Sr. Firmware Engineer

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Firmware Engineer with a strong focus on FPGA programming and communication protocols. In this role, you will be responsible for developing, maintaining, and optimizing firmware for control boards that communicate with each other. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in HDL and FPGA programming, particularly with Verilog, and will be adept at working with and enhancing existing code bases. You should have a proven ability to quickly understand and adapt to new system architectures and effectively collaborate with software teams. Familiarity with board design is needed as well as low voltage experience.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
FPGA Design and Development:

• Lead and direct product design and development, establishing new design guidelines and tools, including FPGA programs. Occasionally develop design methods beyond established standards.

• Own the complete FPGA design lifecycle, from logic implementation and data movement to analysis, test benches, compilation, and timing analysis.

• Demonstrate expertise in FPGA algorithms, with a strong focus on optimizing data pipelining.

System Communication and Protocols:

• Design and implement systems to facilitate communication between multiple chips or boards, ensuring familiarity with and application of various communication protocols (e.g., SPI, I2C, UART, etc.).

• Collaborate closely with the embedded software team to adapt firmware to meet product requirements, ensuring seamless integration between hardware and software.

Testing and Troubleshooting:

• Conduct thorough testing and diagnostics during the development of new board designs, addressing any failures that may occur post-release.

• Maintain and improve existing firmware, focusing on communication schemes and signal analysis.

• Knowledgeable of voltage and current monitoring equipment with experience with low voltage electronics

• Strong circuit and electrical knowledge

Documentation and Reporting:

• Develop detailed documentation for Verilog code and system architecture, ensuring clarity and completeness for future reference and team collaboration.

• Prepare comprehensive engineering reports on various technical topics, collaborating with external consultants or subject matter experts as necessary. Some reports may be distributed externally.

Project Management:

• Direct the development of new products, coordinating specification creation, prototype design, validation testing, and supporting documentation.

• Execute and oversee task execution according to project schedules, striving for 100% on-time completion. Provide regular status updates on project progress.

Compliance and Attendance:

• Ensure compliance with all Company policies, including adherence to ISO 9001 Standards, the Affirmative Action Plan, and Safety procedures.

• Maintain a drug-free workplace in accordance with Company policies.

• Regular attendance is an essential function of this position.

• Perform other functions as required (non-essential functions).

SCOPE, PURPOSE, AND FREQUENCY OF CONTACTS

The position requires daily contact with all levels of TWMC and customers including Engineering, Marketing, Factory Operations, Supply Chain, Service and Accounting.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree (B.S.) from four-year college or university in Engineering or Physical Science

• Master's or PhD. degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Professional certification or license preferred.

• Minimum of three years of experience Writing in Verilog

• Three to five years of experience using applicable industry standards.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

As required, based on job responsibilities, education and customer specific needs.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Verilog Programming: Advanced proficiency in Verilog for FPGA design, including coding, simulation, and synthesis.

• Communication Diagnostics: Expertise in diagnosing and resolving communication issues within complex board designs, with a deep understanding of various communication protocols (e.g., SPI, I2C, UART).

• Technical Documentation: Strong ability to read, interpret, and create design documents, technical specifications, and system architecture diagrams.

• Technical Writing: Ability to write clear, concise, and detailed reports, white papers, and technical correspondence for a variety of audiences, both internal and external.

• Analytical Problem-Solving: Competence in defining problems, collecting and analyzing data, establishing facts, and drawing valid conclusions. Capable of interpreting complex technical instructions in mathematical or diagrammatic form and handling both abstract and concrete variables. Familiarity with statistical tools is a plus.

• Collaboration and Communication: Excellent ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams, particularly with embedded software engineers, to ensure seamless integration between hardware and software.

• Continuous Learning: Demonstrated drive to acquire new skills and knowledge, particularly in emerging technologies related to FPGA and embedded systems, and apply them to practical engineering challenges.

• C++ Experience: Experience with C++ is preferred, especially in the context of firmware development and integration with hardware.

• Board Design Experience: Experience in board design is preferred, particularly in the context of optimizing firmware for communication and signal integrity.

• Knowledge of low voltage electronics: Experience with electrical equipment and ability to read circuits and work with the electrical team

LANGUAGE SKILLS

The ability to read, analyze, and interpret manufacturing drawings, repair specifications, test results, and technical journals; respond to inquiries from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community; and communicate effectively in the presence of top management, customers, trade associations, and other public groups.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to apply advanced mathematical concepts such as exponents, logarithms, quadratic equations, algebra, permutations, calculus, and differential equations. Ability to apply mathematical operations to such tasks as frequency distribution, determination of test reliability and validity, analysis of variance, correlation techniques, sampling theory, and factor analysis.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to identify a solution to a problem involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

General supervision will be provided. Must be a self-starter with the ability to work effectively and take ownership of assigned projects in a fast paced environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee frequently is required to climb or balance. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.