Computer Hardware Engineer Jobs in Providence, RI

Job Title: Embedded Firmware Engineer

Job Description

The Embedded Firmware Engineer will design, develop, and maintain embedded C firmware for microcontroller-based fire detection and suppression controllers. This role focuses on implementing, debugging, and tuning firmware derived from internally defined architectures and DFMEAs, including refinement of detection algorithms, new product firmware for vehicle fire suppression controllers, and firmware for a redesigned control board used in air replenishment systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop, modify, and debug embedded firmware in C for microcontroller platforms, specifically within Renesas and Microchip families.
• Support the tuning and refinement of fire-detection algorithms, such as infrared flame detection thresholds, to maximize accurate detections and minimize false triggers.
• Design and implement firmware for new product development, including vehicle fire suppression controllers and the redesigned control board for air replenishment systems.
• Work at the hardware/firmware boundary with sensor interfaces and analog front-ends, including op-amp conditioned signals and A/D conversion.
• Perform board bring-up activities and collaborate closely with hardware engineers to debug and integrate hardware and firmware.
• Use Git-based version control systems, including GitHub Enterprise, to manage source code and participate actively in peer code reviews.
• Support benchtop verification of firmware functionality by validating inputs and outputs, LED indications, and fault behaviors as needed.
• Read and interpret electronic schematics to understand system design and support effective troubleshooting.
• Utilize oscilloscopes, multimeters, and other test equipment to diagnose and resolve hardware/firmware issues during development and integration.
• Contribute to maintaining high-quality standards for safety-critical and regulated fire detection and suppression products through robust firmware implementation and testing.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 3–8 years of embedded firmware development experience in C, operating at an intermediate to senior level.
• Hands-on experience with microcontroller-based systems, with familiarity in Renesas and/or Microchip MCU families considered highly beneficial.
• Strong comfort working at the hardware/firmware boundary, including reading schematics, using oscilloscopes and multimeters, and performing bench-level debugging.
• Proficiency in embedded C programming for real-time, resource-constrained systems.
• Experience using Git-based version control tools such as GitHub or similar platforms for collaborative development.
• Ability to perform board bring-up and troubleshoot integration issues between hardware and firmware.
• Experience working with sensor interfaces and analog front-ends, including op-amp conditioned signals and analog-to-digital conversion.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with signal processing or detection and discrimination algorithms, particularly in sensing or monitoring applications.
• Background in fire detection and suppression, life-safety systems, or other regulated safety-critical products operating under UL, EN, NFPA, or similar standards.
• Exposure to Sedona Framework or building automation controllers and related control systems.
• Python or C# scripting experience for test automation, data analysis, or development support.
• Familiarity with GitHub Enterprise workflows, including branching, pull requests, and code review practices.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional engineering teams and contribute to design discussions and continuous improvement.
• Interest in long-term project work, with assignments typically ranging from 9 to 12 months and potential for extension.
• Understanding of embedded firmware development best practices, including structured debugging, documentation, and maintainable code design.

Work Environment

This role is based onsite in Rhode Island within a collaborative engineering environment focused on fire detection and suppression technologies. You will work closely with hardware and systems engineers in laboratory and bench settings, frequently using oscilloscopes, multimeters, and other test equipment to validate and debug microcontroller-based systems. The environment emphasizes safety-critical product development, structured version control using GitHub Enterprise, and regular code reviews. Standard benefits are offered, along with approximately three weeks of paid time off and about ten paid holidays. Work is performed in a professional office and lab setting, with typical business hours and a focus on hands-on, in-person collaboration around embedded systems and control boards.

This is a Contract position based out of Lincoln, RI.

The pay range for this position is $65.00 - $65.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Lincoln,RI.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 14, 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 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

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.

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