Embedded Firmware Engineer

Sparx Engineering•Austin, TX

About The Position

At Sparx, we are seeking software developers and embedded engineers with 4+ years of experience. You will work with clients on projects involving everything from embedded microcontrollers, to media and image processing, to Bluetooth and TCP communications, to server-side database, web, and mobile app development. Our engineers work across C and C++ on bare-metal and RTOS targets, VHDL for FPGA designs, Embedded Linux with Yocto or Buildroot, Python for tooling, test automation, and data analysis, and C# and .NET for desktop applications and services. As such, you should have a proven track record of being able to pick up new languages and technologies, be multi-faceted in your skillset and interests, and preferably have some history of "tinkering" in your spare time. We operate across many fields such as aerospace, oil and gas, medical, robotics, industrial automation and consumer products. You will be exposed to many types of technology and have the opportunity to hone your current expertise and learn skills both within and outside of the software engineering spectrum, such as electronics and advanced data analysis. You will be working in small teams with other highly skilled engineers and developers to create products and software services from most every industry. Expect to be constantly challenged as part of an organization that strives to push the technological envelope in delivering innovative solutions to customer problems. Sparx is a casual and highly collaborative work environment. Our relatively small team helps us utilize the best of each player on different projects. We seek problem solvers, not problem finders, and we have a strong reputation to uphold. We hire slowly and we hire well. Every engineer here is someone the rest of the team trusts to own a problem end to end, so you get to focus your efforts on technical work. In this highly collaborative and engaging environment, you will have the opportunity to work with, and learn from, a talented group of individuals, being exposed to a vast array of different domains and expertise.

Requirements

4+ years of experience
Proven track record of being able to pick up new languages and technologies
Multi-faceted skillset and interests
Dedication to proper source control methods
Strong problem solving and communication (verbal and written) skills
Excellent mathematics skills
Experience in testing and troubleshooting
Experience interfacing with internal/external customers and vendors
Proven working experience in software engineering
Experience in hands-on development and troubleshooting on embedded targets
Solid programming experience in C or C++
Proven experience in embedded systems design with preemptive, multitasking real-time operating systems
Familiarity with software configuration management tools, defect tracking tools, and peer review
Excellent knowledge of OS coding techniques, IP protocols, interfaces and hardware subsystems
Adequate knowledge of reading schematics and data sheets for components
Strong documentation and writing skills
Ability to recognize and apply the proper software lifecycle procedures and methodologies
Ability to recognize potential pain points in the design of a system
Ability to utilize the best tool for the job
Ability to apply the best estimates when interfacing with stakeholders
Ability to continue to develop valuable skills such as big-picture prototyping, breaking down large tasks into smaller, testable pieces, and expanding software capabilities

Nice To Haves

Some history of "tinkering" in your spare time
Experience with Embedded Linux with Yocto or Buildroot
Experience with Python for tooling, test automation, and data analysis
Experience with C# and .NET for desktop applications and services
Experience with VHDL for FPGA designs

Responsibilities

Design and implement software of embedded devices and systems from requirements to production and commercial deployment
Work directly with engineering peers from all disciplines to create new technologies for multiple industries
Communicate and appropriately document engineering designs at all phases of the product lifecycle