Embedded Firmware Engineer
Date: Aug 14, 2025
Location: Rochester Hills, MI, US, 48309
Company: Gates Corporation
Are you inspired by challenging the status quo? Do you thrive in collaborative environments that drive results? If so, Gates could be for you.
Gates is a leading manufacturer of application-specific fluid power and power transmission solutions. We push the boundaries of material science to engineer solutions that continually exceed customer expectations.
Let's simplify it, think belts and hoses. Found in motorcycles, conveyor belts, cars, tractors, blenders, vacuum cleaners, bicycles, & 3D printers just to name a few. Because why not do it all?
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
We are seeking a skilled Embedded Firmware Engineer with a strong foundation in embedded software architecture, algorithm development, and device-level communication protocols. This role is ideal for an engineer with approximately 5 years of experience who thrives in a collaborative, cross-disciplinary environment and is passionate about building robust, scalable firmware for complex electromechanical systems.This position reports to Gates Technical Director for New Technology Innovation and is responsible for developing, testing and supporting software for e-bike centric devices.
Key Responsibilities:
-
- Design, develop, and maintain embedded firmware for real-time control and communication systems.
- Architect modular and scalable firmware solutions for microcontroller-based platforms.
- Implement and optimize algorithms for control, signal processing, and system diagnostics.
- Develop and integrate communication protocols including CAN, UART, SPI, I2C, and Ethernet.
- Collaborate with hardware, systems, and software teams to ensure seamless integration and performance.
- Conduct code reviews, unit testing, and system-level debugging.
- Contribute to firmware documentation, design specifications, and technical reports.
Other (% travel, working conditions, unusual work schedule):
- Office hours are normal.
- Travel to supplier facilities and plant and global facilities is required on an as needed basis.
Supervisory Responsibilities
- None.
- Leads others to solve complex problems; uses analytical thinking, tools and judgement to identify innovative solutions.
- Assists upper level management and staff as a technical specialist or advisor.
- May lead teams or projects with moderate resource requirements, risk, and/or complexity.
Requirements and Preferred Skills
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
- 5+ years of experience in embedded firmware development.
- Proficiency in C and real-time embedded systems.
- Strong understanding of software architecture principles and design patterns.
- Experience with device communication protocols (CAN, SPI, I2C, UART, etc.).
- Familiarity with control algorithms, digital signal processing, or sensor integration.
- Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git) and debugging tools (e.g., JTAG, oscilloscopes).
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with RTOS-based development and multi-threaded systems.
- Exposure to motor control (e.g., FOC, BLDC, PMSM) is a plus.
- Familiarity with IoT protocols and cloud-connected embedded systems.
- Knowledge of safety-critical development practices and standards (e.g., MISRA, ISO 26262)
- Knowledge of LIN, MODbus and other industrial communication protocols a plus.
- Hands on debugging experience.
- Fluency in automated testing procedures.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Work collaboratively with the Electronic Hardware engineering.
- Strong service attitude and a commitment to quality.
Pay & Benefits
- Full-Time
- Bonus Eligible
- Relocation is not provided
- Medical, Dental, Vision insurance and other voluntary benefit options: benefits begin on the first day of the month immediately following your date of hire
- Eligible for 3 weeks of paid vacation + 11 holidays (9 scheduled & 2 floating) + 8 sick days. All vacation days are accrued
- 401(k): 3% company contribution and additional 3% company match
- Tuition Reimbursement
Why Gates?
Founded in 1911 in Denver, Colorado, Gates is publicly traded on the NYSE. While we might operate in a vast amount of time zones we operate as 'One Gates' and have a common goal of pushing the boundaries of materials science. We invest in our people, bringing real-world experience that enables us to solve our customers' diverse challenges of today and anticipate those of tomorrow.
Work Environment
Gates is an Equal Opportunity and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of race, sex, color, religion, age, disability, pregnancy, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any other consideration defined by law.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands and fingers to work with objects, tools, or controls; and use office equipment including computers, telephones, and/or copiers/scanners. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
For individuals assigned and/or hired to work in Colorado, Gates is required by law to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. This compensation range is specific to the State of Colorado and takes into account various factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to the candidate's relevant experience, qualifications, skills, competencies, and proficiency for the role.
Nearest Major Market: Detroit