Principal Field Applications EngineerWe are seeking a Principal-level Field Applications Engineer with a rare combination of deep embedded design expertise and extensive customer-facing experience. This role is ideal for someone who has spent 10+ years working directly with customers in a technical capacity—whether in sales engineering, field applications engineering, customer solutions, or technical consulting—and who thrives on owning an embedded solution from first customer conversation through production and long-term support.This is not a pure development role and not a pure sales role. You will act as a technical lead, architect, and trusted advisor, helping customers define requirements, win internal buy-in, and successfully deliver production-grade embedded software.Key ResponsibilitiesAct as a primary technical interface to customers, owning relationships from initial engagement through product launchProactively identify new opportunities for design wins by understanding customer roadmaps, pain points, and business driversTranslate customer requirements into complete embedded system architecturesPresent and iterate on technical solutions with customer engineering and management teamsPartner closely with sales to drive design wins to revenue, while independently leading the technical strategyEmbedded System Architecture & DesignArchitect end-to-end embedded solutions, including hardware, firmware, and supporting toolsDesign production-level hardware (schematic design, component selection, design for manufacturability)Develop production-level embedded firmware applications in C/C++ for microcontroller-based systemsImplement RTOS-based designs, bootloaders, firmware update mechanisms, and peripheral driversAdapt and extend reference designs to meet customer-specific requirementsImplementation, Debug & SupportOwn the technical success of customer projects through:System bring-up and debuggingRoot-cause analysis of hardware and firmware issuesBug fixes and feature enhancements throughout the product lifecycleSupport customers post-design-win with:Production readinessSustaining engineeringFeature expansion and roadmap alignmentRequired Experience & SkillsCustomer-Facing Experience (Critical)10+ years in a customer-facing technical role, such as:Field Applications EngineerSales EngineerCustomer Solutions EngineerEmbedded Systems ConsultantProven ability to:Communicate complex technical concepts clearly to diverse audiencesBuild credibility and trust with customer engineering teamsBalance multiple customer engagements simultaneouslyEmbedded Technical Expertise10+ years of hands-on embedded system design experienceStrong experience with:Embedded C/C++Microcontrollers and system architectureRTOS-based firmware developmentSerial interfaces (I2C, SPI, UART, USB etc.)Firmware update and bootloader designGit-based workflowsHardware design experience including:Schematic captureComponent selectionBoard bring-up and debuggingProficiency with lab tools (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, debuggers)Soft Skills & MindsetComfortable operating in ambiguity and defining solutions from incomplete requirementsStrong sense of ownership and accountabilitySelf-directed, proactive, and comfortable working with minimal supervisionEnjoys both technical depth and customer interactionAble to prioritize across multiple opportunities while maintaining technical excellenceAble to act as a team leader with help drive large designs fromNice-to-Have (Differentiators)CI/CD for embedded firmwareExperience with embedded LinuxSecure boot and secure firmware updateNetworking (wired or wireless)Python for automation or toolingExperience supporting products through volume productionTravel Time:0% - 25%Physical Attributes:Hearing, Seeing, Talking, Works Alone, Works Around OthersPhysical Requirements:90% Sitting, 10% Standing/WalkingMicrochip Technology Inc is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. For more information on applicable equal employment regulations, please refer to the Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal Poster.To all recruitment agencies: Microchip Technology Inc. does not accept unsolicited agency resumes.
Please do not forward resumes to our recruiting team or other Microchip employees. Microchip is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.