Firmware Engineer
Job Type: Full-time – This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship
Work Location: Frisco, Texas
ABOUT US
Sentient Energy, a subsidiary of Accurant International, is a leader in intelligent line sensing, data analytics, optimization, and control solutions for electric grids. Sentient Energy’s advanced hardware and software systems empower utilities to make informed, data-driven decisions to ensure reliable, safe, and efficient power delivery. With the industry’s only comprehensive Grid Analytics System, which covers both underground and overhead distribution networks, Sentient Energy provides the most flexible communication options available. The company leads the global market, deploying the largest network of line sensors across North America to deliver real-time data for predictive insights and strategic grid management.
Sentient Energy’s Grid Edge Control solutions help utilities manage demand and reduce losses at the grid’s edge through techniques such as Volt-VAR optimization, conservation voltage reduction, and peak demand reduction. For further information, visit www.sentientenergy.com or follow Sentient Energy on LinkedIn.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Sentient Energy is looking for a Firmware Engineer to design, develop, and maintain firmware used in our products. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in low-level programming, microcontrollers, hardware interfacing, and real-time systems. You will work closely with hardware engineers, software teams, and product managers to build reliable and efficient firmware solutions.
JOB SUMMARY
- Design, develop, and debug firmware for microcontroller-based products
- Write efficient, reliable code in C for resource-constrained devices
- Develop drivers and interfaces for peripherals such as SPI, I2C, UART, Ethernet and GPIO
- Implement and maintain RTOS-based and bare-metal devices
- Collaborate with hardware engineers during board bring-up and debugging
- Collaborate with Quality Assurance during validation
- Translate system requirements and design documents into executable firmware
- Optimize firmware for performance, memory usage, and power efficiency
- Develop and execute unit tests, integration tests, and system validation
- Debug issues using tools such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and JTAG debuggers
- Document firmware architecture, code, and development processes
- Participate in code reviews and contribute to continuous improvement of development practices
BASIC REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in electrical engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
- 3+ years of experience in firmware development
- Strong proficiency in C programming
- Experience working with microcontrollers or SoCs (e.g., ARM Cortex-M, STM32, etc.)
- Experience with hardware interfaces such as SPI, I2C, UART, Ethernet, USB
- Familiarity with RTOS concepts (Zephyr, FreeRTOS, etc.)
- Experience with embedded debugging tools
- Understanding of hardware schematics and electronics fundamentals
- Experience with version control systems (Git) and issue-tracking software (Jira)
What Will Put You Ahead?
- Experience with bootloaders, OTA firmware updates, and secure firmware
- Knowledge of networking protocols (TCP/IP, DNP3, etc.)
- Knowledge of wireless protocols (BLE, Wi-Fi, 4G/5G, LoRa, etc.)
- Knowledge of signal processing techniques
- Experience with Linux, Python, C++
- Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines for firmware development
- Experience with low-power design techniques
- Knowledge of MISRA C or other coding standards
Key Skills
- C programming language
- Microcontroller architecture
- Hardware/firmware integration
- Real-time systems
- Debugging and testing
- Firmware optimization
CULTURE AND TOTAL REWARDS
Sentient Energy, Inc. offers full-time employees a significant Total Rewards Package, including:
- Medical insurance plan options and other standard employee benefits, including dental insurance, vision benefits, life insurance, disability insurance, and more!
- 401(k) Plan (plus company match)
- Paid time off – including holidays and vacation.
- Above all, a company culture that prioritizes the growth of its employees technically, professionally, and financially.
It is the policy of Sentient Energy, Inc. not to discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion, or veteran status.
