Lead Embedded Firmware Engineer
Micro1 • Remote • Posted 65 days ago
Education
Any
Type
Pay Rate
$95/task
Posted
65d ago
✅ Applying through this link gives you a verified candidate referral.
Referrals from verified candidates give your profile a visibility boost and help support our platform at no cost to you.
This position is hosted on an external talent platform. Please only apply for this position if it fits your skills and interests.
About this Role
Job Summary
Join our customer's team as a Lead Embedded Firmware Engineer, where you’ll take ownership of architecting, developing, and validating cutting-edge MCU-based systems in highly controlled, emulated environments. This pivotal role is ideal for technical leaders who thrive on register-level programming, real-time debugging, and engineering rigor through structured, verifiable firmware development.
Key Responsibilities
Design, develop, and optimize MCU firmware in Embedded C for bare-metal and RTOS environments Configure and manipulate microcontroller peripherals (GPIO, UART, SPI, I2C, ADC, PWM, Timers) at the register level Develop, debug, and validate interrupt service routines, manage interrupt priorities, and ensure real-time determinism Compile, run, and debug firmware in Renode, QEMU, or similar MCUs emulation platforms Create deterministic test harnesses utilizing logs, traces, and timing analysis to establish clear pass/fail criteria Interpret and leverage MCU reference manuals, datasheets, and hardware schematics for system integration Extend and maintain Hardware Abstraction Layers (HAL) and Board Support Packages (BSP) as needed
Required Skills and Qualifications
5+ years of hands-on experience in embedded firmware development (bare-metal and/or RTOS) Expertise in Embedded C, with a focus on register-level MCU programming and ISR design Extensive experience with GCC ARM toolchain and cross-compilation workflows Proficiency in setting up and using Renode, QEMU, or similar MCU emulation platforms Demonstrated ability to build deterministic and measurable testing environments (logs, traces, timing validation) Strong debugging skills for timing, concurrency, and interrupt-related issues Ability to interpret and extract relevant details from MCU datasheets and hardware schematics
Preferred Qualifications
Exposure to MISRA C standards Experience building or maintaining firmware validation frameworks Background in industrial, robotics, automotive, or aerospace embedded systems
Requirements
- Must be eligible to work in Remote
- Fluent proficiency in English (Written & Verbal)
- Reliable high-speed internet connection
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience
- Demonstrated expertise in Software Engineering
Key Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and optimize MCU firmware in Embedded C for bare-metal and RTOS environments
- Configure and manipulate microcontroller peripherals (GPIO, UART, SPI, I2C, ADC, PWM, Timers) at the register level
- Develop, debug, and validate interrupt service routines, manage interrupt priorities, and ensure real-time determinism
- Compile, run, and debug firmware in Renode, QEMU, or similar MCUs emulation platforms
Compensation Analysis
This role offers a powerful combination of high income ($95/hr) and total flexibility. Unlike traditional contracting, you generally set your own hours. It is an ideal "second stream" of income for professionals who want to stay sharp in their field while gaining exposure to the booming AI industry.
Skills & Categories
Explore other opportunities in related specializations:
Related Jobs
Browse All Jobs from Micro1
Discover more opportunities on Micro1 that match your skills and interests.
View All Micro1 Jobs →Community Reviews
Leave your review
Frequently Asked Questions
How is this different from the others?
Global Access. Micro1 is more open to international applicants (outside the US/UK) than DataAnnotation or Outlier.
What is the catch?
Privacy. Micro1 projects often require you to install time-tracking software that takes screenshots of your desktop while you work to ensure you are actually working. If you are uncomfortable with monitoring software, this might not be for you.
Is this traditional consulting?
Not exactly. You act as a "Teacher" for advanced AI. Instead of client deliverables, you are given complex scenarios to evaluate. You grade the AI's logic, correct its hallucinations, and provide expert-level reasoning. Your job is to train the model to think like you do.
Why is the pay so high?
This role requires deep, verified expertise. General knowledge isn't enough; the model is specifically being trained on "edge cases"—the rare, difficult, or highly technical nuances that only a senior professional would know.
What is the workload like?
This is cognitive, deep work. Unlike simple data labeling, you might spend 45-60 minutes on a single task, researching citations or verifying complex calculations. Quality is prioritized over speed.
What is the interview like?
You will likely be screened by "Zara", an AI recruiter. Treat this like a real video interview—speak clearly, ensure you have good lighting, and be ready to answer technical questions verbally, as the transcript is reviewed by human managers.