Firmware Engineer (Early Career)

Role Overview

Trimble is seeking an early-career firmware engineer to join its Christchurch team and contribute to embedded software for next-generation GNSS products used on major infrastructure and construction projects worldwide. This role is a strong fit for someone who is excited by C/C++, Linux, and the way software interacts with physical hardware.

About Trimble

Trimble is a global technology company that connects the physical and digital worlds by building solutions for precise positioning, modelling, and data analytics. Its technologies support industries such as construction, geospatial, and transportation, helping customers improve productivity and progress across infrastructure, buildings, supply chains, and mapping.

The Field Systems segment develops connected hardware and software solutions that help customers work more efficiently and effectively.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

You will join a highly collaborative engineering group in Christchurch and help develop the embedded firmware behind Trimble’s GNSS technology. The work goes far beyond screen-based software: it supports the core intelligence behind precision positioning systems used for roads, bridges, rail projects, mines, and other large-scale infrastructure work.

You will be mentored by experienced senior engineers and gain practical exposure to embedded Linux and complex embedded systems development. Trimble is open to early-career applicants from university projects, internships, hobby work, or early professional roles, provided they have strong fundamentals and a real desire to learn.

Key Responsibilities

• Build, debug, test, and refine embedded software mainly in C and C++ for real-time, resource-constrained systems.
• Partner with hardware engineers to validate new boards and peripherals, including diagnosing hardware-software integration issues.
• Work with GNSS receivers, cellular modems, Bluetooth modules, and radio communication systems.
• Assist with hardware bring-up using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and other debugging equipment to investigate and resolve technical problems.
• Contribute to Trimble’s next-generation Embedded Linux platform while learning from firmware, hardware, and systems specialists.
• Navigate large embedded codebases and gradually take on more ownership of features, bug fixes, and maintenance tasks.
• Coordinate with Christchurch colleagues and global engineering teams to deliver high-quality products for customers worldwide.

Essential Requirements

• Strong grounding in C/C++ programming and embedded systems principles.
• Genuine interest in how software works with physical hardware and a willingness to solve technical problems.
• Comfort with learning new tools, technologies, and development environments.
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
• Good communication skills and a collaborative approach to teamwork.
• No requirement to be an Embedded Linux specialist at the start; strong fundamentals and a willingness to learn are the key priorities.

Bonus Experience

• Hands-on embedded work through personal, university, or hobby projects using platforms such as Arduino, Raspberry Pi, STM32, ESP32, or similar.
• Exposure to RTOS environments such as FreeRTOS, Zephyr, eCos, or VxWorks.
• Interest in Embedded Linux topics such as Device Trees, Buildroot, kernel modules, or driver development.
• Python or shell scripting experience for automation or testing.
• Coursework, internship, or project experience in embedded systems, electronics, firmware, GNSS, radio systems, or IoT devices.

Logistics

Location: Christchurch, New Zealand, in office.

Travel requirement: Low.

Working Style and Growth

The role offers a supportive environment where you can learn from experienced engineers, build in-demand embedded systems capabilities, and work on products used globally. The team culture emphasizes practical innovation, collaboration, and belonging, with a strong focus on helping engineers grow.

Values and Culture

Trimble’s culture is guided by the values of Belong, Grow, and Innovate. The company aims to create an environment where people feel valued, can develop their careers, and can contribute ideas that help shape future products and solutions.

Application and Support

Applicants are asked to submit an online application for the position. If assistance or an accommodation is needed during the application process, candidates can contact careers@trimble.com.

Privacy

Trimble’s privacy policy applies to the hiring process.

Keywords

Embedded Software Engineer, Embedded Systems Engineer, Firmware Engineer, C++, C, Embedded Linux, GNSS, RTOS, Hardware Bring-up, Embedded Systems, Microcontroller, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Linux, IoT, Firmware Development.