Principal Firmware Engineer

As a Principal Firmware Engineer at Anduril Industries, you will be responsible for developing low-level firmware for various products, overseeing project design and implementation, and mentoring junior engineers. Your work will include troubleshooting issues across electrical and software domains, as well as collaborating with the Electrical Engineering team to ensure seamless integration of hardware and firmware solutions.

To qualify for the Principal Firmware Engineer position at Anduril Industries, candidates should hold a BS or MS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field. Additionally, expertise in C programming for embedded systems, extensive experience with microcontrollers, and proficiency in various communication protocols are essential.

A Principal Firmware Engineer plays a crucial role in Anduril Industries’ mission by developing and innovating the firmware that powers our advanced military technologies. By integrating artificial intelligence and real-time control systems, you ensure that our products operate effectively and meet the rigorous demands of defense applications.

The work environment at Anduril Industries for a Principal Firmware Engineer is dynamic and collaborative. You will work alongside skilled engineers in a fast-paced setting, engaging with cutting-edge technologies and facing complex engineering challenges. Anduril fosters a culture of mentorship and innovation, allowing you to grow both personally and professionally.

The salary range for a Principal Firmware Engineer at Anduril Industries is between $196,000 and $294,000 per year. This range can vary based on factors such as work experience, education, and specific skills, and the role includes competitive equity grants and a comprehensive benefits package.

In responding to this question, consider describing your specific experiences developing firmware for microcontrollers, highlighting projects where you've successfully implemented solutions, and focusing on the technologies and programming languages you've used.

Share a specific scenario where you encountered a significant debugging issue. Explain your thought process, the methods you employed to troubleshoot, and how you ultimately resolved the problem, showcasing your analytical skills.

Discuss the techniques you use to manage your workload and prioritize tasks. This might include methods such as Agile methodologies, project management tools, or your personal system for ensuring deadlines and quality are met.

Be ready to list the microcontroller architectures you’ve worked with, such as ARM, AVR, or PIC. Discuss specific projects where you applied your knowledge, emphasizing any complexities involved and the outcomes.

Explain your approach to writing clean, maintainable code, including practices like code reviews, adherence to documentation standards, and following specific coding guidelines to ensure quality and minimize bugs.

Provide examples of projects where you integrated various sensors into your firmware. Discuss the types of sensors you’ve worked with, the challenges encountered, and how you overcame them to ensure successful measurement and data communication.

Share your experience with common communication protocols such as SPI, I2C, or CAN. Highlight how you deployed these protocols in projects and any technical challenges you faced along the way.

Discuss your methods for keeping abreast of the latest developments in firmware engineering. This might include reading industry publications, attending conferences, or participating in online forums and workshops.

Outline a specific instance where you mentored a colleague or junior engineer. Highlight your role in guiding them, the skills you focused on, and the impact of your mentorship on their development.

Describe the tools and environments you prefer to use for firmware development. This could include IDEs, debugging tools, or specific hardware platforms that you find most effective in your work.