Senior Embedded Systems Architect - Firmware

Senior Embedded Systems Architect - Firmware

Davenport, IA

Who We Are

Grace Technologies is accelerating the industrial world’s transition to zero downtime and zero harm. We design intelligent electrical safety and predictive maintenance solutions trusted by global data centers, utilities, and industrial facilities making maintenance safer, smarter and more efficient.

Role Summary

Under the direction of the CTO, the Senior Embedded Systems Architect – Firmware is responsible for architecting, developing, and delivering embedded firmware solutions from concept through production. This role provides senior technical leadership across the embedded systems stack and plays a key role in shaping both current products and future technology roadmaps.

Key Responsibilities

• Architect system-level firmware and make technical decisions guiding current products and future roadmap initiatives
• Translate business and product requirements into scalable firmware architectures aligned with company strategy
• Serve as a senior technical resource across embedded systems, including firmware, hardware design, schematics, layouts, and BOMs
• Design, develop, test, and maintain reliable and reusable embedded firmware solutions
• Partner with Product and Project Management to define technical scope, estimate timelines, and execute firmware projects end-to-end
• Lead development and execution of firmware test plans and test cases to ensure hardware-software compatibility and optimized performance
• Support testing and debugging efforts, including in-depth troubleshooting when required
• Conduct firmware code reviews and mentor engineering team members on best practices, code quality, and documentation standards
• Drive continuous improvement by evaluating and implementing new tools, technologies, and methodologies
• Stay current on industry trends and collaborate with the CTO to apply emerging technologies to embedded products
• Communicate complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders

Required Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or equivalent
• 10+ years of experience in embedded systems engineering, including:

• Microprocessor-based system design and programming
• PCB layout design
• Full software and hardware development lifecycle (requirements, design, coding, testing, CI)
• 3+ years of project management experience, including scope definition, requirements documentation, budgeting, scheduling, resource planning, and risk assessment

Required Technical Skills

• Strong embedded C programming experience in fixed- and floating-point systems
• Experience supporting multiple MPU platforms for new hardware designs
• Deep understanding of embedded system design and common peripherals (SPI, I2C, UART, DMA, ADC, DAC)
• Proficiency with lab-based debugging tools (oscilloscope, logic analyzer, multimeter, power supply, frequency generator)
• Working knowledge of RF communication systems and associated protocols
• Proficiency with Git or similar code versioning tools
• Working knowledge of SQL databases
• Exposure to modern programming languages and frameworks, including C#, Python, JavaScript, React, and Rust
• Familiarity with common data formats (XML, JSON)
• Working knowledge of Agile and Waterfall development methodologies
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Language, Reasoning & Collaboration Skills

• Ability to read and interpret technical specifications, schematics, engineering change notices, and professional journals
• Ability to prepare technical documentation, reports, and training or educational materials
• Ability to communicate effectively with vendors, customers, and cross-functional teams
• Strong problem-solving skills in environments with limited standardization and evolving requirements
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams through the embedded systems development lifecycle

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this role, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, and use hands to handle tools or controls. Occasional bending, stooping, and reaching may be required. The employee must occasionally lift up to 50 pounds. Vision requirements include close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, and focus adjustment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Work Environment

The employee may be exposed to moving mechanical parts, airborne particles, fumes, and risk of electrical shock. Noise levels are typically moderate. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.