Job Information
Actalent Embedded Firmware Engineer in Caledonia, Wisconsin
Job Title: Embedded Firmware Engineer
Job Description
The Embedded Firmware Engineer will design, implement, and maintain firmware and embedded software algorithms that control precision variable frequency drives (VFDs), DC/DC converters, and electric motors. This role combines hands-on firmware development with close collaboration across hardware, manufacturing, and business functions to deliver reliable, high-performance power electronics solutions.
Responsibilities
Design, implement, test, debug, and support firmware that controls DC/DC converters and electric motors.
Develop and maintain embedded software and firmware algorithms for operating precision variable frequency drives (VFDs).
Write, simulate, and debug HDL code for FPGA-based designs, ensuring robust and efficient implementations.
Write and debug microcontroller code and integrate it with FPGA-based systems.
Adhere to established coding standards, revision control practices, and configuration management processes, including the use of Git.
Solicit and incorporate feedback from customers and end users to continuously improve product performance and usability.
Conduct and actively participate in code reviews and design reviews to ensure high-quality, maintainable firmware and hardware interfaces.
Document designs thoroughly with clear comments, technical reports, and descriptive documentation for future reference and reuse.
Track, analyze, and resolve reported bugs, and perform comprehensive testing to verify the effectiveness and robustness of fixes.
Design and develop reusable software and system components, and integrate them into both existing and new product designs.
Collaborate closely with electrical hardware engineers in planning, designing, and developing products to ensure software and hardware compatibility and optimal performance.
Serve as a technical lead on assigned projects, coordinating with cross-functional teams and customers to meet deliverables and resolve technical or product issues.
Maintain a strong focus on customer satisfaction in all aspects of firmware design and support.
Assist team members in meeting project-level budgets and schedules on assigned projects.
Foster open communication and effective collaboration among technical and business functions, including sales, operations, and quality.
Participate in a culture of continuous learning, driving standardization, and promoting high-quality design practices with an emphasis on manufacturability.
Ensure compliance with all applicable safety and work rules and regulations, and support high housekeeping standards within the department.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering with an emphasis on control of DC/DC converters and electric motors.
Minimum of 5+ years of related experience in embedded firmware or embedded software development.
Strong experience in FPGA firmware development and its application to engineering and power electronics problems.
Hands-on experience with Verilog HDL for FPGA design, including writing, simulating, and debugging HDL code.
Experience writing and debugging microcontroller code and integrating microcontrollers with FPGA-based systems.
Proficiency in C and C++ for embedded software development.
Experience working with real-time operating systems (RTOS).
Experience using Git for source control and revision management.
Practical experience with firmware and software that interface between FPGA and microcontrollers.
Ability to understand systems at a holistic level, including hardware and software resource constraints on microcontrollers and FPGAs.
Experience with motor control, electric motors, and variable frequency drives (VFDs).
Strong process orientation and discipline, with demonstrated use of structured problem-solving tools such as 5-Why Analysis and 8D methodologies.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience with Vivado and Vitis toolchains for FPGA development.
Experience with MATLAB, System Generator, and other mathematical design suites for control and signal processing applications.
Experience with low-voltage drives, DC/DC converters, and control systems.
Familiarity with power electronics equipment such as switchgear, soft starters, and VFDs.
Experience working in a power-electronics and industrial packaging manufacturing environment.
Strong technical skills in electrical engineering and power electronics design and analysis.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Caledonia, WI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $90000.00 - $120000.00/yr.
• 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)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Caledonia,WI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 1, 2026.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:
Hiring diverse talent
Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
Ensuring growth opportunities for our people
Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.
Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.