Free e-book: IEEE 802.15.4ab vs IEEE 802.15.4z
Free e-book: IEEE 802.15.4ab

Your Next UWB, BLE & Connectivity Engineers Are Already a Team

Semiconductor manufacturers need engineers who understand the silicon, the standards, and the stack. We deploy pre-integrated engineering units from Central Europe — with real chipmaker program experience — to accelerate your connectivity roadmap without the hiring overhead.
needCode IoT

We work with Industry Leaders

Semiconductor R&D is under pressure from every direction

The demand for next-generation wireless connectivity silicon — UWB, BLE, Matter, Wi-Fi — is accelerating. But the engineering talent to deliver it is structurally scarce. Semiconductor manufacturers face a compounding set of challenges that traditional hiring and outsourcing cannot solve.

#1 Niche Talent Is Nearly Impossible to Hire

Engineers who understand both the silicon and the standards — UCI APIs, FiRa, CSA Ripple, AOSP integration — are exceptionally rare. Internal recruitment cycles drag on for months, consuming leadership bandwidth.
  • 50–70 Interviews
    The effort required to find a single qualified embedded engineer with semiconductor-grade skills.
  • 6+ Months
    Average time-to-fill for roles requiring UWB stack, Zephyr RTOS, or protocol standardization experience.

#2 Generic Outsourcing Fails at the Architecture Level

Standard outsourcing providers deliver task executors — engineers who follow specs line by line. In semiconductor development, that approach creates catastrophic failure modes.
  • The Consequence: Code that compiles but fails interoperability testing, certification, or real-world multi-vendor deployments. Refactoring costs dwarf the original engagement.

#3 Organizational Knowledge Leaks with Every Departure

When engineers leave mid-program, they take platform knowledge, architectural context, and standards body relationships with them.
  • The Risk
    A single departure from a UWB Radar or SDK team can delay a product roadmap by an entire quarter.

Pre-integrated engineering teams with real semiconductor DNA

We do not lease individual contractors. We deploy cohesive engineering units — what we call "Family Units" — that have already worked together inside large-scale semiconductor programs. These teams plug directly into your Scrum structures, your codebase, and your standards bodies from Day 1.

01

Proven Semiconductor Program Experience

Our UWB, BLE, and connectivity engineers come from established semiconductor development programs. They have operated within large Scrum structures at companies like Qorvo, contributing to feature development, software architecture, and standardization — not as ticket-takers, but as active technical contributors.
  • Standards Body Engagement: Engineers who have partnered with Google on UCI APIs for Radar (used in Android AOSP), contributed technical propositions to CSA Ripple, and participated in FiRa and Omlox-aligned feature development.
  • Architecture-Level Thinking: Team members who have owned layered architecture documentation (UCI APIs & MAC), translated requirements into technical specifications, and served on architecture working groups.

02

Zero-Churn Continuity

Our core teams have worked together for 5–8 years. When you engage needCode, the engineers who start the project are the same ones who deliver it.
  • Retention: In our 5+ year partnership with Qorvo, we scaled to 30 FTEs with only 4 departures — a retention rate that is virtually unheard of in staff augmentation.
  • Institutional Knowledge: Your platform knowledge stays intact, compounding over time rather than resetting with each contractor rotation.

03

Immediate Availability

We can deploy UWB software engineers, Scrum Masters, and QA automation engineers to support your near-term roadmap — not in 6 months, but now.
  • Fast Onboarding: Our track record includes delivering 5 highly specialized engineers in under 6 weeks, including QA automation and embedded software roles.
  • No Ramp-Up Waste: Engineers arrive with hands-on experience on the specific platforms and protocols your teams use.

Capabilities purpose-built for semiconductor R&D

Central Europe's leading specialist in connectivity stack engineering for silicon vendors.

