Systems Engineer - Embedded Firmware

Sigma Design•Redmond, WA

1d•$95,000 - $137,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Systems Engineer – Embedded Firmware is responsible for troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and sustaining support of embedded firmware systems within advanced robotic platforms. The role investigates firmware failures, drives corrective actions, and supports system integration and reliability improvements from prototype development through production. This position is in office and works in a standard lab/production environment. The employee must wear appropriate safety garments (PPE), may occasionally work in environmental conditions that emulate typical user environments for design testing and validation, and may occasionally travel to other facilities, clients, or suppliers. The role requires standing and working for as long as 12 hours in different positions and lifting up to 50 pounds unassisted.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, or a related field, or equivalent; alternatively, a master's degree with relevant experience.
At least 5 years of relevant experience in embedded firmware development, debugging, integration, or sustaining engineering; alternatively, 3 years of relevant experience with a master's degree.
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.
Strong written and verbal English-language communication skills.
Excellent teamwork and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate effectively and collaborate within and outside one's work group.
Demonstrated commitment and adherence to Sigma Design Core Values.
Must pass a post-offer background verification.

Nice To Haves

Scripting experience, preferably Python, for test automation and data analysis.
Familiarity with version control and firmware continuous integration.

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.