Firmware Engineer I

Company Description

At Mattel, we create innovative connected toys and interactive play experiences that inspire kids and families around the world. We’re looking for curious and hands-on Firmware Engineers who are excited about embedded systems, consumer electronics, and bringing play to life through technology.

As part of Mattel’s Product Development organization, you’ll collaborate with talented engineers, designers, and cross-functional teams to develop the firmware and software across some of the world’s most recognizable brands including Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, Monster High, Matchbox, and entertainment properties such as Jurassic World, Minecraft, Disney Princess, and WWE.

This role is ideal for an early-career engineer who enjoys hands-on development, rapid prototyping, and solving real-world embedded systems and software challenges from concept through production.

Job Description

• Develop embedded firmware for interactive toys and connected consumer electronic products.
• Implement desktop software tools to optimize the firmware development process.
• Support firmware and software development throughout the full product lifecycle, from concept and prototyping through manufacturing and production launch.
• Collaborate with electrical engineers, designers, project managers, and manufacturing partners to integrate software with hardware systems.
• Develop and debug firmware for sensors, motors, LEDs, displays, audio systems, and wireless modules.
• Assist with troubleshooting hardware and firmware interactions during development and testing.
• Support rapid prototyping and proof-of-concept development for new play experiences and technologies.
• Use embedded development tools, debuggers, and version control systems to develop and maintain firmware.
• Support multiple projects simultaneously while communicating effectively with technical and non-technical teams.

Qualifications

• BS degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field preferred.
• Fluent in English; confident in working closely with cross-regional and international teams.
• 0–3 years of experience in embedded firmware development, prototyping, or debugging.
• Familiarity with embedded systems development using microcontrollers or microprocessors such as ARM, Arduino, Raspberry Pi, ESP32, or similar platforms.
• Experience programming in C/C++ for embedded systems.
• Experience programming in Python for desktop softwares. 
• Experience with software architecture – IoT, mobile, Cloud.
• Familiarity with analog and digital electronic systems and hardware/software integration.
• Familiarity with embedded communication protocols such as I2C, SPI, UART, BLE, or USB.
• Strong problem-solving skills and willingness to learn new technologies and development tools.
• Strong communicator who thrives in collaborative, fast-paced product development environments.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and work effectively across cross-functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Internship or project experience developing firmware for embedded or building software for consumer electronics.
• Experience implementing state machines or event-driven embedded systems.
• Exposure RTOS-based embedded systems.
• Familiarity with wireless systems such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or 2.4G technologies.
• Experience with sensors, motors, LEDs, displays, microphones, or audio playback systems.
• Experience building and debugging embedded prototypes.
• Experience developing desktop applications in high level languages(Python) to support internal automations.

Additional Information