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Real-Time Firmware Engineer

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

ConnectDER (www.ConnectDER.com) represents the next generation in US-based resource technology product development. Our signature product, the ConnectDER Meter Socket Adapter, dramatically cuts down the cost and interconnection time for solar energy, EV charging, and home battery storage, putting clean, resilient power within reach of millions of homeowners. With a pipeline of exciting innovations, we’re only just getting started on our journey to transform how the world makes and consumes its energy.

We are a dynamic, venture-backed company based in Philadelphia, PA, near Center City, with a team of over 50 dedicated professionals working in remote, hybrid, and on-site roles across the United States. As we continue to grow, we are committed to developing cutting-edge products that empower technology partners, installers, electricians, and their customers. We seek talented individuals who can deliver high-quality service and drive the value of clean energy resources forward.

Our culture is collaborative, transparent, and team-oriented. We value open communication and people who bring thoughtful perspectives to the table. If you're looking for an opportunity to stretch your skills, get creative, and be a part of something new and meaningful, ConnectDER is the place for you!

All full-time employees receive access to comprehensive benefits including:

  • Health insurance plan - we cover 75% for employees, spouses, and children. 
  • Flexible paid time off – take the time off that you need.
  • 401K with company match – we want to help you meet your future financial goals.
  • Equity stock options - your opportunity to share in the success of the company.

We’re looking for a Real-Time Firmware Engineer who wants to work on challenging, meaningful problems at the intersection of hardware, software, and clean energy.

This is not a maintenance role. You’ll be helping build a new product from the ground up and contributing directly to firmware that powers electrification, grid resiliency, and distributed energy resources (DERs).

If you’re someone who enjoys deep technical work, solving real-world problems, and seeing your code move from concept to deployed product, this role is built for you.

You will: 

  • Play a hands-on role in designing and delivering real-time firmware for microcontroller-based systems
  • Design, implement, and test real-time firmware for control, communications, and functional safety
  • Contribute directly to product development from concept through release
  • Collaborate closely with hardware, firmware, and software engineers in a highly integrated environment
  • Develop requirements, specifications, and test strategies
  • Debug and troubleshoot complex, timing-critical systems
  • Support product deployment and help resolve real-world technical challenges

Work Environment/Physical Demands: Must have the ability to work on a computer for extended periods of time with or without accommodation. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Location & Travel: This is a full-time hybrid position requiring 3 days on-site at our Philadelphia office and up to 5% travel. 

Compensation: $115,000 - $130,000 annually, plus bonus and equity. 

What Success Looks Like

First 90 Days

  • Build a strong understanding of the product, system architecture, and problem space
  • Develop a clear approach to implementing solutions

6 Months

  • Independently own and deliver a meaningful portion of the product
  • Contribute production-ready firmware to the system

12 Months

  • Your work is validated, integrated, and released as part of the product


Who We’re Looking For 

Minimum Requirements 

  • 5+ years experience as a Real-Time Firmware engineer designing, implementing, and testing embedded software/firmware for microcontrollers based products
  • Professional experience developing software applications in C/C++
  • Experience using RTOS to create software/firmware for multi-threaded, timing critical applications. Good understanding of timing budgets in critical systems
  • Proficient with debugging/troubleshooting techniques, including JTAG Debuggers, trace analyzers, and use of electronics lab equipment such as Multimeters, Oscilloscopes, Logic analyzers, and Signal/Function Generators
  • Professional experience using Source Control Management systems (e.g. Git)
  • Understanding of static source code analysis tools/methods
  • Experience in developing design documentation (requirements, flowcharts, data flow diagrams, state transition diagrams, etc.)
  • Basic understanding of electronics concepts

Preferred Qualifications 

  • Developing embedded firmware for functional safety (electrical, automotive, or medical)
    • Electric meters, circuit breakers, or AC power management preferred
  • Working in regulated industries and creating certification documentation
    • Familiarity with IEC 60730, IEC 61508, or ISO 26262 preferred
  • ARM processors (preferably Cortex-R), including execution models, interrupt management, and DMA
    • TI AM64xx experience preferred
  • Authoring low-level drivers and SOC management (UART, SPI, I2C, DDR4, Secure Boot, etc.)
  • Implementing serial interfaces; CANbus or Modbus knowledge preferred
  • Digital Signal Processing
  • Remote communication protocols (RF, Wi-Fi, Cellular, Bluetooth)

You’re the ideal candidate if:

  • You come in with a strong foundation: you’re not learning embedded systems from scratch
  • You’re adaptable and comfortable with evolving requirements
  • You bring informed opinions, but stay open and collaborative
  • You can both write great code and explain it clearly
  • You enjoy working on a team that solves problems together

You may not be a fit if:

  • You’re a web or cloud engineer without deep firmware experience
  • You prefer highly structured, slow-moving environments
  • You struggle with collaboration or communicating technical ideas



US Salary Range

$115,000 - $130,000 USD

To apply, please submit your resume. Applications without a resume will not be considered. 

At ConnectDER, we believe diverse perspectives make us stronger and more innovative. We welcome candidates of all backgrounds and experiences and encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every listed qualification—great talent comes in many forms.

ConnectDER is committed to developing a barrier-free recruitment process and work environment. If you require any accommodation during the application and interview process, please email us at careers @ connectder.com (no spaces) and we’ll work with you to meet your accessibility needs.

Selected candidates must pass a criminal history background screening and a reference check. All your information will be kept confidential according to all applicable guidelines.

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