Staff Embedded Systems Engineer - Draper, UT

The Staff Embedded Systems Engineer is a senior individual contributor responsible for leading technical design, development, and validation of embedded hardware and firmware projects within PDK. In this role, you will architect system-level solutions, guide technical direction, mentor engineers, and be highly hands-on across PCB design, embedded software, and product bring-up. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to deliver reliable, secure, production-ready hardware for PDK’s next-generation access control products.

Key Responsibilities

• Architect and implement embedded firmware for ARM Cortex-M or similar microcontrollers in a FreeRTOS or comparable RTOS environment.

• Support regulatory compliance efforts (UL, FCC/EMC, CE) and drive mitigation strategies when test failures occur.

• Collaborate with internal engineers and third-party design partners to integrate microcontrollers, sensors, actuators, wireless modules, and other subsystems.

• Establish and promote best practices for embedded design, code quality, PCB layout, and system reliability.

• Mentor mid-level and junior engineers, provide technical guidance, and support the overall direction of the Hardware & Firmware team.

• Design and review schematics and multi-layer PCB layouts optimized for signal integrity, manufacturability, EMC/EMI compliance, and cost efficiency.

• Select components and guide hardware architecture for new product designs.

• Perform other engineering duties as needed in support of company objectives.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of relevant firmware and hardware engineering experience.

• Mastery of C/C++ and embedded system development using RTOS platforms such as FreeRTOS or Zephyr.

• Experience using PCB design tools such as Altium, DipTrace, or PADS.

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a similar field.

• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously while mentoring other engineers and elevating the team’s technical output.

• Comprehensive knowledge of embedded systems concepts, design principles, and best practices.

• Proficient with version control, simulation tools, debugging utilities, and hardware bring-up workflows.

• Deep understanding of the TCP/IP stack and associated security protocols.

• Working knowledge of wireless technologies, especially Bluetooth.

• Strong understanding of common embedded interconnects including RS-485, I²C, SPI, Wiegand, and UART/serial communication.

• Extensive hands-on experience with lab equipment: oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, power analyzers, spectrum analyzers, JTAG/SWD tools, etc.

• Familiarity with Jira, Confluence, and GitHub.

Bonus Skills

• Experience with physical access control products or other security-related embedded systems.

• Experience with embedded cryptography (secure boot, key storage, TLS, signing, etc.).

• Experience providing technical leadership to a team of hardware and firmware engineers.

• Experience with OSDP (Open Supervised Device Protocol)

Work Environment & Expectations

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk (standing desks available)

• Working in an office environment using typical office equipment

• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs

• Less than 2% travel required

Benefits

• Health, Dental, Vision, Life and AD+D insurance

• 401k plan with company match

• 8 paid holidays per year

• 3-5 weeks paid time off (based upon tenure at PDK)

Pay rate type

• Annual salary ranges starting at $115,000 Depending On Experience

This position is an in-office position reporting to ProdataKey Headquarters, located in Draper, UT.

About ProdataKey

ProdataKey is a leading innovator of cloud-based access control products and services. We are passionate about creating technology to enhance the security, safety, and experience of the professionals who install electronic access control and the businesses who rely on our products each day as a mission-critical security system.

PDK is ranked among the 100 fastest-growing companies in Utah by MountainWest Capital Network. We have been in business for over ten years and are growing rapidly. We are looking for leaders to grow with us. If you obsess over customers and product quality, have a creative mindset and thrive when self-directed–PDK is a great fit. ProdataKey offers a fun and challenging work environment where teamwork, leadership, and employee success are critical. We are a profitable company with competitive pay and benefits in an industry with high resiliency to economic downturns.

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If you're looking for a career with a growing company where you are part of a team dedicated to making a difference, you'll enjoy your career with us!