What are the responsibilities and job description for the Embedded Firmware Developer position at Toptal?
Firmware Development Engineer (Embedded Linux) – Hybrid
📍 Location: Columbus, Indiana (Hybrid)
✈️ Travel: Required – 1 full week per month OR 2 full weeks every other month (all expenses covered: hotel, car rental, airfare, meals)
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Firmware Development Engineer with strong expertise in Embedded Linux platforms to join our team. This role involves designing, developing, and maintaining firmware solutions for embedded systems, with a focus on performance, reliability, and scalability.
Key Responsibilities
- Design firmware solutions and provide accurate development effort estimates
- Create, customize, and maintain Linux images for embedded platforms
- Develop and maintain firmware on Embedded Linux systems
- Integrate and manage Open Source Software (OSS) components
- Manage repository branches and oversee integration processes
- Build, optimize, and maintain CI/CD pipelines to streamline development workflows
- Develop firmware using C and Python
- Perform hands-on troubleshooting and testing (bench and field)
- Implement and maintain core system functionalities, including:
- Non-volatile data storage and databases
- Inter-process communication mechanisms
- Ensure firmware aligns with cybersecurity requirements
- Implement and maintain static analysis tools
Required Qualifications
- 7 years of experience as a Firmware Development Engineer
- Strong experience with Embedded Linux platforms (Yocto, Buildroot, OpenWRT)
- Proven experience developing firmware on Linux-based embedded systems
- Hands-on experience with CI/CD tools (e.g., Azure DevOps, Jenkins)
- Experience managing code repositories, branching strategies, and integrations
- Solid experience integrating and maintaining OSS components
- Proficiency in C and Python
- Experience with firmware release management
- Strong troubleshooting skills for embedded systems
- Experience with non-volatile data storage in embedded environments
- Exposure to firmware projects with cybersecurity requirements
- Highly organized and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
What We Offer
- Hybrid work flexibility
- Fully covered travel expenses
- Opportunity to work on cutting-edge embedded systems
- Collaborative and dynamic work environment
If you're passionate about embedded systems and firmware development, and enjoy solving complex technical challenges, we encourage you to apply.