Firmware Architect / Team Leader

As a Firmware Architect / Team Leader at Tropic Square, your key responsibilities include leading a small team of firmware developers, driving firmware projects execution, and shaping firmware-related technologies. You'll be deeply involved in developing, optimizing, and testing firmware while also defining, deploying, and maintaining the firmware development environment.

To qualify for the Firmware Architect / Team Leader position at Tropic Square, candidates should have a solid background in production firmware development, deployment, and maintenance. Proficiency in C and Python programming, along with experience in ARM or RISC-V architecture, is essential. A willingness to engage in secure firmware development and testing, along with applied cryptography and security experience, is also beneficial.

Yes, experience with open source development is welcomed for the Firmware Architect / Team Leader role at Tropic Square. While it’s not mandatory, familiarity with open source practices can be beneficial as it aligns with our company’s values of transparency and collaboration.

Tropic Square offers an exciting opportunity to work on unique projects with an agile team. Benefits include flexible working hours, the possibility of remote work, access to industry professionals for mentorship, and financial stability supported by SatoshiLabs and a foreign investor. We promote a high level of freedom and encourage personal growth as part of our team.

The Firmware Architect / Team Leader at Tropic Square will primarily work with C and Python for firmware development, optimizations, and testing. While these are the main technologies, we are open to exploring other solutions that contribute to the development and success of our secure TROPIC01 chip.

In your response, share specific examples of past projects, the firmware you developed, and the challenges you overcame. Highlight your role in the deployment and maintenance of firmware in production environments, emphasizing any leadership experiences you've had.

Discuss your leadership style, focusing on collaboration, communication, and mentorship. Provide examples of how you've successfully guided a team, facilitated knowledge sharing, and addressed conflicts to maintain a productive work environment.

If you have direct experience with RISC-V, explain specific projects you’ve worked on and the outcomes. If not, share your understanding of RISC-V, how it differs from other architectures, and your willingness to learn and adapt to it.

Provide a detailed example where you identified performance bottlenecks in firmware, the strategies you applied to optimize it, and the measurable improvements achieved as a result of your actions.

Discuss your practices for secure firmware development, such as implementing encryption, following best coding practices, or conducting regular security audits. Highlight the importance of security in firmware, particularly in embedded systems.

Share your strategies for ongoing learning, whether through online courses, attending conferences, participating in forums, or following industry leaders. Show your commitment to continuously improving your skill set and staying updated with new technologies.

Talk about a specific challenge that required innovative thinking or problem-solving. Explain the steps you took to address the issue, any obstacles you faced, and the solution you implemented.

List the development environments and tools you are proficient in, such as IDEs, compilers, and debugging tools. Discuss how these tools have enhanced your firmware development process and your adaptability to new environments.

Explain your approach to testing firmware, including unit tests, integration tests, and validation procedures. Provide examples of how comprehensive testing has improved the quality and reliability of the firmware you've developed.

Discuss your strategies for acquiring new knowledge, such as studying documentation, engaging in hands-on projects, or leveraging community resources. Emphasize your growth mindset and proactive approach to staying up-to-date in the fast-evolving tech landscape.