Firmware Engineer
About us: iconic brand, tiny company.
Polaroid was founded in 1937 by one of the most seminal innovators of the 20th century, Edwin Land. His motto was, “don't undertake a project unless it is manifestly important and nearly impossible.” In 2008, Polaroid shuttered its last factory, but a group of diehard fans came together as The Impossible Project to save instant film. Over 10 years later that startup acquired what was left of Polaroid and today we’re again a small group of people passionate about changing the world through great products.
Job Summary
At Polaroid, we are evolving our instant photography platform by integrating modern digital imaging technologies into our instant camera systems. We are seeking a Firmware Engineer to help design and develop firmware systems for digital instant cameras, integrating digital image capture with analog printing mechanisms.
In this role, you will work on embedded firmware spanning image sensors, digital imaging pipelines, system control, and user interaction, collaborating closely with industrial design, product management, and external engineering partners. You will play a key role in bridging digital imaging technology with Polaroid’s analog instant film heritage, helping define how our cameras capture, process, and print images.
Key Responsibilities:
Design and develop embedded firmware for digital instant cameras, integrating digital image capture with analog printing mechanisms.
Develop firmware for image sensors, camera control, and digital imaging pipelines, including capture, processing, and output workflows.
Integrate, validate, and tune ISP pipelines, including Auto Exposure (AE), Auto White Balance (AWB), and Auto Focus (AF) related algorithms and behaviors, to achieve stable and consistent image capture results.
Collaborate with sensor and ISP vendors to bring up, configure, and debug ISP functions, including register-level configuration, timing control, and image quality validation.
Implement and maintain firmware for system control, including motors, exposure systems, power management, and thermal considerations.
Integrate and optimize display, buttons, dials, and user interface responsiveness to ensure a smooth and intuitive shooting experience.
Develop firmware support for image storage, file systems, and data management.
Support connectivity features such as USB, Bluetooth, or wireless communication for data transfer and companion applications.
Perform hardware bring-up, system debugging, performance tuning, and regression testing across new and existing platforms.
Collaborate with validation, manufacturing, and external partners (CM/JDM/ODM) to support product development from prototype through mass production.
Communicate firmware development status, risks, and technical decisions clearly to cross-functional stakeholders.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
5+ years of experience developing firmware for consumer electronics with imaging or camera-related functionality.
Strong experience in embedded firmware development using C/C++ on MCU or embedded SoC platforms.
Hands-on experience with camera ISP development or integration, including Auto Exposure (AE), Auto White Balance (AWB), and Auto Focus (AF) algorithms, tuning, or validation.
Experience working with image sensors and digital imaging pipelines, including ISP, JPEG, and basic color processing concepts.
Familiarity with RTOS or embedded Linux environments is a plus.
Knowledge of communication interfaces such as UART, SPI, I2C, USB, and display interfaces.
Practical experience using UART for system bring-up, log tracing, and low-level debugging.
Able to operate basic electronic debugging tools, including simple oscilloscopes and logic analyzers, for signal, timing, and interface verification.
Experience with storage systems, such as Flash memory, SD cards, or file systems.
Comfortable reading and working with electronic component datasheets and specifications (e.g. sensors, PMICs, MCUs, SoCs), with a habit of understanding configuration options, register settings, and electrical/timing constraints.
Solid understanding of electronics fundamentals and system-level integration.
Passion for photography and curiosity about combining digital imaging with analog instant film systems.
Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently in cross-functional, international teams.
Passionate about teamwork and project delivery, with the ability to collaborate in cross-functional, multi-geographical teams.
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