Los Angeles or San Francisco Hybrid USD 185,000 - 230,000 Yearly

1st Avenue Power is hiring a Principal Firmware Engineer

About the Role

As a Principal Firmware Engineer, you will lead the design and execution of firmware for cutting-edge renewable energy products, including photovoltaic inverters and energy storage systems. You'll oversee a team of firmware developers, guiding technical strategy, mentoring engineers, and ensuring high-quality implementation of real-time embedded systems.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead and manage a team of firmware engineers through development, testing, and validation of embedded software
  • Recruit, train, and mentor engineering talent to strengthen team capabilities
  • Develop and maintain low-level, real-time firmware in C for power electronics applications
  • Oversee board bring-up, debugging, optimization, and integration of firmware components
  • Design and implement communication protocols and control algorithms for distributed energy systems
  • Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, and controls teams to align firmware with system requirements
  • Define software specifications, create design documentation, and manage project timelines
  • Build simulation and validation frameworks to improve development efficiency and reliability

Qualifications

Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field, along with at least seven years of professional firmware development experience, including leadership roles.

  • Proven expertise in embedded systems, real-time firmware, and low-latency software development in C
  • Strong understanding of power electronics fundamentals and control algorithm implementation
  • Experience with communication protocols, driver development, and system-level debugging
  • Ability to lead technical projects and coordinate across cross-functional teams
  • Familiarity with ARM Cortex microcontrollers, Typhoon HIL, and scripting languages such as Python or shell is preferred
  • Exposure to AI or machine learning applications in embedded systems is a plus

Work Environment & Benefits

This role offers hybrid work flexibility with remote options and occasional travel (5–15%) to project sites. The company provides a competitive compensation package, including a 6% employer match on 401(k) contributions and comprehensive health benefits with full coverage of employee medical premiums under a Gold-level PPO plan. Dental and vision benefits include partial premium support.

The organization is driven by a mission to advance sustainable energy solutions and promote equitable access to clean technology. It fosters an innovative, inclusive culture that values technical excellence and long-term impact.

Required Skills
CPythonARM CortexFirmware DevelopmentEmbedded SystemsControl AlgorithmsPower ElectronicsReal-time SystemsCommunication ProtocolsAI/Machine LearningTyphoon HILLow-level Programming CPythonARM CortexFirmware DevelopmentEmbedded SystemsControl AlgorithmsPower ElectronicsReal-time SystemsCommunication ProtocolsAI/Machine LearningTyphoon HILLow-level Programming
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About company
1st Avenue Power
We are on a mission to deliver simple, fast-to-deploy, customer-centric and intelligent power systems leveraging the abundance of solar to provide inexpensive and reliable clean energy to global customers from data centers to energy starved communities around the world.
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Job Details
Department Engineering
Category embedded
Posted 2 months ago