About CFD Research: Since its inception in 1987, CFD Research has delivered innovative technology solutions within the Aerospace & Defense, Biomedical & Life Sciences, Intelligence & Sensing, and Energy & Materials industries. CFD Research has earned multiple national awards for successful application and commercialization of innovative component/system technology prototypes, multi-physics simulation software, multi-disciplinary analyses, and expert support services. Based in Huntsville, Alabama where laboratory facilities and headquarters are located, CFD Research also has office and laboratory facilities in Dayton, Ohio, prototyping test and evaluation facilities in Hollywood, Alabama, and office facilities in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. CFD Research is an ISO9001:AS9100D registered company and is appraised at CMMI Level II for Services. CFD Research is a 100% ESOP (employee-owned company) recognized in Inc. Magazine's Inc5000 as a top growing company for four of the last five years. Learn more at www.cfd-research.com

We are seeking a highly capable Firmware Engineer with strong expertise in embedded firmware development, microcontroller and processor based systems, and FPGA logic design. This position works in close partnership with Embedded Hardware Design Engineers and multidisciplinary teams to develop robust, reliable, and secure embedded systems for aerospace and military applications.

The ideal candidate is an analytical thinker and hands on designer who thrives in a fast paced R&D environment—tackling complex design challenges, innovating mechanical solutions, performing structural and thermal analysis leveraging practical engineering skills along with advanced simulation, modeling, and problem solving capabilities to produce robust, high quality electronics for mission critical applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and test embedded firmware in C/C++, including drivers, HAL layers, communication stacks, control loops, and board bring up

• Develop FPGA logic (VHDL or Verilog) for digital signal processing, communication interfaces, sensor integration, or high speed control functions

• Work closely with Embedded Hardware Design Engineers to define system architecture, validate interfaces, and ensure seamless hardware/firmware integration

• Implement and support communication protocols such as SPI, I2C, UART, CAN, RS 485, USB, Ethernet, Modbus, and other low and high speed interfaces

• Participate in schematic reviews and provide firmware related input to PCB layout for signal routing, timing, EMI/ESD mitigation, and overall system reliability

• Support system level testing, debugging, and validation using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, JTAG/in circuit debuggers, protocol analyzers, and other lab equipment

• Develop test firmware, scripts, and automated test frameworks for prototype evaluation and production verification

• Create technical documentation, software requirements, architecture descriptions, and test procedures consistent with AS9100 quality standards

• Support compliance and qualification efforts to standards including AS9100, MIL STD 461, MIL STD 810, DO 704, and related specifications

• Collaborate with cross functional teams

Required Qualifications

• BS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Firmware Engineering, or related discipline

• Strong proficiency in embedded firmware development in C/C++ for microcontrollers and embedded processors

• Experience with RTOS based development, bare metal systems, interrupt handling, timing critical code, and power managed firmware

• Understanding of digital interfaces, communication protocols, and embedded system architectures

• Experience with lab equipment including oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, protocol analyzers, multimeters, and power supplies

• Familiarity with software configuration management, version control (Git), and structured engineering workflows

• Ability to read schematics and understand hardware-software interactions at the board level

• Candidate must be a U.S. Citizen and possess the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.