Firmware Developer

This incumbent is responsible for developing new printer firmware, as well as modifying existing firmware, utilizing C/C++/Python and assembler, in order to expand and enhance the functionality of SATO's line of thermal and laser printers. Incumbent may be responsible for the creation or modification of product lines as well as develop code independently with minimal supervision.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Design, development, debug and document embedded firmware for printers and related software tools.
• Conduct research and analysis on competitive technologies, emerging barcode standards, network and interface protocols, RFID systems, and other relevant technologies.
• Lead and manage firmware enhancement projects, including planning, coding, debugging, and testing phases.
• Analyze technical specifications to support the development of new features and improvements to existing systems.
• Create and maintain comprehensive documentation, including design specifications, technical reports, and user guides.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across local and global departments to understand customer requirements and deliver effective solutions.
• Engage with internal and external customers as necessary to further understand application and product needs.
• Perform additional engineering tasks and responsibilities assigned to support team and organizational goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer engineering, Electrical engineering, or a related field, with 35 years of hands-on experience in firmware and software development using C, C++, and Python.
• Proficient in using firmware development tools, debuggers, and hardware testing equipment.
• Solid experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS) and embedded development environments such as Eclipse, Visual Studio, and GCC.
• Strong understanding of network protocols and debugging tools, including Wireshark, PostMan, TCP/IP, DNS, HTTP/HTTPS, SNMP, MQTT, and RESTful APIs.
• Familiar with version control systems like Git and SVN, and collaborative development workflows.
• Exceptional attention to detail and strong analytical skills.
• Proven ability to work effectively in team environments and cross-functional collaborations.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on programming experience with Linux, Android, and iOS operating systems.
• Proficient in wired and wireless communication protocols, including Bluetooth, BLE, Wi-Fi, Serial, and NFC.
• Strong knowledge of network encryption protocols and client-server authentication standards such as TLS/SSL, SSH, WPA2, EAP, and mTLS.
• Experience with multiple programming and scripting languages, including Lua, Python, Java, JavaScript, SQL, and HTML.
• Experience with AI technologies, including machine learning, big data solutions, AI models and algorithms.
• Familiarity with project management and issue tracking tools such as Jira, Redmine, and Atlassian suite.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Sitting: Remaining in the seated position
• Dexterity: Picking, pinching, or otherwise working primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand or arm as in handling
• Lifting: Lifting and moving boxed and unboxed products weighing up to 45 lbs on a semi-regular basis
• Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word to impart oral information to clients or to the public and to convey detailed spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly

Travel Requirements

Up to 5% - Including International travel as required.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Other duties may change at any time with or without notice.