Software Architecture & Technical Leadership

  • Feature-level architecture, integration, documentation, and technical leadership for UWB, BLE, and multi-protocol stacks.
  • Layered architecture documentation (UCI APIs & MAC) and requirements-to-specification translation.
  • Architecture working group participation addressing stack-level technical issues.
  • Technical peer reviews to maintain quality and unblock feature implementations.

Embedded Software Engineering

  • Platform bring-up and SDK development across multiple hardware platforms.
  • Low-level drivers, FreeRTOS/Zephyr RTOS porting, communication stack and application layers.
  • Multi-protocol development: UWB, BLE, BLE Mesh, Zigbee, Matter, 802.15.4.
  • Public SDK ownership — component dependencies, API versioning, release process design.

Standardization & External API Development

  • Direct collaboration with ecosystem partners (Google, CSA, FiRa) on API definitions.
  • UCI API design for Radar, including adaptations of FMCW APIs for impulse radar.
  • Review and implementation of standard Ripple APIs.
  • Contribution to FiRa, Omlox, and Alira-aligned feature development.

QA Automation & Independent Validation

  • Automated validation frameworks that run independently from development.
  • Protocol-aware testing — engineers who build custom sniffers and automated test benches.
  • Failure isolation between silicon, stack, and counter-party devices.
  • Release efficiency support through independent validation pipelines.

Scrum Leadership & Program Management

  • Experienced Scrum Masters who have operated within large multinational semiconductor Scrum structures.
  • Cross-team coordination across geographically distributed teams (Belgium, France, Ireland, Poland).
  • Process optimization and ways-of-working improvements.

Turn Ideas Into Life

Ready to build the future? Partner with needCode to transform complex concepts into reliable, high-performance embedded solutions.

From first call to integrated team in weeks, not months

Step 1

Discovery & Scoping

We map your roadmap gaps, team structure, and technology stack to identify the exact engineering profiles you need.

Step 2

Pre-Screened Candidate Shortlist

We present candidates from our established talent network — engineers with verified semiconductor program experience. You interview only pre-qualified specialists, not raw resumes.

Step 3

Fast Onboarding (< 6 weeks

Engineers integrate into your existing Scrum teams, tools, and codebase. Our on-site presence in Krakow, Poland enables tight communication with European teams.

Step 4

Scale On Demand

Start with a focused pod and scale up as your roadmap demands. Our engagement models flex from individual augmentation to full dedicated development center.

Flexible engagement models built for semiconductor timelines

We understand that semiconductor programs have unique dynamics — long development cycles punctuated by hard tape-out and certification deadlines. Our models adapt to your reality.

Team Augmentation

Individual engineers or small pods embedded directly into your existing Scrum teams. Ideal for filling specific skill gaps on active programs.

Dedicated Development Center

A full needCode team — engineers, architects, QA, Scrum Master — operating as your extended R&D center in Central Europe. Shared professional history and established ways of working from Day 1.

Project-Based Delivery

End-to-end ownership of a defined scope — SDK development, demo applications, platform bring-up — with milestone-based delivery.

Long-Term Transfer Option

If retention becomes strategic, we offer a transfer path. Full-time, compliant employment with transparent commercial terms throughout.

Beyond augmentation — we solve structural R&D problems

The "Gen 2" Accelerator

Problem:
Your internal architects are consumed maintaining Gen 1 platforms and SDKs, blocking innovation on next-generation silicon.
Solution:
We deploy a unit to either take over Gen 1 maintenance — freeing your core team for Gen 2 — or build the next-generation platform independently under your architectural guidance.

SDK & Developer Experience Optimization

Problem:
Your public SDK suffers from slow release cycles, inconsistent documentation, and poor developer experience — costing you customer adoption.
Solution:
We bring engineers who have redesigned SDK release processes to achieve 10x reduction in iterative release generation time, restructured documentation for different user profiles, and standardized API versioning and release workflows.

