Firmware Engineer II

Thorlabs is pleased to play a role in advancing science through the components, instruments, and systems we design and manufacture. We believe that science and innovation have great potential to improve the world around us and are committed to advancing photonics (i.e., light-based) technologies that positively impact our customers, employees, and communities. Via educational outreach and more sustainable business practices, we continuously invest in a brighter future. We recognize that each of our employees is a unique individual with the ability to contribute to our success and seek to find great people who will thrive in our fun, fast-paced culture.

Thorlabs is looking for an experienced Firmware Engineer II to join our dynamic team at the Colorado Center for Innovation (CCI).

At the Colorado Center for Innovation, we don’t just build tools; we build the infrastructure for the photonics revolution. As a Firmware Engineer II, you will architect the intelligence within our most sophisticated hardware. You will design and implement the real-time firmware and algorithms that drive quantum photon sources, precision lasers, and ultra-low-noise instrumentation. This is a role for an engineer who thrives at the dynamic intersection of high-speed digital logic, sensitive analog physics, and manufacturing.

• Develop real-time firmware to control and synchronize complex optical, mechanical, and electrical subsystems in high-precision environments.

• Translate optical and electro-mechanical requirements into robust firmware architectures, and transition prototype code into stable, production-ready solutions.

• Lead proof-of-concept testing and feasibility evaluations to inform future technology decisions, including microcontroller and FPGA-based designs.

• Produce and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, including firmware operations, SDK specifications, and revision tracking.

• Design and execute rigorous test protocols, qualification procedures, and custom fixtures to validate system performance.

• Manage project milestones and deliverables while maintaining ultra-low-noise performance standards.

• Conduct root-cause analysis on complex electronics and firmware issues, delivering solutions for both R&D and production.

• Develop manufacturing test fixtures and serve as the primary technical escalation point to support production quality and yield.

The Company retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Requirements:
Experience:

• 5–10 years of professional experience with embedded systems.

Education:

• Bachelors or Masters in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or similar from an ABET accredited institution

Specialized Knowledge and Interests:

• Expert-level C/C++ for embedded systems across MCU, MPU, and heterogeneous architectures, with experience in high-reliability control and data acquisition.

• Strong applied math skills in firmware, including PID control and DSP techniques (e.g., spectral analysis, modulation/demodulation).

• Hands-on expertise with real-time interfaces such as I2C, SPI, and USB, plus strong debugging skills.

• Proficient with electronics lab tools (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, multimeters) and capable of interpreting schematics and datasheets for board bring-up.

• Strong commitment to code quality using Git, documentation best practices, and structured release management.

• Self-driven, adaptable engineer able to communicate complex findings clearly in a fast-paced R&D environment.

• Preferred: Experience with Verilog or VHDL for FPGA/CPLD-based signal processing.

The estimated pay range for this role is $100,000 - $ 120,000 annually

Thorlabs values its diverse environment and is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified individuals will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identify or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status. Job descriptions are not intended as and do not create employment contracts. The organization maintains its status as an at-will employer. Employees can be terminated for any reason not prohibited by law.

Benefits:
Thorlabs offers a complete benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision insurance, company paid life insurance, a generous PTO package, a 401(k) plan, and tuition reimbursement just to name a few.