Complex Embedded Systems
Professional Consulting and Rapid Development:
Firmware • Modeling & Simulation • HIL Test Systems
What We Do
Firmware Development
Our team specializes in developing robust, production-ready firmware. We focus on writing clean, modular, and testable C/C++ code that is easy to maintain and scale, from low-level drivers to complex application logic.
Modeling and Simulation
To reduce bugs and accelerate your timeline, we employ Model-Based System Design (MBSD) using MATLAB and Simulink to create a digital twin of your system for early virtual validation. This front-loaded approach allows us to refine your requirements early on and finds bugs before they become expensive problems, resulting in a more reliable, flexible system delivered faster.
HIL Test Systems
To bridge the gap from simulation to reality, we develop the software for Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) test systems. Using LabVIEW, we architect test systems using the physics models developed during MBSD to run real-time simulations that test how your physical controller's production code performs under a wide range of operating and fault conditions.
Consulting
We provide expert consulting to guide your team through its toughest challenges, from high-level architectural reviews and product road-mapping to technical feasibility studies and targeted training to improve your engineering workflows and processes.
Community Engagement
Speaking & Outreach
The Spark Embedded team is passionate about sharing knowledge. We have given a variety of conference talks and workshops to audiences of all ages, and we have been featured on industry podcasts.
Iowans of Things
As founders and organizers of Iowans of Things, we are dedicated to building a vibrant community for hardware and embedded systems professionals across Iowa. Our goal is to connect engineers, hobbyists, and business leaders to share knowledge, showcase projects, and foster innovation. Learn more on our website or connect with us on LinkedIn.
Who We Are
Bailey Steinfadt, Co-Founder
With nearly 15 years of industry experience, Bailey is a firmware engineer with a passion for helping companies launch and improve their embedded systems teams. Before co-founding Spark Embedded, she successfully ran her own consultancy, Stone Path Engineering, where she provided firmware and process consulting. An active leader in the local tech community, Bailey was recognized as a 'Women of Innovation' Rising Star Award Finalist and is passionate about community education, having served as an instructor and director for the Des Moines Maker Space (Area515). She holds a B.S. in Computer Engineering from Iowa State University.
William Griffin, Co-Founder
Prior to co-founding Spark Embedded, William spent nearly two decades contributing to and leading engineering teams developing and testing embedded controls for off-highway vehicles. From utilizing model-based system design (MBSD) to develop models of control software and physical systems, to architecting advanced Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) simulators, his experience spans a large swath of the product development lifecycle. He is passionate about building high-performing, collaborative engineering teams as well as developing programs to raise the engineering craftsmanship across organizations. William holds a Professional Science Master’s degree in Applied Physics from the University of Northern Iowa.