What are the responsibilities and job description for the Firmware Engineer - 1534 position at SARA Inc?
Scientific Applications & Research Associates, Inc. (SARA) is a world-class Defense Research and Development enterprise with more than 35 years of proven innovation. We create new and emerging technology solutions in support of Commercial & Government organizations, with expertise in RF, EMP, Pulsed Power, Acoustics, and Threat Warning Systems. As an Employee-Owned company, every team member has a personal stake in the success of our mission, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation. At SARA, you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside talented engineers, physicists, and technicians while making a direct impact on programs that matter.
The SARA High Power Electromagnetics Division (HPEM) is looking for a remarkably talented, motivated, and imaginative Firmware Engineer to support research and development activities and transition innovative technologies to the DoD, DoE, and their contractors in Colorado Springs, CO. The candidate will have the opportunity to grow and learn with talented engineers, physicists, and technicians on long-standing programs and new programs supporting our customers. Our small group will allow the candidate to experience, contribute, and collaborate in a multidisciplinary nature from conception all the way through to operation.
Core Responsibilities:
- Develop bare-metal firmware in C for embedded systems
- Architect and implement firmware solutions for new products and product enhancements
- Lead rapid iteration developments using STM32 microcontrollers and custom-designed hardware
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, project managers, and subject matter experts to deliver effective system integration solutions
- Develop and maintain firmware
-driven system simulations - Design and implement Windows-based system interfaces for lab testing and configuration in C#
- Evaluate and configure microcontrollers for new designs, factoring in I/Os, peripheral support, memory layout, system clocks, interrupt handling, and other architectural considerations
- Support electronic design activities necessary for hardware-software integration
- Lead board bring-up, debugging, optimization, and full system integration through deployment
- Conduct code reviews, mentoring junior engineers, and foster team collaboration
- Produce and maintain technical documentation throughout development cycle
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field
- 5 years of experience in embedded firmware development
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot and debug embedded systems
- Proficiency in:
- C, C#
- Bare-metal programming on CPUs, microcontrollers, DSPs, or ARM cores
- Embedded system debugging and test tools (oscilloscopes, logic/bus analyzers)
- Low-level communication interfaces (I2C, SPI, SDIO, UART)
- Embedded bootloaders and firmware bring-up
- System Integration and validation
- Hardware interaction and schematic review
- US Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain DoD Top Secret security clearance
- May require light physical effort, involving standing, sitting and use of hands while performing duties, carrying or lifting up to 50 pounds
- Working environment is indoor, moderately quiet, reasonably clean, well-lighted and well-ventilated; moderate physical hazards may exist
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s Degree in Computer Engineering
- 16 years of experience in embedded firmware development
- Experience with:
- STM32 microcontrollers
- Low-level register programming for embedded systems
- Keil MDK
- Visual Studio
- Anti-Tamper Techniques & Cryptographic Processing
- DSP and high-speed (>= 1MHz) control loops
- Developing Windows-based configuration firmware tools in C#
- Active DoD Top Secret or DOE Q clearance
SARA offers a competitive benefits package to include:
- Medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance; and other supplemental programs
- A generous PTO program (vacation, sick, holiday)
- Tuition & certification reimbursement
- Flexible work schedules
- Discretionary Employee bonuses
- 401(k) match/profit sharing
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
Pay Range
Salary at SARA is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $110,000 to $180,000 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of SARA’s total compensation package for employees. Positions are on-site, unless indicated otherwise.
Application Deadline: January 6, 2026
SARA is an equal employment opportunity employer.
Salary : $110,000 - $180,000