Independent QA & Certification Readiness

Problem:
Standard QA lacks the domain knowledge to properly validate RF protocols and ensure certification readiness.
Solution:
We deploy QA engineers who build automated validation frameworks, custom protocol sniffers, and test benches that isolate failures between silicon, stack, and counter-party devices. Code is designed from Day 1 to pass FiRa, Bluetooth SIG, and CSA certifications.

Case studies

Qorvo: RF Leadership

Context: Rapid scaling for new chipset bring-up.
  • Scale: Grew from <10 to 30 FTEs.
  • Output: Supported bring-up of 9 new hardware platforms (SDKs, Drivers, Stacks).
  • Retention: Zero-churn core team retained for 5+ years.
Dedicated Development Center for RF Solutions
Bluetooth Mesh Smart Lighting Control System

Smart Lighting: Core R&D Extension

Context: Client needed deep, specialized expertise to pivot from proprietary tech to a new global standard.
  • Service: Deployed a dedicated squad of embedded engineers to function as the client's core R&D team.
  • Output: Co-authored official Bluetooth SIG protocols and delivered the world’s first certified BLE Mesh stack.
  • Value: Enabled the client to secure Series A funding and defined the industry standard for smart buildings.

Creative Werks: Innovation rescue

Context: Hardware obsolescence threatened production shutdown.
  • Action: Full-stack takeover (PCB redesign + Firmware + Mobile App).
  • ROI: 1230% ($1.6M value generated).
  • Speed: Payback period of 2–3 months.
NeedCode-case study - IoT Solution for Boat Lift Modernization - cover2s
needcode-powerpolen-case-study-cover2s

PowerPollen: AgTech automation

Context: Lack of internal expertise stalled a critical automation project.
  • Action: Re-architected system using unified MCU and ISOBUS standards.
  • ROI: 13.8x ($2.9M value generated).
  • Impact: Enabled $1.9M increase in harvester value.

Deep expertise across leading Silicon Vendors

We don't just write code; we master the silicon. Our engineering units bring years of hands-on experience with the industry's top microcontroller and wireless connectivity platforms. Whether you are building on NXP, Nordic, or ST, our team hits the ground running with deep architectural knowledge. We handle the low-level complexities – from drivers to RF stacks – across Qorvo, Texas Instruments, Silicon Labs, and Espressif, ensuring your firmware extracts every ounce of performance from the hardware.
NXP_Logo
logo Nordic Semiconductor
qorvo logo
logo Texas Instruments
logo Silicon Labs
STM logo
logo Espressif

Strategic Partnership

needCode is an official business partner of Qorvo, bringing over 5 years of proven expertise and trusted service to the technology sector.

Members of the UWB Alliance

In 2025 we became a member of the UWB Alliance. This strategic step reinforces our commitment to pioneering Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology.

Proudly Certified for Excellence and Security

needCode is officially certified for:
ISO 9001:2015 – Quality Management
ISO/IEC 27001:2022 – Information Security
ISO certifications reflect our focus on delivering reliable IoT solutions, smart product development, and secure technology services.

Testimonials

“I think the key takeaway from needCode is their ability to adapt and understand the customer's requirements. That took away probably a large portion of what could have been a lot of development time and expense for both companies.”
Bob Folkestad
Bob Folkestad
President at Creative Werks
“One aspect that truly sets needCode apart is its profound expertise in firmware development. Their proficiency in various programming languages, embedded systems and hardware architecture is truly impressive. When faced with difficult problems, their strong problem-solving skills and analytical mindset shine through, allowing them to overcome obstacles with remarkable ease.”
avatar Semeh Sarhan
Semeh Sarhan
CEO at Xtrava
“I worked with needCode while leading the NWTN-Berlin team in 2018. A big chunk for our FW development has been outsourced to them and they had proven to iterate very quickly, following specs and deliver on time. It was great working with them. I recommend working with needCode’s team on any Embedded SW development.”
avatar Marco Salvioli Mariani
Marco Salvioli Mariani
CTO at NWTN Berlin GmbH
“needCode Team proved to be one of the best engineers I have ever met. The part I like the most about the team is the more difficult an obstacle seems to be, the more motivated they were to find a solution and a way forward.”
A Testimonial picture
Szymon Słupik
CTO at Silvair
“needCode is an outstanding partner. Their quick follow-up, scalability, and extensive professional network set them apart. Their expertise in wireless technologies has been valuable, supporting us from low-level drivers to architecture discussions.”
avatar Tim Allemeersch
Tim Allemeersch
Director at Qorvo, Inc.
“needCode did a great job improving the firmware of the Vai Kai connected toys and developing new features, surpassing our expectations multiple times. I would definitely recommend hiring Bartek and needCode for the embedded software projects!”
avatar Matas Petrikas
Matas Petrikas
CEO & Co-founder
at Vai Kai UG

