Embedded Firmware Engineer

Sentient Industries is seeking an Embedded Firmware Engineer to join our team in Austin, TX. In this role, you’ll develop and maintain production firmware for power electronics and connected (IoT) systems, working closely with electrical and hardware engineers throughout the product development lifecycle. This is a hands-on role focused on building reliable firmware for custom embedded hardware.

What you’ll do when you get here:

• Develop and maintain production firmware for power electronics and connected (IoT) systems.
• Own firmware architecture and support new product development from prototype through production.
• Collaborate with electrical and hardware engineers on MCU, SoC, peripheral, and component selection.
• Develop firmware using C (and C++ where appropriate) across bare-metal, RTOS, and embedded Linux platforms.
• Implement and debug communication interfaces including CAN, RS-485, RS-232, SPI, and I2C.
• Test, validate, and troubleshoot firmware to ensure reliable production performance.

• 5+ years of professional embedded firmware development experience.
• Strong proficiency in C, with C++ experience where applicable.
• Experience with microcontrollers (MCUs), SoCs, RTOS (preferably FreeRTOS), and embedded Linux.
• Experience implementing communication protocols such as CAN, RS-485, RS-232, SPI, and I2C.
• Hands-on debugging experience using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, JTAG, or SWD.
• Experience designing zero trust firmware using hardware cryptographic modules.
• Experience designing logic for power systems or other safety focused and mission critical systems.
• Experience designing fail safe control logic.
• Experience working closely with electrical and hardware engineering teams.
• Must be able to pass a federal background check

Preferred Qualifications:

• BS in Computer or Electrical Engineering, CS, or an equivalent technical discipline.
• Experience with Texas Instruments (TI) microcontrollers.
• Experience developing firmware for power electronics or industrial/IoT products.
• Experience with Python, Shell scripting, or Rust.
• Experience supporting products from development through production.

The salary/compensation range for this role is $120,000 - $150,000 per year. Individual compensation will vary based on factors such as location, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other relevant qualifications.

Sentient Industries is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and succeed. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

We believe that diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences strengthen our teams, drive innovation, and help us solve complex challenges. We value potential, curiosity, and a willingness to learn as much as direct experience. If you’re passionate about innovation and excited to make an impact, we encourage you to apply.

Sentient Industries employees will only ever email you about this position from a @betasentient.com or @ email address.

Pay: $120,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year

About Sentient Industries

Sentient Industries accelerates the development of mission-critical technologies that solve complex challenges across defense, emergency response, transportation, and other demanding industries. From product design and engineering to rapid prototyping and manufacturing, we build innovative, reliable energy solutions that perform when it matters most.

Our Culture

At Sentient Industries, we move with purpose, embrace innovation, and thrive on solving difficult problems together. We value curious minds, collaborative teams, and people who take ownership, challenge conventional thinking, and are passionate about creating technology that makes a meaningful impact.