Job Overview
Job TitleFirmware Engineer
Job TypeFull Time
Offered Salary$150,000
LocationHybrid
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Job Description
About the Role
We are building a new class of consumer hardware that will fundamentally change how people interact with their living spaces. As the founding firmware engineer, you will architect and implement the embedded software controlling our next-generation hardware. This is a unique opportunity to define the future of a stealth-mode company with massive potential.
Responsibilities
- Develop embedded firmware for microcontrollers using C/C++ or Rust.
- Own communication interfaces, device management, diagnostics, and OTA update systems.
- Collaborate with hardware on power management, timing control, and system reliability.
- Build early prototypes and test harnesses for internal R&D.
- Establish coding standards, architecture patterns, and long-term firmware strategy.
- Contribute to cloud/app connectivity (BLE, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Thread, Matter).
Qualifications and Job Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- 5-8+ years of experience building firmware for consumer or IoT products.
- Deep experience with microcontrollers (ARM Cortex, ESP32, STM32, Nordic, etc.).
- Strong grasp of real-time systems, power optimization, and embedded signal processing.
- Enjoy working at the intersection of hardware and software.
- Thrive in early-stage environments with fast cycles and high ownership.
- Experience with high-voltage control electronics, smart film/EC systems, lighting, or motor control is a plus.
- Experience with cloud-to-firmware integration (OTA, remote diagnostics, provisioning).
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, rapidly growing company.
- Must be a world-class individual contributor.
Essential Job Functions
- Regularly attend scheduled virtual team meetings on camera.
- Work independently with minimal supervision.
- Utilize all required digital collaboration tools.
- Prioritize and self-manage workflows and deadlines.
Location and Work Authorization
Applicants are required to reside in New York or be willing to relocate there. We do not offer visa sponsorship or assistance. Resumes and communication must be submitted in English.
Key skills/competency
- Firmware Development
- Embedded Systems
- C/C++
- Rust
- Microcontrollers
- Real-time Systems
- IoT
- Consumer Hardware
- Hardware-Software Integration
- OTA Updates
How to Get Hired at Toptal
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your experience with microcontrollers, C/C++, Rust, and consumer/IoT firmware. Quantify achievements.
- Showcase hardware-software integration: Emphasize projects where you worked at the intersection of hardware and software.
- Demonstrate early-stage experience: Detail your ability to work with high ownership and fast cycles.
- Prepare for technical deep-dives: Be ready to discuss real-time systems, power optimization, and your firmware strategy.
- Highlight communication skills: Emphasize your written and verbal communication abilities for remote collaboration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about this job opportunity
01What is the primary focus of the Firmware Engineer role at Toptal?
02What programming languages are primarily used for firmware development in this role?
03What specific microcontroller experience is Toptal looking for in Firmware Engineer candidates?
04What are the location requirements for this Firmware Engineer position at Toptal?
05What level of experience is expected for the founding Firmware Engineer role?
06Does Toptal offer visa sponsorship for this Firmware Engineer role?
07What kind of environment can a Firmware Engineer expect at Toptal?
08What are the key system-level areas the Firmware Engineer will be responsible for?
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