquartered in Camas, WA. We offer product development services from concept through production. SIGMADESIGN provides turnkey solutions for projects through solid engineering, broad experience, and focused execution. We're experts in IoT, Consumer Electronics, Recreational Products, and Aerospace & Defense. The firm was founded in 1994 to serve product design needs of the US Pacific Northwest. With multiple locations in the US and an office in Singapore, we serve a world-wide client base. Our expertise and services can take an idea from concept through production. We enjoy the opportunity to assist at any stage in the process. Services SIGMADESIGN provides services ranging from industrial design through manufacturing. These include: • Industrial Design • Systems Engineering • Mechanical Engineering • Electrical Engineering • Software/Firmware Engineering • Soft Goods Development • Rapid Prototyping • Machine Shop/Part Fabrication • Product Testing • Manufacturing • Logistics and Shipping
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