Embedded Firmware Design Engineer

AlpHa Measurement Solutions is a liquid sensor technology platform serving the complex testing needs of water quality, pharmaceutical, laboratory, and industrial markets with precision, reliability, innovation, and flexibility. We are a vertically integrated manufacturer creating thousands of units and processing hundreds of orders daily for global customers. Our brands—Van London, ANDalyze, and Aurora Scientific Instruments—serve OEM and end-user markets. With over 100 years of liquid sensing experience, we are accelerating growth as part of Enpro Inc. (NYSE: NPO), a leading industrial technology company.

About the Role

The Embedded Firmware Design Engineer will design, develop, and test firmware and embedded software for AlpHa’s sensor and instrumentation products. This role focuses on microcontroller programming, embedded software architecture, and system-level debugging, collaborating closely with hardware teams to deliver reliable, efficient, and maintainable solutions. The engineer will also support customers and the Quality Control (QC) department by developing test software, protocols, and assisting in root cause analysis and troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

• Design, write, test, and debug firmware in C and C++ for microcontrollers and microprocessors (e.g., TI, ARM Cortex-M, PIC, STM32, ESP32).
• Architect embedded software, including driver development, hardware abstraction layers, communication stacks, and application logic.
• Develop and integrate real-time operating system (RTOS) tasks and bare-metal scheduling for deterministic, resource-constrained applications.
• Implement and maintain device communication interfaces and protocols (I2C, SPI, UART, CAN, Modbus, USB, Bluetooth/BLE).
• Optimize firmware for power efficiency, memory footprint, execution speed, and reliability.
• Develop PC-side and test software (e.g., Python, LabVIEW, C#/.NET) for device configuration, characterization, and production test.
• Build automated test scripts and validation frameworks to verify firmware behavior and product performance.
• Establish testing protocols and support the QC department in root cause analysis and troubleshooting.
• Maintain firmware version control, build pipelines, and release management practices.
• Collaborate with hardware engineers on schematic review, component selection, and board bring-up.
• Perform system-level integration, debugging, and validation using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and multimeters.
• Support prototyping, manufacturing, and production phases as needed.
• Assist in obtaining applicable product compliance certifications.
• Document firmware architecture, code, and processes in accordance with company standards and industry best practices.
• Conduct and evaluate research to support new product development and product improvement initiatives.
• Occasionally interface with customer accounts via email and telephone.
• Stay current on emerging embedded technologies and propose innovative solutions to enhance product capabilities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in firmware and embedded software development.
• Strong proficiency in embedded C/C++, with working knowledge of Python and at least one additional language (e.g., JavaScript, C#).
• Hands-on experience with microcontroller and microprocessor architectures (e.g., TI MSP430, PIC, ARM Cortex-M, ESP32).
• Solid understanding of real-time operating systems (RTOS), bare-metal programming, and embedded software architecture.
• Experience with communication protocols such as I2C, SPI, UART, CAN, Modbus, or Ethernet.
• Familiarity with schematic capture and PCB concepts sufficient to support board bring-up and hardware debugging.
• Proficiency with debugging tools including oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and in-circuit debuggers.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing test and automation software using LabVIEW or equivalent tools.
• Experience with sensor integration, signal processing, or control systems.
• Familiarity with firmware version control and CI/CD pipelines (e.g., Git, Gitea or GitHub Actions).
• Experience developing wireless connectivity (Bluetooth/BLE) firmware.

Skills

• Functional/Technical Skills: Strong embedded C/C++, RTOS, and protocol implementation across MCU architectures.
• Problem Solving: System-level debugging and root cause analysis across firmware, hardware, and product boundaries.
• Learning on the Fly: Quick ramp-up on new sensor technologies, MCU platforms, and embedded tools.
• Priority Setting: Balances new product development, QC support, and customer troubleshooting demands.
• Customer Focus: Responsive support for customer accounts and internal stakeholders.
• Self-Development: Stays current on emerging embedded technologies and proposes innovative solutions.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
• Short-Term Disability
• 401k
• Life insurance
• Paid Vacation
• 8 Paid Holidays per year
• Paid Jury Duty Leave
• Recognition and Reward Programs
• Diverse & Inclusive Work Culture

Schedule

Full-Time, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with flexibility as required to maintain business momentum.

Working Conditions

This role is primarily based in an office and laboratory/bench environment at AlpHa’s Houston headquarters. The Embedded Firmware Design Engineer collaborates daily with hardware, mechanical, and systems engineers within R&D and New Product Development and supports colleagues in quality and manufacturing. Occasional travel to customer sites or manufacturing facilities may be required.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands include those typical for an office and laboratory/bench environment. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.