Embedded Engineer

Job Title

Embedded Engineer

Role Summary

Design and implement high-performance embedded systems and firmware across a range of projects. Work on architecture, development, validation, and system integration alongside a small multidisciplinary engineering team and with external clients.

Projects span mission-critical applications in space, energy, and advanced vehicles; engineers are expected to take ownership of designs and participate in mentoring and team development.

Experience Level

Mid-level. Minimum 1+ years of applied experience (internships count).

Responsibilities

Deliver embedded firmware/HDL designs, validate performance, and support clients through development and deployment.

• Own architecture, design, and implementation of complex embedded firmware or FPGA digital designs.
• Develop firmware in C/C++ for microcontrollers or write Verilog HDL for FPGAs.
• Write and execute test plans for validation and performance characterization; perform bring-up and debugging.
• Assess design risks, implement mitigations, and ensure reliability for mission-critical systems.
• Produce technical documentation for hardware, software, and systems; conduct design and code reviews.
• Interact with customers to define firmware requirements and provide technical support and status communication.

Requirements

Must-have qualifications and conditions for candidates.

• Able to work 40 hours per week on-site in El Segundo, CA or Redmond, WA.
• Eligible to work on ITAR projects (U.S. person or eligible to obtain required authorizations).
• Minimum 1+ years applied engineering experience (internships count).
• Experience developing firmware in C/C++ or developing digital designs in Verilog HDL.
• Strong written and verbal technical communication skills; able to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

Nice-to-have:

• Team-based design project experience (e.g., Formula SAE, CubeSat, etc.).
• End-to-end electronics design and hardware bring-up experience; analog and/or power electronics skills.
• Experience with Altium Designer or KiCad, Python or MATLAB for data analysis, LTSpice, ARM Cortex-M devices, or Lattice/Xilinx FPGAs.
• Familiarity with CI/CD, high-reliability software practices, OS fundamentals, or computer/digital-architecture concepts.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

About the Company

Company: Second Order Effects

Headquarters: Redmond, Washington, United States

Second Order Effects (SOE) is an engineering consultancy focused on transforming uncertainty into functional hardware and software. Founded in 2016, the company has over 90 employees and works on projects across various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and consumer electronics. SOE excels in problem-solving for complex engineering challenges and emphasizes innovation and collaboration within its cross-disciplinary team.