Firmware Security Engineer

Firmware Security Engineer

We are seeking a Sr. Firmware Security Engineer who will play a crucial role in designing and optimizing firmware solutions integrated into advanced wireless technologies. Responsibilities include:

• Design, implement, and optimize firmware code for wireless communication systems, focusing on Embedded System Security principles, security by design, and OS hardening.
• Collaborate with systems engineering teams to translate system-level requirements into efficient firmware implementations.
• Architect firmware designs ensuring optimal performance and resource reuse between products.
• Develop verification frameworks to ensure firmware code reliability and functionality.
• Collaborate with hardware, FPGA, and Network Security Engineering teams to integrate firmware code into larger wireless systems.
• Develop and execute comprehensive test plans to validate firmware blocks in collaboration with Network Security Engineers.
• Develop firmware blocks for wireless communication protocols, such as LTE, 5G, and ORAN fronthaul.
• Optimize signal processing pipelines for low-latency and high-throughput wireless applications with FPGA and DSP teams.
• Create detailed documentation for firmware designs and integration processes.
• Maintain version-controlled documentation to facilitate collaboration and knowledge transfer.

Essential skills include:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in firmware design, with an emphasis on wireless applications.
• Proven track record of successful firmware implementation for wireless applications, preferably ORAN radio products.
• Experience with Embedded System Security principles, security by design, and OS hardening.
• Experience with secure boot, firmware & software integrity, OTA updates, and hardware-backed device attestation technologies.
• Experience with security protocols in telecom environments, including IEEE 802.1X, MACSec, and PKI-based authentication.
• Proficiency in object-oriented design and development using C++ and embedded software development in C.
• Experience with Linux kernel software, Embedded Linux, RTOS, U-Boot/kernel development, and Linux Device Tree.
• Familiarity with O-RAN WG11 security specifications, cryptography, key management, and secure access.
• Experience deploying and debugging embedded systems using lab instrumentation.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to troubleshoot and optimize firmware solutions.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment.
• Excellent communication skills to convey complex technical concepts to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Additional skills and qualifications include:

• Knowledge of secure communication protocols, SSH, TLS protocols, and 800-2.1X protocol.
• Experience with certificate and key management, establishing secure server communications.
• Familiarity with wireless communication protocols such as LTE, 5G, and their FPGA implementation.
• Knowledge of RF systems and signal processing challenges in wireless communication.
• Experience with git and agile workflow.
• Knowledge of microcontroller (ARM based) and embedded Linux environments.
• Experience with test automation and scripting using Bash and Python.

Job Type & Location: This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Plano, TX.

Pay and Benefits: The pay range for this position is $70.00 - $80.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type: This is a fully onsite position in Plano, TX.

Application Deadline: This position is anticipated to close on Dec 3, 2025.

About Actalent: Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.