Embedded Firmware Design EngineerOPPORTUNITY AlpHa Measurement Solutions recognizes the need to strengthen its product development organization and is investing accordingly.
AlpHa Measurement Solutions is experiencing aggressive growth through a global platform consolidation and recognizes a need to strengthen and expand its product development capabilities to meet increased demand and support continued growth. We have an immediate need for an Embedded Firmware Design Engineer to join our R&D and New Product Development team.
Our R&D and New Product Development functions are critical to the company's success. The team is responsible for developing and commercializing new analytical sensors and instrumentation, leading the conceptualization, research, design, prototype development, testing, and production launch, as well as supporting the product lifecycle through troubleshooting and continuous improvement initiatives. These teams are comprised of talented individuals with advanced degrees in chemistry, electrochemistry, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering.
We need a talented firmware and embedded software engineer who wants to be part of a strengthening R&D team, who is self-motivated to advance the company and its priority initiatives, and who is capable of technical product leadership, project management, and leveraging technology throughout the business.
Our global headquarters is conveniently located in Houston at the southwest intersection of I-69 and Sam Houston Tollway, just north of Sugar Land.
This individual will report to the Sr. Director of Product Engineering.
Full-Time, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and as required to maintain business momentum.
JOB DESCRIPTIONPosition Summary The Embedded Firmware Design Engineer will focus on the design, development, and testing of firmware and embedded software that bring AlpHa's sensor and instrumentation products to life. This role centers on microcontroller programming, embedded software architecture, and system-level debugging, working closely with hardware to deliver reliable, efficient, and maintainable solutions that meet project requirements. The engineer will also support customers and the Quality Control (QC) department by developing test software and protocols and by assisting in root cause analysis and general troubleshooting of products.
Essential Functions Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the following essential functions:
Firmware and Embedded Software Development - Design, write, test, and debug firmware in C and C++ for microcontrollers and microprocessors (e.g., TI, ARM Cortex-M, PIC, STM32, ESP32).
- Architect embedded software, including driver development, hardware abstraction layers, communication stacks, and application logic.
- Develop and integrate real-time operating system (RTOS) tasks and bare-metal scheduling for deterministic, resource-constrained applications.
- Implement and maintain device communication interfaces and protocols (I2C, SPI, UART, CAN, Modbus, USB, Bluetooth/BLE).
- Optimize firmware for power efficiency, memory footprint, execution speed, and reliability.
Software Tools, Test, and Automation - Develop PC-side and test software (e.g., Python, LabVIEW, C#/.NET) for device configuration, characterization, and production test.
- Build automated test scripts and validation frameworks to verify firmware behavior and product performance.
- Establish testing protocols and support the QC department in root cause analysis and troubleshooting.
- Maintain firmware version control, build pipelines, and release management practices.
Hardware Integration and Bring-Up - Collaborate with hardware engineers on schematic review, component selection, and board bring-up.
- Perform system-level integration, debugging, and validation using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and multimeters.
- Support prototyping, manufacturing, and production phases as needed.
- Assist in obtaining applicable product compliance certifications.
Collaboration, Documentation, and Innovation - Collaborate with cross-functional teams (hardware, mechanical, and systems engineers) to integrate firmware and software with the broader product.
- Document firmware architecture, code, and processes in accordance with company standards and industry best practices.
- Conduct and evaluate research to support new product development and product improvement initiatives.
- Occasionally interface with customer accounts via email and telephone.
- Stay current on emerging embedded technologies and propose innovative solutions to enhance product capabilities.
Required Key Competencies - Functional/Technical Skills: Brings strong embedded C/C++, RTOS, and protocol implementation capability across a range of MCU architectures and product lines.
- Problem Solving: Performs system-level debugging and root cause analysis across firmware, hardware, and product boundaries, including QC and field escalations.
- Learning on the Fly: Ramps quickly on new sensor technologies, MCU platforms, and emerging embedded tools across a diverse and evolving product portfolio.
- Priority Setting: Balances new product development, QC support, and customer troubleshooting demands, focusing effort on what matters most to the business.
- Customer Focus: Supports customer accounts and internal stakeholders responsively when troubleshooting products and developing test protocols.
- Self-Development: Stays current on emerging embedded technologies and proactively proposes innovative solutions to enhance product capabilities.
Required Qualifications and Experience - Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
- 3-5 years of experience in firmware and embedded software development.
- Strong proficiency in embedded C/C++, with working knowledge of Python and at least one additional language (e.g., JavaScript, C#).
- Hands-on experience with microcontroller and microprocessor architectures (e.g., TI MSP430, PIC, ARM Cortex-M, ESP32).
- Solid understanding of real-time operating systems (RTOS), bare-metal programming, and embedded software architecture.
- Experience with communication protocols such as I2C, SPI, UART, CAN, Modbus, or Ethernet.
- Familiarity with schematic capture and PCB concepts sufficient to support board bring-up and hardware debugging.
- Proficiency with debugging tools including oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and in-circuit debuggers.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications - Experience developing test and automation software using LabVIEW or equivalent tools.
- Experience with sensor integration, signal processing, or control systems.
- Familiarity with firmware version control and CI/CD pipelines (e.g., Git, Gitea or GitHub Actions).
- Experience developing wireless connectivity (Bluetooth/BLE) firmware.
WORKING CONDITIONS This role is performed primarily in an office and laboratory/bench environment at AlpHa's Houston headquarters. The Embedded Firmware Design Engineer partners daily with hardware, mechanical, and systems engineers within the R&D and New Product Development team and supports colleagues in quality and manufacturing. Occasional travel to customer sites or manufacturing facilities may be required to support product development and validation.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
