Freelance Embedded Firmware Engineer Jobs in Indiana

Business Title: Senior Electrical Engineer
Reports to: Director of Engineering
Leadership Scope: Individual Contributor
Company Info: With a heritage of nearly 120 years, we aren't just a company; we are a brand of trust. But more than anything, we are a collection of individuals who, together, give Grote Industries a decisive competitive advantage. At Grote, our shared vision is clear - to meet the needs of the customers we serve. We accomplish that mission every day by following a set of core values that makes us who we are.
Innovation has been the hallmark of Grote Industries from the start. From durable, easy to see stop lights to the latest in LED lighting technology, Grote has been leading the way in advanced vehicle system solutions from early in the last century right up to today. With these innovations, Grote has helped millions of people throughout North America and the world benefit from the innovation and design excellence of Grote products.
Position Summary: We are seeking an experienced Senior Electrical Engineer to join our engineering team in Madison, Indiana to help build the next generation of our Smart Vehicle Technology platform. In this role, you will design the electronics that turn a connected vehicle into a self-monitoring asset.
You will serve as a technical leader on this program-mentoring junior engineers, conducting technical reviews, driving design decisions on sensor nodes and communication gateways, and collaborating cross-functionally with firmware, mechanical, manufacturing, quality, and product management teams to bring connected-vehicle products from concept to production.
Position Duties: - Lead the electrical design and development of sensor nodes, gateway electronics,and harnessing for Grote's smart trailer and vehicle safety platform.
- Architect and implement the onboard data and power network, including voltage boosting and regulation, CAN communications, and high-speed PLC communications
- Integrate third-party and proprietary sensors into a reliable, diagnostics-capable network.
- Develop, simulate, and validate electrical schematics, PCB layouts, and wiring harness designs for DC low-voltage circuits, power electronics, and communications hardware.
- Drive product development from concept through prototyping, DVP&R, certification, and production launch.
- C Conduct and direct testing in accordance with FMVSS, SAE J1455, ECE, and customer-specific standards; ensure wireless modules
-Evaluate and select electronic components-MCUs, transceivers, wireless modules, power electronics-working closely with supply chain to meet quality, availability, and cost targets.
- Collaborate with embedded firmware engineers on microcontroller-based control systems and vehicle communication protocols (CAN, LIN, J1939) as well as the cloud/mobile teams
- Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior electrical engineers and engineering interns. Conduct product design reviews.
- Support manufacturing engineering with DFM reviews, end-of-line test development, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Prepare and review technical documentation, including specifications, test reports, and patent disclosures.
- Stay current with industry trends in connected vehicles, telematics, and IoT as well as regulatory requirements impacting vehicle lighting and electrical systems.
Requirements: The role requires a Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Electronics Engineering (Master's preferred) and at least five years of experience in electrical/electronic product design, ideally within automotive, commercial vehicle, or connected-device industries. The candidate should have strong expertise in low-voltage DC circuit design, LED lighting systems, and power electronics suited for harsh vehicle environments, along with hands-on experience using schematic capture and PCB layout tools such as Altium. Proficiency with vehicle communication protocols (CAN, LIN, J1939) and integration of wireless technologies like Bluetooth, BLE, and cellular connectivity is essential. A solid understanding of EMC/EMI compliance, thermal management, environmental testing, and relevant regulations and standards (FMVSS, SAE, ECE) is also required. The role calls for strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, the ability to work independently and lead technical projects, and a willingness to work on-site full-time in Madison, Indiana. Experience with telematics or connected-vehicle systems is a plus.