Manager of Embedded Engineering

We are a customer focused provider of audio solutions. We exceed users’ expectations with well thought out design, integration, and service. Our purpose-built products meet our customers where they are at, enhancing their moment with a powerful experience through music.

Job Title: Manager of Embedded Engineerin g Job Location: Tempe, AZ (100% Onsite)

We are seeking a Manager of Embedded Engineering to lead the development of all embedded firmware and software running on our products, including amplifiers, DSPs, infotainment, and other embedded electronics. This role owns the embedded engineering function end to end: from architecture and development through validation and release, and is responsible for the performance, quality, and timely delivery of all embedded deliverables. This is a hands-on leadership role: the Manager actively writes and reviews production firmware and code alongside the team, not purely from a management seat. The ideal candidate is not afraid to roll up their sleeves and debug real issues at the bench or on the vehicle. The Manager leads a team of Embedded Design Engineers and Embedded Test Engineers, balancing direct technical contribution with people management. This role operates within Engineering and partners closely with electrical, acoustic, mechanical, software, New Product Development, and Quality to ensure embedded deliverables align to system, hardware, and customer requirement

Key Responsibilities:

Team Leadership & People Manage

• Lead, mentor, and grow a team of Embedded Design Engineers and Embedded Test Engineers.
• Provide day-to-day guidance, set priorities, and ensure the team meets its performance, product, and project goals.
• Own hiring, onboarding, performance management, and career development for the embedded team.
• Build bench strength and succession depth across the firmware and test disciplines.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and innovative engineering culture.

Embedded Development Ownership

• Actively contribute production firmware and code alongside the team: this is a hands-on role, not a purely managerial one.
• Direct the design, development, and release of embedded firmware and software across amplifiers, DSPs, infotainment, and other embedded electronics.
• Participate in code reviews, debugging, and integration as a working member of the team.
• Roll up their sleeves to debug and root-cause real issues at the bench and on the vehicle.
• Define embedded architecture, coding standards, and development best practices.
• Ensure embedded deliverables meet quality, performance, timing, and cost targets.
• Drive platform reuse and scalable firmware architecture across product lines.

Validation & Quality

• Oversee the embedded validation and test strategy executed by the Embedded Test Engineers.
• Ensure firmware development and validation align to DFMEA and DVP&R requirements.
• Champion reliability, robustness, and release-readiness across embedded products.
• Partner with Quality to provide audit-ready validation evidence and support production readiness.

Technical Expertise

• Apply deep technical knowledge of embedded systems, microcontroller architectures, and real-time firmware.
• Guide design and debug of communication interfaces including CAN, CAN-FD, BLE, USB, SPI, I2C, and UART.
• Stay current with embedded technologies, tools, and industry standards.
• Lead technical and process improvement initiatives across the embedded function.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Planning

• Interface with New Product Development to define embedded requirements that meet or exceed customer expectations.
• Work with project management to define and manage embedded deliverable timelines.
• Collaborate with electrical, acoustic, mechanical, and software stakeholders to ensure embedded deliverables align with hardware and system deliverables.
• Manage internal and external (offshore, contract manufacturer, and ODM) embedded development resources.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or related field.
• 8+ years of embedded firmware/software development experience, including 2+ years leading or managing engineers.
• Strong understanding of embedded systems, microcontroller architectures, and real-time operating systems such as FreeRTOS.
• Current, hands-on proficiency developing embedded firmware in C / C++, with the willingness and ability to contribute code as a working manager.
• Experience with communication protocols such as CAN, CAN-FD, BLE, USB, SPI, I2C, and UART.
• Experience with embedded debugging tools such as JTAG, SWD, logic analyzers, and oscilloscopes.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and grow a team of engineers.
• Strong understanding of structured development, validation, and release processes including DFMEA and DVP&R.
• Excellent problem-solving, technical documentation, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across cross-functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing embedded audio platforms such as amplifiers, DSP, and infotainment systems.
• Knowledge of DSP fundamentals including FIR, IIR, and FFT.
• Experience with automotive communication protocols and standards.
• Experience managing offshore, contract manufacturer, or ODM development partners.
• Familiarity with cybersecurity requirements for connected and embedded products (e.g., UNECE R155/R156, EU CRA).
• Experience with test automation and hardware-in-the-loop testing systems.
• Familiarity with hardware design and PCB-level debugging.

About Rockford & Benefits

Rockford Fosgate is an equal opportunity employer located in Tempe, Arizona. Join us and thrive in a dynamic office environment where your contributions truly make a difference. Enjoy the benefits of flexibility, competitive pay, affordable healthcare, a 401k match, and a pathway for growth.

Interested and qualified applicants are encouraged to send their resume and cover letter to [email protected] Visit www.rockfordfosgate.com to learn more about us.