Firmware Controls Engineer

Job Title: Embedded Controls Engineer

Job Description

This role focuses on designing, implementing, and maintaining software and firmware algorithms that operate precision variable frequency drives (VFDs). The Embedded Controls Engineer applies advanced control theory and embedded systems expertise to develop robust, real-time control solutions for electric motors and power electronics, ensuring high performance, reliability, and compatibility with hardware designs.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, test, debug, and provide ongoing support for operating system and application software that meets technical specifications and customer requirements for precision variable frequency drives.
• Develop and maintain embedded firmware and control algorithms for electric motors and power electronics, ensuring stable and efficient operation.
• Adhere to established coding standards, revision control practices, and software development processes, including the consistent use of version control tools.
• Solicit, analyze, and incorporate feedback from customers and end users to continuously improve software features, performance, and usability.
• Conduct and participate in code and design reviews to ensure code quality, maintainability, and adherence to engineering best practices.
• Propose and champion new ideas and features, regardless of size, in a respectful and collaborative manner, contributing to ongoing product innovation.
• Document designs thoroughly with clear code comments, technical reports, and design descriptions to support knowledge sharing and long-term maintainability.
• Track, investigate, and resolve reported software bugs, and perform thorough testing to verify the effectiveness and robustness of implemented fixes.
• Design and develop reusable software and system components, and integrate these components into both existing and new product designs.
• Work closely with electrical hardware engineers in the planning, design, and development of products to ensure software and hardware performance, compatibility, and seamless integration.
• Serve as a technical lead on assigned projects, coordinating with cross-functional teams and customers to meet deliverables, resolve technical issues, and ensure successful project execution.
• Apply control theory and modeling tools such as MATLAB and Simulink to analyze, simulate, and optimize control algorithms for embedded systems.

Essential Skills

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering with an emphasis on control of electric motors and/or DC/DC converters.
• Strong experience in control theory and its application to engineering problems, particularly in the context of electric motor control and power electronics.
• Solid understanding of basic physics relevant to control systems and electromechanical systems.
• Expert-level proficiency with MATLAB and Simulink for modeling, simulation, and implementation of control algorithms.
• Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS) and the development of real-time embedded applications.
• Experience developing with Verilog HDL for programmable logic or FPGA-based control implementations.
• Proficiency in C and C++ for embedded software development, including low-level driver and firmware programming.
• Experience using GIT for source code management, version control, and collaborative software development.
• At least 3 years of related professional experience in embedded systems, control engineering, or a closely related field.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Vivado design tools for FPGA development.
• Experience with Vitis for embedded software development on programmable logic platforms.
• Experience with MATLAB/System Generator for FPGA and digital signal processing design.
• Experience with Mathematica or similar mathematical design and analysis suites.
• Experience working with electric motors, power electronics, and PC board-level hardware in an embedded environment.
• Familiarity with firmware development practices for precision control of variable frequency drives and related systems.

Work Environment

This is an onsite position that requires working closely with cross-functional engineering teams in a hands-on development environment. The role involves regular interaction with electrical hardware, power electronics, and embedded systems, including lab-based testing and validation of control algorithms on physical hardware. The engineer will work with industry-standard tools and technologies such as real-time operating systems, MATLAB/Simulink, Verilog HDL, FPGA design suites, and version control systems. The environment emphasizes collaboration, technical rigor, and continuous improvement of both products and processes.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Pleasant Prairie, WI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $150000.00/yr.

Full benefits- health, dental, vision, 401K

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Pleasant Prairie,WI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 29, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.