Lead Embedded Firmware Engineer

Accountabilities: Own firmware architecture, technical direction, and key engineering decisions, balancing performance, reliability, security, and maintainability. Serve as the primary firmware technical contact for clients, translating product requirements into technical specifications, project plans, estimates, and actionable development priorities. Lead firmware project planning, identify technical risks and dependencies early, and coordinate delivery across engineering and stakeholder teams. Establish and maintain firmware coding standards, code review practices, testing strategies, release processes, and technical documentation. Mentor and support engineers, promote knowledge sharing, and guide the team through complex technical challenges. Design, develop, and maintain production-grade embedded firmware in C/C++ for ESP32-based connected devices using ESP-IDF and RTOS-based development approaches. Conduct hardware bring-up, review schematics, integrate low-level drivers, and develop interfaces for sensors, actuators, LEDs, and other peripherals using I2C, SPI, UART, ADC, and GPIO. Implement Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) provisioning, Wi-Fi connectivity, and secure device-to-cloud communication using AWS IoT Core, MQTT over TLS, and certificate-based authentication. Design, maintain, and optimize over-the-air (OTA) firmware update mechanisms, including secure updates, rollback capabilities, and staged deployment strategies. Diagnose and resolve complex issues across firmware, hardware, wireless protocols, and cloud services using tools such as JTAG/SWD debuggers, logic analyzers, and protocol sniffers. Collaborate with hardware, mobile, and backend teams to define device data models, telemetry requirements, and device-to-cloud interfaces. Work with contract manufacturers to support factory flashing, device provisioning, production readiness, and hardware validation throughout EVT, DVT, and PVT stages. Support product certification activities, including FCC compliance, and ensure firmware meets applicable production and security requirements. Improve firmware CI/CD pipelines, automated testing frameworks, development tooling, and device automation to increase delivery quality and efficiency. Requirements At least 8 years of professional embedded software or firmware engineering experience using C/C++, including experience delivering production-quality systems. At least 2 years in a technical leadership role, with responsibility for firmware architecture, engineering standards, code reviews, and mentoring other developers. Significant hands-on experience developing production firmware for Espressif ESP32 platforms using ESP-IDF, including RTOS-based development, peripheral drivers, OTA updates, and production deployment. Demonstrated experience developing connected-device firmware on wireless platforms, including BLE and Wi-Fi, with a strong understanding of communication stacks, device provisioning, and interoperability. Practical experience integrating devices with cloud-based IoT platforms, particularly AWS IoT Core, using MQTT over TLS, certificate-based authentication, and device state synchronization. Strong understanding of embedded systems, hardware interfaces, technical specifications, and low-level debugging, with the ability to investigate complex issues across hardware, firmware, wireless, and cloud layers. Experience working with sensors, actuators, and peripherals such as RFID readers, accelerometers, motion sensors, LEDs, and pumps. Proven ability to work directly with clients and stakeholders to clarify requirements, estimate effort, explain technical trade-offs, and maintain confidence in project delivery. Strong problem-solving, analytical, planning, and prioritization skills, combined with clear written and verbal communication. Ability to take ownership of complex projects, establish structure and technical standards, adapt to changing requirements, and collaborate effectively in a distributed team environment. Must reside in Canada and have valid authorization to work in Canada. Visa sponsorship is not available. Preferred qualifications: Experience leading a connected product from initial concept through mass production. Background in a technology consultancy or product development firm, ideally delivering multiple products or client projects. Contributions to open-source ESP-IDF or Nordic nRF Connect SDK projects, or experience with Nordic nRF-series platforms. Familiarity with additional connectivity protocols, including Thread, Zigbee, Z-Wave, and BLE Mesh. Hands-on experience with hardware debugging tools, including JTAG/SWD, logic analyzers, and protocol sniffers. Experience building firmware CI/CD pipelines, automated test harnesses, Python-based test tools, and device automation workflows. Knowledge of embedded security practices, including secure boot, flash encryption, key management, device attestation, and secure firmware updates. Experience supporting contract manufacturers, factory provisioning, hardware validation builds, and FCC certification. Familiarity with Protocol Buffers or comparable serialization formats for device messaging. Benefits Competitive base compensation: CAD $164,000 annually, commensurate with experience. Performance bonus: Annual variable compensation of up to 10%. Retirement savings: Group RRSP with an employer contribution matching 4% of annual income. Remote-work support: Monthly stipend of USD $150 for cell phone and internet expenses. Home office allowance: USD $600 annually for home office equipment. Healthcare coverage: Extended healthcare, dental, and vision insurance. Professional development: Dedicated stipend to support continued learning and career growth. Equipment provided: Loaned MacBook Pro for work. Team connection: Annual team retreat and opportunities to collaborate with colleagues in a distributed environment. Focused project work: Assignment to a single project at a time to encourage deep focus and minimize context switching. Meaningful technical ownership: Opportunities to influence firmware architecture, establish engineering practices, mentor colleagues, and deliver complex connected-device solutions. Remote flexibility: Work remotely from within Canada, with travel within the United States as needed for client engagements.