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Automotive Embedded Firmware Jobs in Rhode Island

This is an IoT-driven hardware role: you'll be building the embedded systems and connected ... Work with product, firmware, mechanical, and system architects to create cohesive product ...

Automotive Embedded Firmware information

What is automotive embedded firmware?

Automotive embedded firmware refers to the specialized software programmed into microcontrollers and electronic control units (ECUs) within vehicles. This firmware manages critical functions such as engine control, braking systems, infotainment, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). Unlike general-purpose software, automotive embedded firmware is designed for reliability, real-time performance, and safety in the automotive environment. It is a crucial component that ensures the seamless operation of a vehicle's electronic systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an automotive embedded firmware engineer?

To thrive as an Automotive Embedded Firmware Engineer, you need expertise in C/C++ programming, embedded systems design, and a degree in electrical or computer engineering. Familiarity with automotive communication protocols (like CAN, LIN), debugging tools, and standards such as AUTOSAR and ISO 26262 is typically required. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure the development of reliable, safe, and efficient firmware that meets automotive industry standards.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in automotive embedded firmware development?

Professionals in automotive embedded firmware often encounter challenges such as adhering to strict safety and reliability standards (like ISO 26262), managing complex real-time systems with limited hardware resources, and integrating firmware with various hardware and software components. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—including hardware engineers, software developers, and quality assurance specialists—is crucial to ensure seamless integration and compliance. Staying updated with evolving automotive technologies and cybersecurity requirements also adds to the complexity, making continuous learning an important aspect of the role.

What is the difference between Automotive Embedded Firmware vs Automotive Software Engineer?

AspectAutomotive Embedded FirmwareAutomotive Software Engineer
CredentialsEmbedded systems certifications, C/C++ programming skillsSoftware development degrees, programming skills in various languages
Work EnvironmentEmbedded hardware, real-time systems, automotive ECUsSoftware applications, vehicle systems, simulation environments
Industry UsageDevelops firmware for vehicle control units and sensorsDesigns and develops automotive software applications and systems

Automotive Embedded Firmware specialists focus on programming and developing firmware directly for vehicle hardware components, often working with real-time operating systems and embedded hardware. Automotive Software Engineers typically develop higher-level software applications for vehicle systems, including user interfaces and vehicle management systems. While both roles require programming skills and automotive industry knowledge, embedded firmware roles are more hardware-centric, whereas software engineering roles focus on software architecture and integration.

Is automotive embedded firmware engineering a good career?

Automotive embedded firmware engineering is a growing field that involves developing software for vehicle control systems, requiring skills in C/C++ and real-time operating systems. It offers opportunities in the automotive industry with a focus on safety, reliability, and compliance with industry standards like ISO 26262. The role typically involves collaboration with hardware teams and may require certifications or specialized training.

What are popular job titles related to Automotive Embedded Firmware jobs in Rhode Island?

For Automotive Embedded Firmware jobs in Rhode Island, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Automotive Embedded Firmware jobs in Rhode Island look for?

The top searched job categories for Automotive Embedded Firmware jobs in Rhode Island are:

What cities in Rhode Island are hiring for Automotive Embedded Firmware jobs?

Cities in Rhode Island with the most Automotive Embedded Firmware job openings:

Electrical Engineer

Hayward

North Kingstown, RI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Hayward Holdings Inc. (NYSE "HAYW") is one of the leading manufacturers of residential swimming pool equipment in the world, with a significant presence in the commercial pool market that is continuously growing. Hayward designs, manufactures, and markets a full line of residential and commercial pool and spa equipment including pumps, filters, heating, cleaners, salt chlorinators, automation, lighting, safety, flow control and energy solutions at our company owned facilities. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Hayward also has facilities in Tennessee, Arizona, and Rhode Island, Georgia, as well as Canada, Spain, France, Australia, and China.


Hayward Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: "HAYW") is the largest manufacturer of residential swimming pool equipment in the world, with a significant and growing presence in the commercial pool market. Hayward designs, manufactures, and markets a full line of residential and commercial pool and spa equipment - including pumps, filters, heating, cleaners, salt chlorinators, automation, lighting, safety, flow control, and energy solutions - at our company-owned facilities. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Hayward also has facilities in Tennessee, Arizona, and Rhode Island, as well as Canada, Spain, France, Australia, and China.

At Hayward, our mission is to deliver exceptional products and innovative technology that transform the water experience. We're seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer to join our team and play a pivotal role in designing and developing cutting-edge, connected electronic and electromechanical products - from Wi-Fi-enabled automation systems and smart heaters to variable-speed pumps, chlorinators, and lighting. This is an IoT-driven hardware role: you'll be building the embedded systems and connected architectures behind the next generation of smart pool technology.

We're looking for a self-directed engineer who thrives with ownership - someone who can take a project from concept through manufacturing release with minimal oversight, while collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to deliver industry-leading pool controls, electronics, and assemblies.

Join us to lead, grow, and make an impact as part of a company that values care, respect, and innovation.

This position is based in North Kingstown, RI and is onsite 5 days a week.

Major Tasks and Responsibilities

1. Design Ownership

  • Analyze system and subsystem level requirements and evaluate technical solutions for new platforms.
  • Generate electrical architecture solutions, topologies, and configurations to optimize the electrical design for new project needs.
  • Design, model, simulate, implement, and verify circuits.
  • Lead design reviews, optimize PCB layouts, and specify components for robust designs.

2. Analysis and Verification

  • Support electronic circuit verification activities per industry accepted practices.
  • Support DFMEA and other analyses to develop a robust product that meets market and safety requirements.

3. Test, Validate, and Launch

  • Build and analyze bench level prototypes for proof-of-concept designs.
  • Create and execute test plans to validate designs and ensure industry compliance (HALT, EMC/EMI, UL, CE).
  • Partner with manufacturing teams for smooth production launches.

4. Stakeholder Collaboration

  • Work with product, firmware, mechanical, and system architects to create cohesive product architectures.
  • Maintain detailed technical documentation and communicate design strategies effectively.

5. Continuous Learning

  • Stay up to date on industry trends and emerging technologies through conferences, research, and side projects.
  • Champion and role model best practices within the electrical engineering team.

Requirements

Experience: 8-10+ years in electrical design and product development.

Who You Are

  • Self-driven and independent - comfortable owning projects end-to-end with minimal oversight and a strong commitment to meeting deadlines.

Required Experience

  • Proficiency with schematic capture tools (Altium, KiCad, or Eagle) and knowledge of PCB layout and PCB construction.
  • Experience with IoT-connected embedded systems, including wireless communication protocols (e.g., Wi-Fi, BLE, Zigbee) and cloud-connected device architectures.
  • Knowledge of 3-phase BLDC motor drives, embedded systems, microcontrollers, and analog/digital circuitry.
  • Understanding of mechanical/thermal/packaging design for embedded systems in consumer and industrial markets.
  • Experience with oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, power analyzers, and timing analyzers to support product verification.
  • Technical knowledge of reliability testing including environmental, safety, and EMI/EMC verification procedures.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience using simulation and analysis tools such as LTSpice, Saber, Mathcad, or Maple.
  • Experience with electrical product design in a regulated environment such as automotive, aerospace, or medical.
  • Design For Six Sigma, DMAIC, Lean Six Sigma, or Shainin Red X certification.

Education

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) required; Master's degree in Electrical Engineering (MSEE) preferred.