Principle Firmware Engineer

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Kforce has a client that is looking for a Principle Firmware Engineer for a hybrid role in Austin, TX. This role is ideal for a seasoned engineer who enjoys full lifecycle ownership, advanced embedded or distributed systems work, and contributing to innovation and intellectual property.

Responsibilities:
* Own end-to-end development: design, analysis, implementation, testing, deployment, documentation, and maintenance
* Integrate with and contribute to programs developed by other teams
* Prepare and present content on emerging technologies as part of internal education efforts
* Participate in intellectual property activities, including filing disclosures and supporting patent development

REQUIREMENTS:
* Bachelor's degree required; Master's preferred
* 10+ years of industry experience
* Strong embedded firmware background: C/C++ for MCUs (STM32 or similar), peripheral drivers, RTOS
* Comfortable across ultra-embedded RTOS environments and Linux-capable SoCs (device trees, kernel/user-space interaction)
* Hands-on experience with edge computer vision/ML (Jetson or similar), plus familiarity with ML frameworks and GPU/NPU acceleration
* Cryptography & secure-element expertise: ECC, RSA, symmetric crypto, PKI, certificate lifecycle, HSM/key management, secure-element programming
* Ability to independently prototype and deliver functional proofs-of-concept quickly
* Strong problem-solving, adaptability, self-sufficiency, and ability to learn new tech stacks
* Proven capability to work across multiple technical domains with deep expertise in at least two (e.g., secure embedded firmware + ML/vision, or cryptography + embedded DSP)
* Familiarity with backend/cloud workflows (Python preferred)
* Proficiency in MS Office and familiarity with Windows environments

Expertise in one or more areas:
* Embedded Engineering (MCU or Linux-based systems)
* Mobile Application Development
* Distributed Systems Development

Preferred:
* Prior R&D or research-to-prototype experience
* Patent contributions or participation in IP processes
* Experience with Zephyr or FreeRTOS
* Experience with Jetson, CUDA, GPU/NPU programming for edge ML
* DSP/algorithm development for camera/vision/signal-processing
* Experience with BLE sounding, NFC stacks, or biometric systems
* Familiarity with TensorRT, TensorFlow/TFLite, PyTorch, or similar edge ML frameworks
* Secure-element firmware experience and hardware-backed key storage
* Experience with Python, Go, or TypeScript/JS for backend/prototyping tools
* Experience with supply-chain/vendor engagement and component selection

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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