Senior or Principal Embedded Software Engineer

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Kforce has a client in Bellingham, WA that is looking for a Senior or Principal Embedded Software Engineer with strong experience in embedded software to play a critical role in architecting, developing, and optimizing software for our next-generation embedded systems. In this position, you will lead complex development efforts, contribute to platform architecture decisions, and help guide junior engineers through technical challenges. We are working directly with the hiring manager on this search assignment. You'll work closely with cross-functional teams including hardware design, system architecture, and applications engineering to deliver high-performance 3D sensing reference designs.

Responsibilities:
* Architect, develop, and maintain embedded software across the full stack - from low-level drivers and kernel modules to middleware and user-space applications using C/C++ and Python
* Design and customize Linux-based embedded systems, including building and maintaining Yocto-based distributions and Board Support Packages (BSPs)
* Lead bring-up and integration of custom hardware platforms, including bootloader, kernel, and driver development
* Develop and debug device drivers and peripheral interfaces (SPI, I2C, UART, USB, Ethernet)
* Drive performance optimization of networking stacks and real-time data processing in embedded Linux systems
* Analyze and troubleshoot system-level issues across hardware/software boundaries using tools such as JTAG, logic analyzers, and profiling utilities
* Contribute to system architecture, interface design, and long-term platform scalability
* Define and implement software development best practices, including CI/CD pipelines, code reviews, and automated validation
* Mentor and support junior engineers, conduct technical reviews, and provide guidance on complex issues
* Create detailed technical documentation, design specifications, and debugging procedures

REQUIREMENTS:
* Master's degree in Computer Science or equivalent work experience
* Around 8+ years of embedded software development
* Expert-level proficiency in C and C++, with experience in Python
* Strong experience with Linux kernel, driver development, and Yocto build system
* Hands-on experience with networking protocols (TCP/IP, UDP, MQTT, etc.)
* Familiarity with bootloaders, BSP development, and real-time constraints
* Experience debugging embedded systems using JTAG, oscilloscopes, and logic analyzers
* Knowledge of system profiling, memory management and performance optimization
* Ability to read and interpret data sheets to inform implementation
* Expertise of working in Linux environments
* Expertise in Source code version control (Git)
* Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in a fast-paced environment
* Experience in Lidar, 3D Sensing Systems or real-time imaging systems
* Hands-on experience of real-time operating systems (RTOS) and bare-metal development
* Familiarity with hardware bring-up and board support package (BSP) development
* Understanding of security best practices for embedded systems
* Familiarity with Atlassian tools (Jira, Confluence, Bitbucket)
* Familiarity with working in Agile environments (Scrum/Kanban)
* Familiarity with embedded software development e.g. C, C++

The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.

We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave.

Note: Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law.

This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions.

Kforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

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