> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2248847-principal-firmware-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2248847-principal-firmware-engineer). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal Firmware Engineer - **Company:** MKS Inc. - **Location:** Andover, MA, United States - **Salary:** $126,200.0 - $210,350.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Automation of Tests, Communications Protocols, Computer Programming, Computer Engineering, Software Debugging, DeviceNet, Emulators, EtherCAT, Firmware, PID Controllers, Performance Tuning, Software Engineering, Verification and Validation (Software), Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter, Serial Peripheral Interface, Software Coding, Software Version Control - **Published:** August 26, 2026 - **Apply:** https://jobs.localjobnetwork.com/apply/add/87526200/1 ## About the Role * Education: BS, MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field. * 10+ years of experience in embedded systems and firmware development, including control algorithms. * Demonstrated technical leadership with strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills. * Strong proficiency in C and C++ programming for real-time embedded systems. * Expertise in debugging and system bring-up, using tools such as emulators, oscilloscopes, and communication bus analyzers. * Experience with version control systems and structured software release processes Preferred Qualifications (Nice to Have): * Experience with industrial fieldbus protocols such as EtherCAT, DeviceNet, or similar. * Experience with motion control systems, including stepper motors and BLDC motors. * Strong understanding of feedback control theory, including PID control and tuning. * Experience with SPI, I2C, UART and other communication protocols. ## Description * Leading the architecture, design, implementation, verification and validation of embedded firmware for complex control systems. * Collaborating closely with cross-functional team to understand customer requirements and deliver innovative solutions that enhance product performance and customer success. * Establishing and driving firmware development best practices, including coding standards, design reviews, and automated test frameworks. * Providing technical leadership, mentorship and guidance to firmware engineers across the organization. * Driving continuous improvement in firmware quality, reliability, and development efficiency. ## Related Videos - [Playing Pong on a shoulder press machine](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100140-playing-pong-on-a-shoulder-press-machine) - [More efficient software for more efficient microchips](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1164-more-efficient-software-for-more-efficient-microchips) - [Remote Driving on Plant Grounds with State-of-the-Art Cloud Technologies](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/251-remote-driving-on-plant-grounds-with-state-of-the-art-cloud-technologies) - [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) - [Building a hypercar from scratch](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/607-building-a-hypercar-from-scratch) - [When Agents Meet Legacy: Never Change a Running System](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100320-when-agents-meet-legacy-never-change-a-running-system) ## Related Articles - [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again) - [How software is steering vehicle technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/515-how-software-is-steering-vehicle-technology) - [What is Software Engineering?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/289-what-is-software-engineering) - [The Best Software Developer Blogs to Read](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/156-the-best-software-developer-blogs-to-read) - [Is Software Engineering Hard?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/448-is-software-engineering-hard) - [Top Characteristics of a Software Engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/166-top-characteristics-of-a-software-engineer)