Firmware Engineer

Westlock Controls is seeking a talented and motivated Electronics Firmware Engineer to join our Firmware Development team. This position is responsible for the design, development, testing, and maintenance of embedded firmware and electronic systems used in industrial automation products for monitoring, controlling, and networking process valves.

The Electronics Firmware Engineer will work closely with hardware, software, manufacturing, quality, and product management teams throughout the product lifecycle, from concept and design through validation, certification, production release, and sustaining support. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of reliable, secure, and innovative products designed for use in hazardous and non-hazardous industrial environments, including Explosionproof and Intrinsically Safe applications.

This role requires a technical expertise in embedded systems, firmware development, hardware integration, troubleshooting, and product cybersecurity, along with a passion for developing high quality next-generation industrial automation solutions that enhance operational efficiency, reliability, and safety.

Principle Duties (includes, but may not be limited to):

Firmware & Embedded Systems Development

• Design, develop, test, and maintain embedded firmware for microcontroller and microprocessor-based products.
• Develop software applications and embedded solutions using C, C++, Python, Bash, and related technologies.
• Implement device drivers, communication protocols, bootloaders, and real-time control algorithms.
• Develop solutions for RTOS and embedded Linux environments, including FreeRTOS, ThreadX, and Linux.
• Optimize firmware for performance, memory utilization, power consumption, reliability, and maintainability.
• Support secure boot, secure firmware updates, OTA update mechanisms, and product cybersecurity initiatives.

Hardware Integration & Validation

• Configure, program, and troubleshoot ARM Cortex-M based embedded systems.
• Perform hardware bring-up, firmware integration, debugging, and validation of new electronic designs.
• Interface firmware with sensors, actuators, displays, and communication peripherals.
• Utilize oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, protocol analyzers, JTAG tools, and other diagnostic equipment to evaluate system performance and resolve technical issues.
• Support root cause investigations and corrective actions for product and process-related issues.

Product Development & Innovation

• Participate in new product development projects from concept through commercialization.
• Collaborate closely with hardware engineers during schematic design, PCB development, and system architecture activities.
• Conduct design reviews, code reviews, testing, and failure analysis to ensure product quality and reliability.
• Research and evaluate emerging technologies for future product development opportunities.
• Contribute innovative ideas that enhance product performance, differentiate solutions in the market, and support intellectual property development.

Connectivity & Industrial Communications

• Develop and support communication interfaces and protocols, including:
• UART, SPI, I²C, CAN, Modbus
• Ethernet, USB, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
• HART, WirelessHART, MQTT
• Foundation Fieldbus and Profibus (preferred)
• Support integration with industrial device management and configuration technologies such as FDT/DTM, EDDL, and FDI.

Documentation & Compliance

• Create firmware design specifications, test plans, validation reports, and technical documentation.
• Participate in certification activities and support compliance with applicable industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Participate quality improvements as per IATF 16949 2016 ensure to complete toll gates for DFMEA, PFMEA, Control Plan, MSA, Process capability study for in house process
• Ensure requirements of relevant standards like ISO 9001-2015, etc. are being consistently met and improved.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Embedded Systems Engineering, or a related field.
• 1-3 years of experience developing embedded firmware or software.
• Experience programming in C and/or C++.
• Experience with embedded systems and microcontroller-based products.
• Exposure to serial communication interfaces such as SPI, I²C, UART, CAN, or RS-232.
• Experience troubleshooting electronic hardware and firmware integration issues.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Self-motivated with the ability to manage projects and deliver results with minimal supervision.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills., * Master’s degree in a related engineering discipline.
• Experience with industrial automation, process control, or Industrial IoT products.
• Experience with embedded Linux systems and RTOS environments.
• Knowledge of functional safety or SIL-rated product development.
• Experience with hazardous area certifications (ATEX, IECEx, UL, CSA).
• Working knowledge of analog and digital electronics and PCB design review.
• Familiarity with cybersecurity principles for embedded products.
• Experience with cloud-connected industrial devices and networked systems.
• Experience supporting products from concept through production release.
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional, global development teams.

Pulled from the full job description

• Tuition reimbursement
• 401(k) matching
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays, Salary range: $95,000 to $120,000. Several factors contribute to actual salary, including experience in a similar role or performing comparable job responsibilities, skills, training, and other qualifications. Compensation packages also include comprehensive benefits, 401K contribution and match, Paid Time Off, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement and more. Some roles may be eligible for participation in performance-based bonus programs.