Associate Embedded Software Engineer
The Associate Embedded Software Engineer at Confidential Client will develop and debug embedded firmware for microcontroller-based systems used in unmanned aircraft and ground equipment. This hands-on role involves hardware bring-up, testing with lab instruments, integrating communication protocols, and collaborating with cross-disciplinary teams to support next-generation autonomous aircraft systems in a primarily on-site environment.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Engineering.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Overview
Confidential Client is hiring an Associate / Entry-Level Embedded Software Engineer to join a Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) program in Bingen, WA. This hands-on role focuses on microcontroller firmware, hardware bring-up, and lab testing for embedded systems used on aircraft and ground equipment. The position is primarily onsite (approximately 80% onsite in Bingen, WA) with minimal travel (~5%).
What You’ll Do
- Write, test, and debug embedded firmware in C/C++ for microcontroller-based systems.
- Assist with new hardware bring-up, bench testing, and debugging using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and multimeters.
- Integrate sensors and peripherals and validate interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C, CAN, RF modules).
- Troubleshoot hardware/firmware issues and work with senior engineers to identify root causes.
- Create and maintain technical documentation for firmware modules, hardware interfaces, and test procedures.
- Support unit and integration testing and build simple test fixtures or automation scripts.
- Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and systems engineers during hardware/firmware co-design.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Who You Are / Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
- At least six (6) months of hands-on experience (projects, internships, coursework) programming microcontrollers (Arduino, STM32, ESP32 or similar) using C/C++.
- Proficiency in C/C++ for embedded/microcontroller development.
- Familiarity with basic digital communication protocols (UART, SPI, I2C).
- Ability to read and interpret basic circuit schematics.
- Basic understanding of digital and analog electronics fundamentals.
- Strong problem-solving instincts and willingness to debug hardware/firmware boundary issues.
- Demonstrated hands-on project experience (school, club, or personal projects).
- Must be eligible to work in the U.S. and meet ITAR requirements (U.S. Person: U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or covered under an existing ITAR license).
Preferred Skills
- Coursework or project experience in embedded systems, digital logic, robotics, or related topics.
- Exposure to RTOS concepts or bare-metal embedded programming.
- Experience using lab equipment: oscilloscope, logic analyzer, multimeter.
- Familiarity with version control (Git) in a team setting.
- Experience or familiarity with CAN bus or RF communication modules.
- Basic scripting (Python) for test automation or tooling.
- Evidence of self-directed learning: personal projects, open-source contributions, or competition builds.
- Comfort working through ambiguous or underdocumented hardware problems with guidance from senior engineers.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary range (based on required profile): $84,000 - $134,000 per year. Actual pay may vary by geographic differential and candidate experience.
- Benefits may include: medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage; Employee Assistance Program; flexible spending / health savings accounts; basic & voluntary life and AD&D; short- and long-term disability; 401(k); paid time off and holidays; tuition assistance; and performance-based bonuses. Benefit offerings are subject to change.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
- Location: Bingen, WA — role is approximately 80% onsite. Some remote work may be possible per manager discretion.
- Regular use of computers and lab/test equipment; ability to read engineering drawings and screens.
- Ability to hear, speak, and participate in meetings and phone/teleconference calls.
- Lifting/carrying items up to ~30 lbs; occasional standing, walking, squatting, or kneeling.
- Required PPE may include safety shoes, safety glasses, hearing protection, respirators/masks, and/or protective gloves when on-site or visiting shop floor.
- Able to travel domestically and internationally on rare occasions (~5%).
Citizenship & Eligibility
- This position requires the candidate to be a U.S. Person under ITAR (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or otherwise covered under an existing ITAR authorization). Confidential Client does not generally sponsor visas for U.S.-based positions unless explicitly stated.
Equal Employment Practices
Confidential Client is committed to equal employment opportunity and complies with applicable federal, state, and local nondiscrimination laws. Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities are available; please raise accommodation requests through the Careertakes process.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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