Firmware Engineer - RC systems

At Horizon Hobby, we inspire dreams and help build memories! Our company is the leader in the global Radio Control industry, celebrating 40 years in 2025! We offer tremendous opportunities for growth and development and a full array of benefits including discounts on our products! We are currently hiring for a Firmware Engineer!

This is a full-time, on-site position at our Champaign IL location. Working hours are Monday-Friday 8am-5pm.

Typical pay for this position is $80,000 - $110,000 annually. The final offer for this position will be based on the unique experience and qualifications of the candidate selected. This position may also be eligible for a bonus not included in the base pay range.

This Firmware Engineer will focus on developing embedded firmware for radio‑control (RC) systems used in hobby‑grade aircraft, vehicles, and other model products. As a mid‑level engineer, this role will take ownership of firmware features, contribute to system‑level design decisions, and collaborate closely with hardware and product teams. This roll will work on control link logic, telemetry handling, device configuration, and performance optimization for compact and lightweight electronics that power Horizon Hobby’s product lines.

Key Responsibilities

• Firmware Development for RC Electronics - Design, implement, and maintain embedded firmware for transmitters, receivers, ESCs, sensors, and other RC components. Develop features such as signal processing, failsafe behavior, telemetry decoding, and configuration logic.
• Hardware Integration - Work closely with electrical engineers to bring up new boards, validate interfaces, and ensure firmware and hardware operate seamlessly together.
• RF System Support - Collaborate with RF engineers to integrate firmware with RF modules, optimize control‑link performance, and support antenna tuning and range‑testing workflows.
• CAD & Documentation Support - Review schematics and PCB layouts to understand hardware interfaces and constraints. Provide firmware‑specific input during design reviews.
• Testing & Debugging - Use oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and RF test equipment to debug issues, validate performance, and ensure reliability in real‑world RC environments.
• Field & Bench Validation - Participate in controlled field tests with RC models to evaluate firmware behavior under realistic operating conditions.
• Continuous Improvement - Identify opportunities to improve firmware architecture, testing workflows, and product performance.
• Performs other duties as assigned within the scope of the position.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• 2–5 years of experience developing embedded firmware in C or C++.
• Familiarity with microcontrollers, real‑time systems, and low‑level drivers (SPI, I²C, UART, PWM, ADC).
• Ability to read schematics and understand hardware interfaces.
• Experience debugging embedded systems using standard lab tools.
• Interest in RF‑enabled consumer electronics or control systems.

Preferred

• Experience with RC hobby products or similar consumer electronics.
• Familiarity with 2.4 GHz RC control systems or spread‑spectrum protocols.
• Experience with Aircraft/Helicopter stabilization systems
• Knowledge of basic RF concepts and how firmware interacts with RF hardware.
• Experience with bootloaders, over‑the‑air updates, or configuration utilities.
• Understanding of EMI/EMC considerations in embedded systems.
• Comfort with scripting languages (Python, etc.) for test automation.

Key Competencies

• Strong problem‑solving and debugging skills
• Clear communication and documentation habits
• Ability to collaborate across hardware, firmware, and product teams
• Attention to detail and commitment to reliability
• Experience with Altium software for reviewing and completing circuit design reviews
• Enthusiasm for hands‑on testing and iterative development

Physical Requirements

• Occasional lifting of office supplies and materials, up to 20 pounds.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while working on a computer.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Benefits & Other Perks

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• HSA and FSA options
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance and Supplemental Life Insurance
• 401(k) with a company match
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Internal Rewards
• Discounts on Products
• Additional Coverage such as accident, critical, hospital and pet insurance

Horizon Hobby is a progressive, innovative company and, as such, is constantly reevaluating and reinventing the processes and procedures associated with each job. The essential duties and responsibilities of this position may change at any time. In addition, employees may be asked to work on special projects or to assist with other work necessary or important to the operation of Horizon. Your cooperation and assistance in performing such additional work is expected and appreciated.

Horizon Hobby, LLC is an equal opportunity and E-Verify employer