Boston Engineering is a technology-driven consulting firm that provides innovative engineering solutions to commercial and government clients. Headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, Boston Engineering specializes in product development, systems engineering, and technology commercialization, leveraging deep expertise in robotics, digital solutions, medical devices, diagnostic equipment, defense systems, and industrial automation.
The company integrates advanced technologies with practical engineering execution, delivering end-to-end services from concept through commercialization. Boston Engineering combines technical rigor, cross-disciplinary teams, and proven processes to accelerate product development and to solve complex challenges. The company is ISO-certified and CMMC-certified, with a commitment to operational excellence, innovation, and measurable client outcomes. Its mission is to improve the way people work and live through innovative product development and novel engineering.
This is a hands-on technical leadership role. While the title includes "software," the work is primarily embedded and firmware-focused: RTOS-based systems, hardware bring-up, driver development, board-level debugging, and close collaboration with electrical and mechanical teams. Some upper-stack or tooling work exists, but the core responsibility is commanding and controlling hardware.
This role is restricted to US persons (i.e., US citizens, permanent residents, and other protected individuals under the Immigration and Naturalization Act, 8 USC 1324b(a)(3)) due to access to export-controlled technology. Boston Engineering will require proof of status prior to employment.
The Technical Lead owns embedded software at both the tactical and strategic levels, ensuring that systems are architected correctly, risks are identified early, and the broader team is unblocked when challenges arise. This role sets technical direction, streamlines and documents software processes, establishes best practices, and raises the embedded engineering bar across projects.
Requirements and Preferences
Proven ability in:
Leading the design, development, and optimization of embedded and firmware systems for robotics, autonomous, or maritime platforms
Streamlining and documenting software processes to accelerate projects and ensure repeatability, while maintaining high-quality standards
Architecting and implementing firmware tightly integrated with custom hardware, sensors, and control systems
Writing and reviewing RTOS-based firmware (FreeRTOS, ROS2, Zephyr), including task design, synchronization, memory management, and timing analysis
Reviewing schematics and PCB layouts to identify firmware impacts, integration risks, and potential design issues early in the development cycle
Debugging complex system issues using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, protocol analyzers, and other bench tools, and determining root cause across software, firmware, and hardware
Building and maintaining benchtop development setups ("roadkills") to enable early firmware development prior to final hardware availability
Ensuring firmware meets real-time performance, reliability, and mission-critical requirements
Leading technical design reviews, architecture discussions, and roadmap planning with a focus on system-level risk and feasibility
Clearly communicating technical concepts, tradeoffs, risks, and status to both engineering and non-engineering stakeholders
Anticipating and addressing technical bottlenecks that span firmware, hardware, and system integration
Experience with:
Working in challenging, hands-on, and customer-driven engineering environments
Closely collaborating with electrical, mechanical, systems, and product teams
Demonstrating proficiency in standard embedded development tools, git version control, build systems, and debugging environments
Strong organizational skills and clear written and verbal communications
Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
Successful candidates must have demonstrated success and capability in the following:
Acting as the technical escalation point when embedded or system-level issues block progress
Mentoring and coaching engineers on embedded firmware architecture, debugging techniques, and best practices
Writing high-quality, maintainable, and well-documented firmware and low-level software
Developing and maintaining embedded system software, including firmware, device drivers, and communication stacks
Performing thorough testing and debugging to ensure system functionality, reliability, and safety
Proposing and implementing technical solutions that improve system robustness, debuggability, and performance
Breaking down ambiguous or novel problems into executable engineering plans, including scope, risk, and estimates
Supporting software configuration management and repeatable development workflows
Working across R&D and product environments with an understanding of long-term maintainability and transition to production
BS (acceptable) or MS (preferred) in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
7+ years of experience in embedded/firmware development, including 3+ years in a senior or technical lead role
Fluency in C and C++ for embedded systems, as well as Python for tooling and testing
Hands-on experience with RTOS environments (FreeRTOS, ROS2, Zephyr, or similar)
Experience developing software on embedded targets such as STM32, ARM-based MCUs/SoCs, x86, PIC32, or similar
Experience with I2C, SPI, UART, Ethernet, GPIO, and low-level hardware interfaces
Familiarity with cloud and/or other networks/servers for data offload, analysis, and management
Experience debugging networking stacks and board-level communication issues is a strong plus
Experience authoring and reviewing software requirements, specifications, and design documentation, and leading effective design reviews
Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines for embedded systems
Familiarity with ISO 9001 and CMMI quality frameworks is desirable
Experience with maritime systems, robotics, uncrewed systems, or military platforms is highly desirable
Exposure to navigation, localization, sensor fusion, or autonomy systems is a plus
Bonus Attributes:
Experience contributing to proposal development, feasibility studies, or early technical concepts
Background or interest in machine learning, computer vision, or AI as applied to embedded or robotic systems
Familiarity with safety-critical or mission-critical software development practices
Understanding of Agile methodologies and practical DevOps workflows in embedded environments
Experience working on government or defense-related programs, including technical documentation and customer interaction
Experience working within or supporting quality management systems (QMS)
Employment Type: Full-Time Role
Reports to: Director, Software Engineering
Location: Office-based role in Waltham, Massachusetts
Relocation: Not available at this time.
Travel: Minimal
Salary Range: The base salary range for this position is $150,000 to $175,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications. The final offer amount will be determined by factors such as the candidate's education, knowledge, experience, and skills. A comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, 401(k) match, and paid time off, is also provided.
This role is restricted to US persons (i.e., US citizens, permanent residents, and other protected individuals under the Immigration and Naturalization Act, 8 USC 1324b(a)(3)) due to access to export-controlled technology. Boston Engineering will require proof of status prior to employment.
Your application will not be considered complete without a submitted writing sample.
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
