Senior Firmware Engineer - 1502 na Scientific Applications & Research Associates, Inc. (SARA)

Scientific Applications & Research Associates, Inc. (SARA) is a world-class Defense Research and Development enterprise, with a charter to create new and emerging technology innovations in support of Commercial & Government organizations. We have expertise in RF, EMP, Pulsed Power, Acoustics and Threat Warning Systems, and we prioritize partnering with our customers to address real-world problems with cost-effective solutions… that work.

The SARA High Power Electromagnetics Division (HPEM) is looking for a remarkably talented, motivated, and imaginative Senior Firmware Engineer to support research and development activities and transition innovative technologies to the DoD, DoE, and their contractors in Colorado Springs, CO. The candidate will have the opportunity to grow and learn with talented engineers, physicists, and technicians on long-standing programs and new programs supporting our customers. Our small group will allow the candidate to experience, contribute, and collaborate in a multidisciplinary nature from conception all the way through to operation.

Core Responsibilities:

• Develop bare-metal firmware in C for embedded systems
• Architect and implement firmware solutions for new products and product enhancements
• Rapid iteration development with custom hardware and primarily STM32 microcontrollers
• Collaborate closely with hardware engineers, cross-functional teams, project managers, and subject matter experts to develop solutions for system integration
• Develop and maintain firmware-driven system simulations
• Design and implement Windows-based system interfaces for lab testing and configuration in C#
• Select and configure microcontrollers for new systems, taking into account I/Os, peripherals, memory layout, system clocking, interrupt configuration, and other features
• Participate in electronics design activities related to microcontrollers
• Lead board bring-up, debugging, and optimizations for new designs
• Support system integration, field testing, and deployment
• Conduct code reviews, mentor junior engineers, and foster team collaboration
• Generate and maintain technical documentation throughout development

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field 
• 8+ years of experience in embedded firmware development
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot and debug embedded systems
• Proficiency in:
  • C, C#
  • Bare-metal programming on CPUs, microcontrollers, DSPs, or ARM cores
  • Embedded system debugging tools
  • Low-level interfaces (I2C, SPI, SDIO, UART)
  • Embedded bootloaders
  • System Integration
  • Reading and reviewing schematics
  • Test equipment (oscilloscope, logic/bus analyzers)

• US Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain DoD Top Secret security clearance
• May require light physical effort, involving standing, sitting and use of hands while performing duties, carrying or lifting up to 50 pounds
• Working environment is indoor, moderately quiet, reasonably clean, well-lighted and well-ventilated; moderate physical hazards may exist

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Computer Engineering
• 12+ years of experience in embedded firmware development
• Experience with:
  • STM32 microcontrollers
  • Low-level register programming for embedded systems
  • Keil MDK
  • Visual Studio
  • Anti-Tamper Techniques & Cryptographic Processing
  • DSP and high-speed (>= 1MHz) control loops
  • Developing Windows-based configuration firmware tools in C#
• Active DoD Top Secret or DOE Q clearance

SARA offers a competitive benefits package to include:

• Medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance; and other supplemental programs
• A generous PTO program (vacation, sick, holiday)
• Tuition & certification reimbursement
• Flexible work schedules
• Discretionary Employee bonuses
• 401(k) match/profit sharing
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Pay Range

Salary at SARA is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $100,000 to $150,000 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of SARA’s total compensation package for employees.  Positions are on-site, unless indicated otherwise.

Application Deadline: September 30, 2025

SARA is an equal employment opportunity employer.