R&D Firmware Engineer

At ABB, we help industries run leaner and cleaner—and every person here makes that happen. You’ll be empowered to lead, supported to grow, and proud of the impact we create together. Join us and help run what runs the world.

This position reports to:

Chapter Lead (ELSP Pilot)

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In this role, you will have the opportunity to contribute to ABB’s success with technology, software, product, and system development. Each day, you will identify and implement innovative solutions to relevant problems. You will also showcase your expertise by providing ideas and by being able to work both independently and as a part of a Research & Development (R&D) team.

The work model for the role is: Hybrid (#hybrid)

This role is contributing to the Smart Power in Bergamo and to other International Projects.

Main stakeholders are external and internal customers.

• Designing, developing, and implementing firmware for industrial protection circuit breakers and communication modules.
• Contributing to the continuous improvement of firmware development and cyber security processes.
• Performing unit testing, integration testing, and system testing to ensure software quality and functionality.
• Contributing to ABB innovation and intellectual property creation by identifying innovative technical solutions and supporting patent-related activities when applicable.
• Actively participating in an Agile Scrum team, contributing to sprint planning, daily stand-ups, reviews, retrospectives, and other Scrum ceremonies to ensure effective collaboration and continuous delivery.
• Collaborating closely with system architects and software and hardware developers to break down system requirements to requirement specifications for firmware.
• Collaboration and knowledge sharing: we believe in open communication and teamwork. You will have the chance to collaborate with talented engineers worldwide and share your expertise.
• Supporting and mentoring other engineers by sharing technical expertise, development practices, and lessons learned.

• M.Sc. or B.Sc. degree in Information or Electronic Engineering, Embedded Systems, or comparable field.
• Strong proficiency in embedded C/C++, supported by solid software engineering and computer science fundamentals.
• Experience with Python for scripting, test automation, development tools, or similar engineering activities.
• Strong professional experience in firmware development for embedded industrial applications, typically 8–10+ years.
• Solid understanding of embedded systems, including microcontroller architectures, peripherals, hardware/software interfaces and, preferably, real-time operating systems (RTOS).
• Strong experience in firmware debugging, troubleshooting, and root-cause analysis using tools such as debug probes, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and similar laboratory equipment.
• You have solid knowledge of structured development processes, ranging from requirement analysis, design, and implementation to test and documentation.
• Confident handling of development infrastructure: Azure DevOps, CI/CD pipelines, version control systems (git), lifecycle management, build systems, unit testing, debug probes, oscilloscopes, and similar tools.
• Working experience with one or more of the main industrial communication protocols (Modbus, Profinet, Ethernet/IP, IEC61850, Profibus, CAN bus).
• Knowledge of embedded and industrial cybersecurity principles; experience with secure development practices, secure boot, cryptography, authentication, or related technologies is considered a plus.
• Experience working in Agile Scrum teams and familiarity with Agile practices and Scrum ceremonies are considered a plus. A collaborative mindset and willingness to work in an Agile environment are highly valued.
• You are passionate about team working and innovation.
• You are at ease communicating in English and Italian. Willingness to travel abroad for specific projects.

As part of our commitment to transparency, we want to share the compensation details for this position:

Applicable CBA: Metalmeccanico

Minimum annual salary: 48.000€

Variable Pay: AIP target 5 % + Eligible for Company Productivity Bonus

The offer will be tailored based on your role location, experience, skills and qualifications, internal market positioning and alignment with ABB internal standards.

• Flexible working hours, hybrid work options, and a strong focus on work-life integration and Wellbeing support for employees and their families.
• Welfare plan with a wide range of personalized services.
• Canteen or meal vouchers provided.

ABB Smart Power provides energy distribution solutions for data centers, industrial and manufacturing plants, critical infrastructure and commercial buildings. The Division’s technical teams work closely with industry partners, delivering advanced solutions that support rapid growth, energy transition, and sustainability objectives. The Division’s portfolio includes industrial circuit breakers, low-voltage systems, motor starting applications, and safety devices like switches and relays. Its Power Protection unit supports the world’s largest data center companies with advanced energy-efficient UPS solutions. The Division’s ABB Ability™ Energy Manager provides a scalable, easy-to-use platform that helps organizations save energy and reduce CO2 emissions.

Building a cleaner, smarter future takes all kinds of minds: the curious, the courageous, and the creative. That's why we welcome people from all backgrounds and experiences.

Ready to make an impact?

Apply today or visit https://www.abb.com to learn more about the impact of our solutions across the globe.