JobsGenerac

Firmware Engineer II - Advance Commercial Technology

Generac · Waukesha, WI

Posted Sep 15, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Sep 20, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

Behavioral

Tell me about a time you had to design a control algorithm from scratch rather than modify an existing one.

capacity for original algorithm design versus only maintaining existing code

Tell me about a time your firmware didn't behave the way you expected on actual hardware. How did you track down the root cause?

debugging discipline and use of tools like debuggers or oscilloscopes rather than guesswork

Tell me about a time you had to explain a technical firmware issue to someone who wasn't an engineer, like a product manager or customer.

communication skill, since the posting emphasizes proficient oral and written communication

Technical

Walk me through a project where you wrote embedded firmware in C for a microcontroller, from requirements to something running on real hardware.

whether the candidate has actually shipped embedded C code end to end, not just in coursework

Have you worked with communication protocols like I2C or SPI to talk to peripherals such as an EEPROM? Tell me about a specific interface you had to debug.

hands-on hardware interfacing experience versus theoretical protocol knowledge

Describe a state machine you designed for an embedded system. What states did it have and what made you choose that structure over alternatives.

practical state machine design skill, a named preferred qualification

What's your experience with RTOS-based systems, and how does writing firmware for one differ from a simple bare-metal loop?

depth of RTOS knowledge, listed as a preferred but important skill

Tell me about a test specification you wrote for a piece of firmware or hardware. What did you make sure it covered?

rigor in test planning versus ad hoc verification

Have you used Matlab/Simulink or similar simulation tools before writing firmware for real hardware? Walk me through how you used simulation to validate a design.

whether simulation-first workflow experience matches what this R&D-heavy role expects

How do you manage firmware versioning and documentation across a project, especially if you've used GitHub or similar tools?

practical repository and documentation habits for handoff-heavy prototype work

Situational

Suppose you're asked to build firmware for a new generator control prototype that eventually needs to hand off to the Home or Industrial business unit. What would you do differently in how you write and document it, knowing someone else will inherit it?

awareness that prototype code has to survive a transfer to production teams, not just work in the lab

If you were handed a vague algorithm requirement from an engine or alternator team with almost no detail, how would you go about clarifying it before writing any code?

ability to work across teams and extract real interface requirements from ambiguous asks

Imagine a design review where a senior engineer pushes back hard on your control algorithm approach. How do you handle that in the room?

how the person takes technical criticism and defends or revises their work

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Generac.

We believe power is a promise - a shared commitment to be there for others when it matters most. For more than 65 years, we've turned big ideas into solutions that help protect homes, strengthen businesses and build a more resilient, efficient, sustainable energy future. Ready to Power a Smarter World with us? The Firmware Engineer II, Advance Commercial Technology (ACT), is responsible for providing firmware for embedded controls systems used in new technology research and development projects, and support auto-code generation. This role will be specifically involved in helping the design and development of new controls or algorithms, and system testing both in the lab and on technology concept prototypes. Major Responsibilities: • Provide development support, specific to microprocessors/microcontrollers for NTI prototypes to be transferred to the Generac Home and Industrial business units.             • Designing and developing application software/firmware for embedded controllers in C, defining interface requirements, and creating firmware for communication interfaces and/or system algorithms  • Design of new control algorithms and performing Applications Engineering  • Develop new firmware or software modules, and maintain supporting documentation • Create, design and develop test specifications for NTI systems and firmware/software.  • Conducts and evaluates test specification including testing firmware/hardware  • Collaborates with internal product development departments, and other core engineering teams such including engines, transfer switch's, alternators, and others as needed to specify interfaces and/or algorithms needed in controls for interface. • Utilizes simulation tools as appropriate • Creates and/or modifies design documentation and firmware repository   • Help troubleshoot designs  • Participate in design reviews   • Occasional Travel to other Generac facilities and customer site visits as necessary • Other duties as assigned; anticipate less than 10% Minimum Requirements Education • Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or directly related Engineering degree Work Experience • 2 years of experience with embedded programming using languages such as C, C++,C# Knowledge / Skills / Abilities • Ability to perform detail-oriented work with a high degree of accuracy • Proficient oral and written communication • Uses basic engineering principles • Able to solve basic engineering problems, good decision-making skills • Basic knowledge of communication protocols/hardware interface Preferred Requirements Work Experience • Experience in RTOS, state machine and algorithm design using the “C” language • Experience of microprocessor hardware interfacing techniques (e.g. IIC, SPIbus, EEprom, etc.)  • Experience in new product design and development • Experience with microcontroller debugging tools Knowledge / Skills / Abilities •   Working knowledge of simulation tools such as Matlab/Simulink •   Experience with Python •   Experience with Server administration •   Experience with GitHub and repository management •   Understanding of the basics of Machine Learning Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear; and use hands to manipulate objects or controls.  The employee is regularly required to stand and walk.  On occasion, the incumbent may be required to stoop, bend, or reach above the shoulders.  The employee must occasionally lift up to 25 pounds. Specific conditions of this job are typical of frequent and continuous computer-based work requiring periods of sitting, close vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Occasional travel.   Benefits: This position includes a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental and vision plans; life, long-term disability, flexible spending, and health savings accounts, accrued paid time off, 8 paid Holidays, opportunity for overtime and 401(k) retirement benefits. #LI-MH1 “We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.”

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