Staff Firmware Engineer | 1099 Independent Contractor

Dojo Five | Remote – Contiguous US

About Dojo Five

Dojo Five is on a mission to drive the firmware industry forward. We partner with companies to modernize their embedded software development—integrating the right tools, techniques, and culture to deliver reliable, high-performance firmware. Our vision: 10,000 Successful Modernization Initiatives by 2035.

We're a team that takes quality seriously, celebrates continuous learning, and genuinely has fun doing it.

What Is an Evergreen Posting?

We may not have an immediate opening today—but we're always building relationships with exceptional engineers for upcoming projects. When the right project kicks off, we move fast. If your background is a strong fit, our team will reach out to start the process. We encourage you to apply and stay connected.

We are primarily seeking 1099 independent contractors at this time.

The Role

As a Staff Firmware Engineer at Dojo Five, you'll be a trusted technical leader—both for our clients and within our team. You'll tackle complex embedded systems challenges, guide architectural decisions, mentor engineers, and help set the standard for modern firmware development.

This isn't just a heads-down coding role. You'll engage directly with clients, lead projects end to end, and play an active part in shaping how Dojo Five grows.

What You'll Do

• Set strategic direction for firmware best practices—for clients and for Dojo Five
• Design, develop, review, and test firmware, products, and electronics
• Define build systems, repository structures, and documentation standards
• Lead projects: work breakdown, architecture, and delivery
• Mentor and coach engineers; lead technical training
• Collaborate cross-functionally to align on project goals and requirements
• Represent Dojo Five's technical capabilities in client and sales discussions
• Participate in recruiting, group interviews, and technical reviews
• Contribute to branding, outreach, and marketing initiatives
• Manage your time independently with accurate reporting

What We're Looking For

Experience

• 10+ years of professional embedded systems development (15+ preferred)
• 2+ years leading other developers (5+ preferred)
• 3+ years of at least one of the following:
  • Customizing Embedded Linux via yocto, including board bring-up
  • Zephyr with STM32 or Nordic

Programming Languages

• Required: C, C++, Python
• Desired: Rust, Assembly (ARM, x86, PIC), VHDL, Verilog

Operating Systems

• Desired: FreeRTOS, Zephyr, Embedded Linux (Yocto), Secure bootloaders

Protocols & Drivers

• Required: UART/USART, I2C, SPI, BLE
• Desired: CAN/CAN-FD, USB, Ethernet, WiFi, Cellular/LTE, Protobuf, MQTT, Flash

Processors

• Required: Various ARM cores
• Desired: Single, multi-core & heterogeneous SoCs; STM32, Nordic, NXP, SiLabs

Development Tools

• Required: IDEs (VSCode, Eclipse, STM32CubeIDE), Docker/devcontainers, benchtop tools (oscilloscope, logic/protocol analyzers, power supplies, multimeter), Git, pytest, unit testing frameworks (Unity/CMock/Ceedling, Google Test/gMock), Agile (Scrum & Kanban), risk assessments
• Desired: CI/CD pipeline configuration, CMake, binutils, serial consoles (minicom, screen)

You'll Thrive Here If You

• Are passionate about best practices and modern development approaches
• Communicate clearly and build trust with a wide range of stakeholders
• Approach problems with curiosity, optimism, and kindness
• Are a methodical thinker who can articulate trade-offs and lead others to good decisions
• Prioritize outcomes over ego and lead through influence, not authority
• Can take a client's vision—often from non-embedded experts—and make it real
• Are proactive: you spot risks early and come prepared with solutions
• Enjoy both leading people and doing deep technical work

Our Values

Always Learning · Humble Confidence · Always Deliver · Push Boundaries · Give a Sh*t · Have Fun

Remote Work Requirements

Work must be performed from a secure, fixed location with reliable high-speed internet within the contiguous United States.

Interview Process

Our process is designed to see how you think and work.

• Conversational interviews: No AI tools, reference materials, or outside assistance permitted. We want to hear your thinking.
• Coding exercise: AI tools are welcome—with disclosure. We want to see how you work with them in practice.

All interview stages require video with camera on (no virtual backgrounds). Candidates must provide proof of US-based residence and verify identity prior to or during the process.

Equal Opportunity

Dojo Five provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type—regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.