Senior Firmware Engineer

About i3 Product DevelopmentAt 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 OpportunityWe'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 ResponsibilitiesDesign 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 testingPartner with electrical engineers to bring up and debug hardware platformsSupport firmware architecture decisions and documentation throughout developmentTroubleshoot complex system-level issues using lab equipment (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, debuggers)Participate in project planning, technical estimation, and client communicationContribute to process improvement and knowledge sharing across the teamMentor and support less experienced engineersRequired Qualifications10+ years of embedded firmware development experienceProficiency in C and C++ with strong embedded design principlesExperience developing for both bare-metal systems and RTOS environmentsExperience with 8- and 32-bit microcontrollers (ARM Cortex-M, etc.)Familiarity with embedded Linux environments and peripheral driver integrationHands-on experience with debugging tools and lab instrumentationExcellent problem-solving skills and attention to detailStrong communication skills with technical peers and client stakeholdersAbility to work independently, manage ambiguity, and adapt quickly across projectsPreferred QualificationsPython experience for testing, scripting, or automationFamiliarity with Yocto or Buildroot for embedded Linux buildsExperience with bootloaders, OTA update strategies, or embedded securityExposure 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 teammatesWhat Sets You ApartHands-on experience – You've built real systems and solved real problemsCuriosity and adaptability – You learn quickly and navigate diverse projectsClear communication – You explain complex ideas and build strong relationshipsSystems thinking – You understand how firmware connects with hardware, users, and business goalsOwnership mindset – You embrace autonomy, accountability, and technical leadershipClient-focused attitude – You build solutions that deliver client successWhy i3?Work on diverse, challenging projects with meaningful impactJoin a collaborative, cross-disciplinary team of expertsThrive in an in-person culture valuing connection and creativityGrow in a culture of trust, transparency, and professional developmentStretch your skills in new and exciting directions