Vance Farren
Lovettsville,VA
Summary
Senior Embedded Software Engineer with extensive experience in real-time embedded systems, wireless connectivity, and power-optimized firmware development. Proven track record of delivering robust solutions for STM32 microcontrollers, RTOS platforms, and multi-sensor IoT systems. Strong customer collaboration skills with focus on efficient project execution and technical problem-solving.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Embedded Systems Engineer
Stanley Black & Decker
Towson, Maryland
05.2021 - Current
- Lead firmware development for STM32 and Nordic BLE modules for tool data extraction utilizing Zephyr RTOS and FreeRTOS
- Architect and implement BLE 5.x connectivity stack with Nordic UART Service (NUS) integration for reliable wireless communication
- Develop innovative BLE solutions with two patents pending for construction applications: BLE Audio implementation and BLE Periodic Advertising with Responses (PAwR)
- Design power-optimized embedded applications achieving ultra-low power consumption targets for battery-operated systems
- Develop external flash storage system (MX25R1635F) with Flash Circular Buffer (FCB) implementation for reliable data logging with power-fail safety mechanisms
- Create comprehensive device tree configurations for STM32 microcontrollers, managing peripheral integration and system resources
- Debug complex RTOS issues including stack overflow, memory corruption, and fault handling using J-Link, RTT logging, and GDB
- Implement C++ wrapper classes for Zephyr APIs to improve code maintainability and developer experience
- Collaborate with hardware engineering team on hardware-software integration, system bring-up, and troubleshooting
- Resolve critical system issues including FCB sector management, pointer aliasing bugs, and power-loss recovery mechanisms
- Optimize system performance through systematic analysis of memory usage, timing constraints, and peripheral configurations
Firmware Engineer (remote)
Golioth
10.2021 - 04.2022
- Provided technical documentation support for Device Management SDK to improve developer onboarding
- Enhanced sample applications and reference implementations to demonstrate SDK capabilities
- Integrated new hardware platforms with Golioth SDK, expanding platform compatibility
- Collaborated with developer community to address integration challenges and improve developer experience
Embedded Software Engineer
Embedded Planet
Warrensville Heights, OH
02.2018 - 10.2021
- Developed multi-MCU, multi-OS integration utilizing nanoPB and MIN libraries for UART communication between different RTOS platforms
- Designed applications for multi-connectivity, multi-sensor Cortex M4 IoT platform
- Developed IoT insole with custom pressure sensor integration for high-resolution step tracking and gait analysis
- Created LoRaWAN application utilizing accelerometer Wake-On-Motion and gyroscope for industrial monitoring, transmitting rotation data of sewage treatment equipment to cloud platforms
- Implemented cellular IoT application for real-time ice thickness monitoring and cloud data transmission
- Designed battery-less energy harvesting system utilizing RFID energy capture and BLE transmission
- Developed multi-MCU architecture with Atmosic chip for energy harvesting and STM32 for data acquisition, with cellular transmission via Chronos module
- Collaborated closely with hardware and software teams to deliver project requirements and meet deadlines
- Supported Operations team with testing procedures, manufacturing support, and legacy platform debugging
- Exceeded customer satisfaction through creative problem-solving and responsive communication
- Managed multiple concurrent projects ensuring timely delivery and quality outcomes
- Facilitated weekly/biweekly customer calls to maintain project alignment and stakeholder satisfaction
Education
Bachelor of Science - Computer Engineering
Penn State
Erie, PA12.2017
Associate of Applied Science - Robotics Technology
Butler County Community College
Butler, PA05.2014
Skills
- C/C
- Zephyr RTOS
- FreeRTOS
- Bare Metal
- Mbed OS
- ARM Cortex-M
- STM32WBA63
- STM32 family
- Nordic nRF series
- BLE 5x
- Cellular IoT
- LoRaWAN
- Power optimization
- Real-time systems
- Device tree configuration
- Flash memory systems
- J-Link
- Saleae logic analyzer
- GDB
- RTT logging
- I2C
- SPI
- UART
- GPIO
- ADC
- Customer-facing design collaboration
- Cross-functional team coordination
- Firmware development
- BLE connectivity
- Team collaboration
- Creative problem solving
- Embedded C programming
- Power management
- Signal-level debugging
Projects
Ultrasonic Stoplight: Modified commercial retired stoplight with ultrasonic sensor and MCU to create garage parking assistant with distance-based visual feedback LoRa Point-to-Point File Transfer: Developed dynamic lighting control system with LoRa point-to-point communication for remote firmware updates and lighting sequence control Homemade Dive Scooter: Engineered arm-mounted dive scooter by converting trolling motor with custom backpack-mounted battery system
Timeline
Firmware Engineer (remote)
Golioth
10.2021 - 04.2022
Senior Embedded Systems Engineer
Stanley Black & Decker
05.2021 - Current
Embedded Software Engineer
Embedded Planet
02.2018 - 10.2021
Bachelor of Science - Computer Engineering
Penn State
Associate of Applied Science - Robotics Technology
Butler County Community College