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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Software/Firmware Engineer - Huntsville, AL - **Company:** IPG Photonics Corporation - **Location:** Huntsville, AL, United States - **Experience:** Starter - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Clean Code Principles, Board Bringup, Systems Engineering, ARM Architecture, Automation of Tests, C++ (Programming Language), Configuration Management, Continuous Integration, Software Debugging, Linux, Embedded Software, Ethernet, EtherCAT, Firmware, FreeRTOS, Hardware-In-The-Loop Simulation, Joint Test Action (IEEE Standards), Real-Time Operating Systems, Software Engineering, Systems Integration, Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter, WebRTC, Serial Peripheral Interface, Integration Tests, Software Version Control - **Published:** September 12, 2026 - **Apply:** https://diversityjobs.com/main/sendform/8/8/28176/1/18275077?backUrl=%2Fcareer%2F18275077%2FSoftware-Firmware-Engineer-Huntsville-Al-Alabama-Huntsville ## About the Role * Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Computer, or Software Engineering, or a related discipline. * 3-7 years of experience developing embedded systems or real-time firmware (junior and senior candidates considered at the appropriate level). * Proficiency in C/C++ and experience with STM32 or similar ARM Cortex microcontrollers. * Strong understanding of RTOS concepts, deterministic timing, and hardware-software integration. * Experience implementing closed-loop control in firmware (PID, feed-forward) and analyzing loop behavior (e.g., Bode/frequency response). * Experience with embedded communication interfaces (SPI, I2C, UART, CAN, or Ethernet). * Hands-on embedded debugging and board bring-up experience. * Strong written and verbal communication skills for cross-disciplinary collaboration., * Active DoD security clearance. * Experience with laser power supply control, photonics instrumentation, or directed-energy systems. * Knowledge of MIL-STD-1553, CAN, or EtherCAT communication. * Familiarity with real-time Linux, FreeRTOS, or Zephyr. * Experience with CI/CD for embedded software and hardware-in-the-loop test automation. * Familiarity with secure-coding practices and DFARS/NIST SP 800-171 cybersecurity requirements. WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS * Primarily lab and office environment; occasional use of PPE and laser-safety eyewear required. ## Description The Software/Firmware Engineer plays a hands-on role in designing and implementing embedded control software for complex laser assemblies and beam-delivery subsystems. This position focuses on ARM-based processing, deterministic control, and low-latency communication to enable real-time power modulation, safety interlocks, and mission reliability in harsh environments. This opening targets a mid-level engineer; junior and senior candidates may also be considered, with level determined by experience and qualifications., * Design, implement, and validate embedded firmware for laser, thermal, and beam-control subsystems. * Develop deterministic state-machine logic governing interlocks, firing sequences, and subsystem coordination. * Implement and tune digital control loops, including PID and feed-forward control, and validate loop performance using frequency-response (Bode) analysis. * Create and maintain real-time communication links between embedded controllers and higher-level command software. * Support board bring-up, hardware-software integration, and debugging using lab instruments (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, JTAG debuggers). * Develop unit and integration tests and contribute to version control and continuous-integration practices for firmware. * Collaborate closely with optical, electrical, and systems engineers to ensure seamless integration across the full directed-energy platform. * Conduct firmware verification, configuration control, and field testing per MIL-STD requirements. * Support documentation, cybersecurity, and sustainment of deployed systems. ## Related Videos - [Docker network without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1418-docker-network-without-docker) - [Photonic Computing: Programming a New Class of AI Accelerators (incl. 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