Insights

© 2026 needCode. All rights reserved.

Manufacturing

Modern manufacturing machines are typically equipped with IoT sensors that capture performance data. AIoT technology analyzes this sensor data, and based on vibration patterns, the AI predicts the machine's behavior and recommends actions to maintain optimal performance. This approach is highly effective for predictive maintenance, promoting safer working environments, continuous operation, longer equipment lifespan, and less downtime. Additionally, AIoT enhances quality control on production lines.

For example, Sentinel, a monitoring system used in pharmaceutical production by IMA Pharma, employs AI to evaluate sensor data along the production line. The AI detects and improves underperforming components, ensuring efficient machine operation and maintaining high standards in drug manufacturing.

Logistics & supply chain

IoT devices - from fleet vehicles and autonomous warehouse robots to scanners and beacons - generate large amounts of data in this industry. When combined with AI, this data can be leveraged for tracking, analytics, predictive maintenance, autonomous driving, and more, offering greater visibility into logistics operations and enhancing vendor partnerships.

Example: Amazon employs over 750,000 autonomous mobile robots to assist warehouse staff with heavy lifting, delivery, and package handling tasks. Other examples include AI-powered IoT devices such as cameras, RFID sensors, and beacons that help monitor goods' movement and track products within warehouses and during transportation. AI algorithms can also estimate arrival times and forecast delays by analyzing traffic conditions.

Retail

IoT sensors monitor movement and customer flow within a building, while AI algorithms analyze this data to offer insights into traffic patterns and product preferences. This information enhances understanding of customer behavior, helps prevent stockouts, and improves customer analytics to drive sales. Furthermore, AIoT enables retailers to deliver personalized shopping experiences by leveraging geographical data and individual shopping preferences.

For instance, IoT sensors track movement and customer flow, and AI algorithms process this information to reveal insights into traffic patterns and product preferences. This ultimately leads to better customer understanding, stockout prevention, and enhanced sales analytics.

Agriculture

Recent research by Continental reveals that over 27% of surveyed farmers utilize drones for aerial land analysis. These devices capture images of crops as they are and transmit them to a dashboard for further assessment. However, AI can enhance this process even further.

For example, AIoT-powered drones can photograph crops at various growth stages, assess plant health, detect diseases, and recommend optimal harvesting strategies to maximize yield. Additionally, these drones can be employed for targeted crop treatments, irrigation monitoring and management, soil health analysis, and more.

Smart Cities

Smart cities represent another domain where AIoT applications can enhance citizens' well-being, facilitate urban infrastructure planning, and guide future city development. In addition to traffic management, IoT devices equipped with AI can monitor energy consumption patterns, forecast demand fluctuations, and dynamically optimize energy distribution. AI-powered surveillance cameras and sensors can identify suspicious activities, monitor crowd density, and alert authorities to potential security threats in real-time, improving public safety and security.

