Contract Embedded Engineer Jobs in Phoenix, AZ (NOW HIRING)

We are a customer focused provider of audio solutions. We exceed users’ expectations with well thought out design, integration, and service. Our purpose-built products meet our customers where they are at, enhancing their moment with a powerful experience through music.

Job Title: Manager of Embedded Engineerin gJob Location: Tempe, AZ (100% Onsite

)

We are seeking a Manager of Embedded Engineering to lead the development of all embedded firmware and software running on our products, including amplifiers, DSPs, infotainment, and other embedded electronics. This role owns the embedded engineering function end to end: from architecture and development through validation and release, and is responsible for the performance, quality, and timely delivery of all embedded deliverables. This is a hands-on leadership role: the Manager actively writes and reviews production firmware and code alongside the team, not purely from a management seat. The ideal candidate is not afraid to roll up their sleeves and debug real issues at the bench or on the vehicle. The Manager leads a team of Embedded Design Engineers and Embedded Test Engineers, balancing direct technical contribution with people management. This role operates within Engineering and partners closely with electrical, acoustic, mechanical, software, New Product Development, and Quality to ensure embedded deliverables align to system, hardware, and customer requirement s.

Key Responsibiliti es:

• mentLead, mentor, and grow a team of Embedded Design Engineers and Embedded Test Engine
• ors.Provide day-to-day guidance, set priorities, and ensure the team meets its performance, product, and project go
• als.Own hiring, onboarding, performance management, and career development for the embedded t
• eam.Build bench strength and succession depth across the firmware and test discipli
• nes.Foster a collaborative, accountable, and innovative engineering cult
• ure.

Embedded Development Owne

• rshipActively contribute production firmware and code alongside the team: this is a hands-on role, not a purely managerial
• one.Direct the design, development, and release of embedded firmware and software across amplifiers, DSPs, infotainment, and other embedded electro
• nics.Participate in code reviews, debugging, and integration as a working member of the
• team.Roll up their sleeves to debug and root-cause real issues at the bench and on the veh
• icle.Define embedded architecture, coding standards, and development best pract
• ices.Ensure embedded deliverables meet quality, performance, timing, and cost tar
• gets.Drive platform reuse and scalable firmware architecture across product l
• ines.

Validation & Q

• ualityOversee the embedded validation and test strategy executed by the Embedded Test Engi
• neers.Ensure firmware development and validation align to DFMEA and DVP&R require
• ments.Champion reliability, robustness, and release-readiness across embedded pro
• ducts.Partner with Quality to provide audit-ready validation evidence and support production read
• iness.

Technical Ex

• pertiseApply deep technical knowledge of embedded systems, microcontroller architectures, and real-time fi
• rmware.Guide design and debug of communication interfaces including CAN, CAN-FD, BLE, USB, SPI, I2C, an
• d UART.Stay current with embedded technologies, tools, and industry sta
• ndards.Lead technical and process improvement initiatives across the embedded fu
• ction.

Cross-Functional Collaboration &

• PlanningInterface with New Product Development to define embedded requirements that meet or exceed customer expec
• tations.Work with project management to define and manage embedded deliverable ti
• melines.Collaborate with electrical, acoustic, mechanical, and software stakeholders to ensure embedded deliverables align with hardware and system deliv
• erables.Manage internal and external (offshore, contract manufacturer, and ODM) embedded development re
• sources.

Required Skills & Quali

• ficationsBachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or relat
• ed field.8+ years of embedded firmware/software development experience, including 2+ years leading or managing e
• ngineers.Strong understanding of embedded systems, microcontroller architectures, and real-time operating systems such as
• FreeRTOS.Current, hands-on proficiency developing embedded firmware in C / C++, with the willingness and ability to contribute code as a working
• manager.Experience with communication protocols such as CAN, CAN-FD, BLE, USB, SPI, I2C,
• and UART.Experience with embedded debugging tools such as JTAG, SWD, logic analyzers, and oscil
• loscopes.Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and grow a team of e
• ngineers.Strong understanding of structured development, validation, and release processes including DFMEA and D
• VP&R.Excellent problem-solving, technical documentation, and communicatio
• n skills.Ability to work independently and collaboratively across cross-function
• al teams.

Preferred Qual

• ificationsExperience developing embedded audio platforms such as amplifiers, DSP, and infotainmen
• t systems.Knowledge of DSP fundamentals including FIR, IIR
• , and FFT.Experience with automotive communication protocols and
• standards.Experience managing offshore, contract manufacturer, or ODM development
• partners.Familiarity with cybersecurity requirements for connected and embedded products (e.g., UNECE R155/R156
• , EU CRA).Experience with test automation and hardware-in-the-loop testin
• g systems.Familiarity with hardware design and PCB-level
• debugging.

About Rockford &am p; Benefits

Rockford Fosgate is an equal opportunity employer located in Tempe, Arizona.

• Enjoy the benefits of flexibility, competitive pay, affordable healthcare, a 401k match, and a pathway

for growth.