jobapplier

Firmware Engineer

pivotalsys

Skills

Required

  • firmware
  • gas flow control
  • semiconductor manufacturing
  • control
  • sensing
  • communication firmware
  • system-level testing
  • developing embedded firmware
  • C/C++
  • microcontroller-based
  • Git

Preferred

  • EtherCAT / DeviceNet / CANopen slave
  • control systems
  • PID control
  • digital signal processing
  • industrial or semiconductor equipment / sensors / mass flow controllers
  • Exactly!
  • Exact!
  • design replication methodologies
  • Python scripting

Responsibilities

  • The role involves complex debugging, collaborating with electrical and software engineers, and contributing to documentation, code reviews, and continuous improvement of development practices.
  • This role focuses on product-level, real-time control firmware and works closely with our Embedded Software Engineer (Platform & Firmware), who owns bootloaders, drivers, and the embedded platform.
  • The Firmware Engineer will also support production and field teams with technical insight into product behavior and performance.
  • Develop, test, and maintain real-time firmware in C/C++ for gas flow controllers, flow ratio controllers, and related products, running on microcontrollers or DSPs under an RTOS or bare-metal scheduler.
  • Implement closed-loop flow and pressure control algorithms, sensor signal processing (pressure and temperature), and valve actuation.
  • Implement and maintain the industrial communication interfaces used by semiconductor equipment makers, such as EtherCAT, DeviceNet, RS-485, and analog I/O. Develop firmware support for calibration data, gas and configuration tables, self-diagnostics, alarms, and fault handling.
  • Bring up and debug new hardware with electrical engineers using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and JTAG/SWD debuggers.
  • Write unit and integration tests, create design verification test plans, and support system-level validation on gas test stands.
  • Participate in code reviews and design reviews, and follow version control and release management practices.
  • Support manufacturing test and field service with firmware updates, diagnostic tools, and root-cause analysis of field issues.
  • Document firmware architecture, interfaces, and release notes.

Requirements

  • This is a full-time, on-site Firmware Engineer role based in either Fremont, CA or Reno, NV.
  • The Firmware Engineer will design, develop, and maintain the real-time firmware that runs Pivotal’s gas flow control products, ensuring reliable performance in semiconductor manufacturing environments.
  • Day-to-day responsibilities include implementing and optimizing control, sensing, and communication firmware, integrating firmware with electronic hardware, and participating in system-level testing and validation.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.
  • 3+ years of experience developing embedded firmware in C/C++ for microcontroller-based products on resource-constrained systems.
  • Hands-on experience with low-level programming of microcontroller peripherals such as ADCs, DACs, PWM, timers, GPIO, UART, SPI, I2C, and CAN.
  • Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS) and interrupt-driven, real-time firmware design.
  • Solid debugging skills, including use of hardware and software debugging tools, instrumentation, and structured troubleshooting methods.
  • Applied electrical engineering knowledge, including the ability to read schematics and datasheets and to work through hardware–software integration issues.
  • Experience with version control (e.g., Git) and code reviews.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional team, communicate technical concepts clearly, and document designs and test results effectively.
  • 5+ years of experience developing embedded firmware in C/C++ for microcontroller-based products on resource-constrained systems.

Preferred

  • Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
  • Experience with EtherCAT, DeviceNet, or CANopen slave stacks.
  • Background in control systems (e.g., PID control) or digital signal processing.
  • Familiarity with industrial or semiconductor equipment, sensors, mass flow controllers, or control systems.
  • Experience with Copy Exactly! / Copy Exact! and related design replication methodologies.
  • Python scripting experience for test automation and data analysis.