Staff Firmware Engineer, Fremont, CA, United States

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Staff Firmware Engineer

About the Role

We're seeking a Staff Firmware Engineer to drive the development of real-time embedded control systems at the core of our next-generation energy technologies. As part of our New Technology Introduction team, you'll architect and implement firmware for cutting-edge power conversion platforms, enabling high-reliability performance in real-world, high-power energy environments. This role blends deep technical execution with systems-level ownership across control theory, embedded systems, and power electronics.

Key Responsibilities Own the end-to-end firmware design and development lifecycle for advanced power electronic and energy infrastructure systems. Design and implement digital control algorithms for high-performance regulation of voltage, current, and power, including support for grid-tied systems. Develop advanced digital control algorithms (e.g. PR, PLL, harmonic suppression, predictive models). Architect, write, and maintain high-efficiency C/C++ firmware for bare-metal and RTOS-based platforms (MCUs, DSPs, hybrid architectures). Configure and manage low-level hardware interfaces (PWM, ADC, DMA, UART, SPI, I2C, CAN, Ethernet) from register-level up.. Architect and implement reliable state machines, fault detection, and protection logic for mission-critical control. Integrate and support industrial communication protocols (Modbus RTU/TCP, SunSpec, CAN, custom Ethernet/serial). Contribute to FPGA co-processing logic using VHDL for high-speed control and signal processing. Model and simulate control systems using MATLAB/Simulink, PSIM, or PLECS to support validation and iteration. Lead hands-on testing, bring-up, and debugging using lab tools (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, real-time hardware in the loop). Required Qualifications Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field. 10+ years of hands-on experience in real-time embedded firmware development for power electronics or energy systems. Direct experience with high-power, high-voltage energy systems and grid-tied inverters or converters. Expert-level proficiency in C/C++ for MCUs and DSPs, with in-depth knowledge of embedded control systems. FPGA design experience using VHDL for embedded co-processing. Strong understanding of RTOS (e.g., FreeRTOS, Micrium OS) and bare-metal firmware design. Solid foundation in control theory with proven real-world implementation in digital systems. Demonstrated ability to manage hardware peripheral integration from the ground up. Experience with industrial communication protocols and compliance-driven development. Familiarity with scripting (e.g., Python) for automation, testing, or tooling is a plus.

Pay is based on market location and may vary based on factors including experience, skills, education and other job-related reasons. The annual salary range for this position is 200,000.00 to 220,000.00.

At Nextracker, we are leading in the energy transition, providing the most comprehensive portfolio of intelligent solar tracker and software solutions for solar power plants, as well as strategic services to capture the full value of solar power plants for our customers. Our talented worldwide teams are transforming PV plant performance every day with smart technology, data monitoring and analysis services.

For us at Nextracker, sustainability is not just a word. It's a core part of our business, values and our operations. Our sustainability efforts are based on five cornerstones: People, Community, Environment, Innovation, and Integrity. We are creative, collaborative and passionate problem-solvers from diverse backgrounds, driven by our shared mission to provide smart solar and software solutions for our customers and to mitigate climate change for future generations.

Nextracker is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

At Nextracker, we are leading in the energy transition, providing the most comprehensive portfolio of intelligent solar tracker and software solutions for solar power plants, as well as strategic services to capture the full value of solar power plants for our customers. Our talented worldwide teams are transforming PV plant performance every day with smart technology, data monitoring and analysis services.

For us at Nextracker, sustainability is not just a word. It's a core part of our business, values and our operations. Our sustainability efforts are based on five cornerstones: People, Community, Environment, Innovation, and Integrity. We are creative, collaborative and passionate problem-solvers from diverse backgrounds, driven by our shared mission to provide smart solar and software solutions for our customers and to mitigate climate change for future generations.

Nextracker is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Culture is our Passion

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