Real-Time Firmware Engineer

ConnectDER is seeking a Real-Time Firmware Engineer for a hybrid role based in Philadelphia, PA. The engineer will design and deliver real-time firmware for microcontroller systems, contributing to product development in clean energy technology. This position involves collaboration with hardware and software teams and requires on-site presence for 3 days a week. Benefits include health insurance, flexible paid time off, 401K matching, and equity options.
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 USDTo 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.


Job posting details for Real-Time Firmware Engineer at ConnectDER in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. Compensation / salary range: $115,000 - $130,000 annually, plus bonus and equity. ClimateTechList gathers 9,000+ job openings from over 509 climate tech companies and updates them daily.