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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Firmware Engineer - 21200 - **Company:** Defense, Llc - **Location:** Poway, CA, United States - **Experience:** Experienced - **Salary:** $115,000.0 - $150,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Adobe InDesign, Software Applications, Unit Testing, C++ (Programming Language), Code Review, Computer Programming, Computer Engineering, Datasheets, Software Debugging, Microprocessors, Embedded Software, Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS), Firmware, Secure Coding, Verification and Validation (Software), Systems Integration, Enterprise Software Applications, PIC Microcontroller, Test-Driven Development (TDD), Software Troubleshooting, Information Technology, Software Coding, Software Version Control, Workday, Hardware Debugging - **Published:** July 15, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=7dbad9e410036922 ## About the Role * 3+ years of professional experience with C/C++; embedded experience preferred * Working knowledge of software engineering best practices * Strong written and verbal technical communication skills with the ability to work independently * Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a related field, FULL DESCRIPTION: We are seeking a Firmware Engineer to design and deliver security-focused embedded software features for hardware-encrypted storage products used in highly regulated environments. This role will support embedded C/C++ development, modern cryptography-enabled features, verification and validation testing, hardware/software integration, technical documentation, and certification readiness efforts. The ideal candidate will have strong embedded software fundamentals, excellent technical communication skills, and the ability to work independently in a performance-oriented engineering environment., * Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a related field required * 3+ years of professional C/C++ experience required * Embedded software experience preferred * Working knowledge of software engineering best practices, including code reviews, version control, and coding standards * Ability to develop firmware using industry standard IDE software packages * Strong written and verbal technical communication skills * Ability to work independently and take ownership of assigned responsibilities * Ability to read and interpret datasheets and schematics preferred * Experience debugging new board designs preferred * Experience with microcontrollers, microprocessors, and resource-constrained embedded systems preferred * Familiarity with cryptographic algorithms and secure key-handling concepts preferred * Experience with unit testing or test-driven development for embedded software preferred * Familiarity with USB device development or USB protocol stacks preferred * Experience supporting products in FIPS-regulated environments preferred * Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills * Ability to work onsite in Poway, CA * Ability to work in a fast-paced engineering environment * Must be authorized to work without sponsorship Physical Requirements: * Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods while developing firmware, reviewing code, debugging issues, and documenting technical requirements * Ability to communicate by phone, email, video meeting, and in person throughout the workday * Ability to review code, schematics, datasheets, technical specifications, test plans, and computer screens for extended periods * Ability to use hands and fingers for typing, programming, documentation, hardware debugging support, and standard engineering tasks * Ability to occasionally stand, walk, bend, reach, and move throughout office, engineering, lab, or production areas as needed * Ability to occasionally lift, carry, or move standard office, engineering, lab, or test materials as needed * Ability to work in an engineering, lab, or production-adjacent environment while following applicable safety procedures * Ability to wear required personal protective equipment as needed when entering lab or production areas ## Description Are you looking for a new career opportunity with an exciting company?! Then we've got the right team for you! In this role, you're responsible for the duties listed below., * Designing and implementing robust, maintainable embedded C/C++ software aligned with industry best practices * Developing cryptography-enabled features supporting data confidentiality, integrity, and secure device behavior * Creating and executing verification and validation test plans * Supporting product qualification and release readiness activities * Partnering with hardware engineering to bring up new boards * Interpreting datasheets, schematics, and technical documentation to support development and debugging * Debugging hardware/software integration issues * Performing root-cause analysis and driving issues to resolution across firmware, hardware, and test domains * Participating in design reviews and code reviews * Helping define coding standards and secure development practices * Producing technical documentation, including requirements, specifications, style guides, and test evidence * Supporting FIPS certification readiness activities and related documentation or evidence generation * Working with silicon and SSD vendors to translate product requirements into partner roadmaps * Supporting secure product development from concept through release * Collaborating with engineering and external partners to bring secure products to market ## Related Videos - [Security Pitfalls for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/726-security-pitfalls-for-software-engineers) - [Destigmatizing the Workplace: Building Real Inclusion](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1492-destigmatizing-the-workplace-building-real-inclusion) - [Playing Pong on a shoulder press machine](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100140-playing-pong-on-a-shoulder-press-machine) - [Agent Smith Gets Hardware: Autonomous IoT Hacking From Debug Port to Cloud API](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100258-agent-smith-gets-hardware-autonomous-iot-hacking-from-debug-port-to-cloud-api) - [More efficient software for more efficient microchips](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1164-more-efficient-software-for-more-efficient-microchips) - [The Future of Employee Wellbeing: Benefits, Trust & Performance](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1808-the-future-of-employee-wellbeing-benefits-trust-performance) ## Related Articles - [Now is the time for industrialized software development](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/601-now-is-the-time-for-industrialized-software-development) - [Dev Digest 134 - Where pixels sing?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/477-dev-digest-134-where-pixels-sing) - [Is Software Engineering Hard?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/448-is-software-engineering-hard) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated) - [Dev Digest 121 - AI goes offline](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/456-dev-digest-121-ai-goes-offline) - [Fully Remote Software Engineer Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/447-fully-remote-software-engineer-jobs)