For example, an AIoT solution has been implemented in Barcelona to manage water and energy sustainably. The city has installed IoT sensors across its water supply system to gather water pressure, flow rate, and quality data. AI algorithms analyze this information to identify leaks and optimize water usage. Similarly, smart grids have been introduced to leverage AI to predict demand and distribute energy efficiently, minimizing waste and emissions. As a result, these initiatives have enabled the city to reduce water waste by 25%, increase renewable energy usage by 17%, and lower greenhouse gas emissions by 19%.

Healthcare

Integrating AI and IoT in healthcare enables hospitals to deliver remote patient care more efficiently while reducing the burden on facilities. Additionally, AI can be used in clinical trials to preprocess data collected from sensors across extensive target and control groups.

For example, intelligent wearable technologies enable doctors to monitor patients remotely. In real-time, sensors collect vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and glucose levels. AI algorithms then analyze this data, assisting doctors in detecting issues early, developing personalized treatment plans, and enhancing patient outcomes.

Smart Homes

The smart home ecosystem encompasses smart thermostats, locks, security cameras, energy management systems, heating, lighting, and entertainment systems. AI algorithms analyze data from these devices to deliver context-specific recommendations tailored to each user. This enables homeowners to use utilities more efficiently, create a personalized living space, and achieve sustainability goals.

For example, LifeSmart offers a comprehensive suite of AI-powered IoT tools for smart homes, connecting new and existing intelligent appliances and allowing customers to manage them via their smartphones. Additionally, they provide an AI builder framework for deploying AI on smart devices, edge gateways, and the cloud, enabling AI algorithms to process data and user behavior autonomously.

Maintenance (Post-Release Support)

When your product is successfully launched and available on the market we provide ongoing support and maintenance services to ensure your product remains competitive and reliable. This includes prompt resolution of any reported issues through bug fixes and updates.

We continuously enhance product features based on user feedback and market insights, optimizing performance and user experience.

Our team monitors product performance metrics to identify areas for improvement and proactively addresses potential issues. This phase aims to sustain product competitiveness, ensure customer satisfaction, and support long-term success in the market.

Commercialization (From MVP to Product

Our software team focuses on completing the full product feature range, enhancing the user interface and experience, and handling all corner cases. We prepare product software across the whole lifecycle by providing all necessary procedures, such as manufacturing support and firmware upgrade.

We also finalize the product's hardware design to ensure robustness, scalability and cost-effectiveness.

This includes rigorous testing procedures to validate product performance, reliability, and security. We manage all necessary certifications and regulatory compliance requirements to ensure the product meets industry standards and legal obligations.

By the end of this phase, your product is fully prepared for mass production and commercial deployment, with all documentation and certifications in place.

Prototyping (From POC to MVP)

Our development team focuses on implementing core product features and use cases to create a functional Minimum Viable Product (MVP). We advance to refining the hardware design, moving from initial concepts to detailed PCB design allowing us to assemble first prototypes. Updated documentation from the Design phase ensures alignment with current project status. A basic test framework is established to conduct preliminary validation tests.

This prepares the product for real-world demonstrations to stakeholders, customers, and potential investors.

This phase is critical for validating market readiness and functionality before proceeding to full-scale production.

Design (From Idea to POC)

We meticulously select the optimal technology stack and hardware components based on your smart product idea with detailed use cases and feature requirements (Market Requirements Document / Business Requirements Document). Our team conducts thorough assessments of costs, performance metrics, power consumption, and resource requirements.

Deliverables include a comprehensive Product Requirements Document (PRD), detailed Software Architecture plans, an Initial Test Plan outlining validation strategies, Regulatory Compliance Analysis to ensure adherence to relevant standards, and a Proof of Concept (POC) prototype implemented on breakout boards.

This phase aims to validate the technical feasibility of your concept and establish a solid foundation for further development.

If you lack a validated idea and MRD/BRD, consider utilizing our IoT Strategic Roadmap service to gain insights into target markets, user needs, and desired functionality. Having a structured plan in the form of an IoT Strategic Roadmap before development begins is crucial to mitigate complications in subsequent product development phases.