System Architect - Firmware
Role details
Job location
Tech stack
Job description
It all starts with the people. You'll collaborate with colleagues who are passionate about solving complex problems and driving innovation. Every day, we strive to make our organization better than the day before. We value authenticity, courage, and clarity, and foster an environment of absolute inclusion and diversity.
At Qualitrol, you'll enjoy the autonomy and creativity typical of a medium-sized company, while benefiting from the resources, best practices, and career opportunities of a global organization like Ralliant.
Your Impact
As a Firmware System Architect, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping the architecture of embedded systems that power our next-generation monitoring and protection solutions for the electric grid. You'll lead the design of high-performance firmware platforms, mentor junior engineers, and contribute to the technology roadmap that drives our digital transformation.
You'll work closely with cross-functional teams to define technical requirements, architect scalable and maintainable firmware solutions, and ensure seamless integration with hardware and cloud/enterprise services.
Key Responsibilities
Collaborate with Product Managers and Product Owners to define commercial and technical requirements for embedded systems and firmware platforms.
Lead architecture development for embedded firmware across multiple product lines, ensuring scalability, reliability, and maintainability.
Design and implement firmware using C/C++ for microcontrollers and SoCs, with a focus on real-time performance and hardware integration.
Develop automated unit and integration test plans using test-driven development methodologies.
Document architecture, design decisions, and implementation details for internal and external stakeholders.
Utilize embedded technologies such as: RTOS (e.g., FreeRTOS, VxWorks)
Linux OS
Firmware containers and secure boot
AI/ML for edge analytics
Mentor entry-level firmware developers on engineering best practices and embedded design principles.
Drive continuous improvement in firmware development processes and tools.
Requirements
Do you have experience in Test-driven development?, Do you have a Master's degree?, Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Embedded Systems, or related field.
5+ years of professional experience in embedded firmware development.
Strong proficiency in C/C++ for embedded systems.
Experience with microcontroller and SoC architectures (e.g., ARM Cortex-M, DSPs).
Deep understanding of real-time systems, interrupt handling, and low-level hardware interfaces (SPI, I2C, UART, Ethernet).
Familiarity with RTOS and bare-metal programming.
Experience with firmware debugging tools (JTAG, oscilloscopes, logic analysers).
Knowledge of service-oriented architectures and microservices in embedded contexts.
Strong grasp of object-oriented design and modular firmware architecture.
Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git) and CI/CD pipelines for embedded development.
Independent, visionary, and detail-oriented with strong leadership skills.
Preferred Skills
Experience with IEC 61850, DNP3, Modbus or other industrial communication protocols.
Familiarity with embedded Linux and secure firmware update mechanisms
Knowledge of Ethercat or similar is beneficial.
Knowledge of cybersecurity principles in embedded systems.
Agile development methodologies tailored to embedded systems.
Experience with automated testing frameworks
Background in model-based design and code generation.
Benefits & conditions
Primarily working from East Kilbride office, with Hybrid work model flexibility to work from home within agreed limits and business needs.