Senior Firmware Engineer

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Senior Firmware Engineer

role at

RBR

Reports to: Firmware & Systems Manager

Role status: Existing role

About RBR: Making waves since 1973 At RBR, we’ve been designing cutting‑edge instruments to measure our blue planet for over 50 years. Built to withstand some of the harshest environments on Earth, our instruments are deployed from the ocean’s deepest trenches to the polar ice caps, capturing essential data on water temperature, salinity, pH, and more. This data empowers researchers in the global fight against climate change, and our technology supports groundbreaking science with partners like Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Woods Hole, the Scripps Institution, and the British Antarctic Survey.

At RBR, we care deeply about our work, each other, the environment, and the global communities we serve. We value teamwork, continuous improvement, and having fun along the way. From Friday lunches to social events, we’re a crew that thrives on taking on complex and exciting challenges that have a meaningful impact on the blue planet! Ready to make waves with us? Apply below!

About the role Join our talented R&D team as a Senior Firmware Engineer and help shape the future of oceanographic research! At RBR, you’ll work with experts across firmware, systems, electronics, mechanical, software, and sensor engineering—all while contributing to cutting‑edge oceanographic instruments. We’re looking for a proactive problem solver who takes ownership, delivers top‑notch firmware, and thrives in a fast‑paced, innovative environment. If you love creating solutions that empower oceanographers worldwide and enjoy learning and exploring new technologies, we want to hear from you!

What you’ll do

Define and support the design and development of embedded firmware applications, and will be involved in system architecture decisions and firmware design methodologies

Implement and ensure best practices in software development methodologies across the teams

Implement and maintain software versioning and revision control

Evaluate and balance trade‑offs in system design to meet diverse requirements

Take ownership of your projects from concept to deployment, ensuring they stay on schedule

Translate design specifications into system designs and implementations, actively leading design and code reviews

Share your expertise to enhance software architecture and feature design

Work proactively with hardware and software teams to translate requirements into working designs and contribute to improvements in system‑level architecture

Contribute to the conceptual development of innovative products and projects

Stay up‑to‑date on industry developments in software engineering technologies, processes, and disciplines

Help drive a high‑performing and continuous learning culture

What you bring

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or an equivalent field

Preferred 10+ years of engineering experience, including at least 7 years in firmware development, with proficiency in the following areas:

Software development in both C and C++

Troubleshooting and debugging using JTAG tools, IDE, logic analyzers, and oscilloscopes

Knowledge of communication protocols such as RS232, SPI, I2C, I3C, USB, and Bluetooth

Experience with embedded systems test methodologies, continuous integration, and quality management principles

Hands‑on experience with low‑power microcontrollers (STM32/ARM preferred)

Proficiency with Real‑Time Operating Systems (RTOS, e.g., Zephyr)

Ability to read, comprehend, and annotate electronic schematics, including digital, mixed‑signal, and analog devices

Experience working in an Agile development process; familiarity with Jira/Confluence tools would be an asset

Strong organizational skills and the capacity to work both independently and as part of a team

Adaptability to work in an interrupt‑driven environment, managing multiple projects, and shifting priorities

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Nice to have

Knowledge of signal‑processing algorithms

Experience in Embedded Linux development

Proficiency in Bash and Python scripting

Familiarity with containerized development environments

Experience with Hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HIL) testing

Interest in and knowledge of emerging embedded technologies (platforms, languages)

Knows which end of a soldering iron is the hot one :)

Can wield a screwdriver

Current perks at RBR 20 days of vacation, plus a company‑wide holiday shutdown and paid sick days

Benefits from day 1 & RRSP contribution matching

Annual fitness reimbursement program

Monthly Friday lunches (on us)!

Team events and social activities

Collaborative, supportive work environment

Direct impact on climate science and ocean research

At RBR, we celebrate and support diversity in our workplace. As an equal‑opportunity employer, we welcome people from all backgrounds and aim to find the most talented person for each role. Accommodations are available upon request at every stage of the selection process.

AI statement: At RBR, we may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools during parts of our hiring process. These tools may be used to support note‑taking, scheduling, and/or organizing candidate information. Final hiring decisions are made by our people.

Seniority level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Engineering and Research

Industries

Measuring and Control Instrument Manufacturing, Electrical Equipment Manufacturing, and Machinery Manufacturing

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