> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/3569393-senior-engineer-firmware](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/3569393-senior-engineer-firmware). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md).

---

# Senior Engineer, Firmware

- **Company:** Meso Scale Discovery LLC
- **Location:** Gaithersburg, MD, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $88,100.0 - $134,375.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Microsoft Windows, C++ (Programming Language), Computer Engineering, Software Debugging, Linux, Embedded Software, Firmware, Joint Test Action (IEEE Standards), Python (Programming Language), Microsoft Office, Network Interface, Digital Access Carrier System, Information Technology, Real Time Data
- **Published:** October 3, 2026
- **Apply:** https://jobs.localjobnetwork.com/apply/add/88519867/1

## About the Role

* Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering or related field, M.S. in an engineering discipline preferred.
 * Minimum of four years of experience in the design and development of embedded firmware
 * Experience with C++ and Python.
 * Experience in an ISO or cGMP environment preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

 * Excellent organizational, planning, and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple and often changing priorities and issues of varying complexity, while meeting time-sensitive deadlines and deliverables.
 * Ability to identify complex problems and review related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions
 * Excellent oral, written communication and interpersonal skills

 * Effectively communicate issues/problems and results that impact timelines, accuracy and reliability of data

Proficient in MS Office Suite

Attention to detail with a demonstrated commitment to excellence and performance improvement and the drive to deliver quality and value-added results and outcomes

Ability to work well independently and as an effective team member.

Demonstrated propensity to be creative, collaborative, proactive, and self-motivated in the execution and completion of assigned accountabilities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position requires the ability to communicate and exchange information, utilize equipment necessary to perform the job, and move about the office.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

 * Traditional office environment.
 * Electrical engineering/Firmware engineering lab environment.
 * Instrument manufacturing environment.

## Description

The Senior Firmware Engineer works with the engineering and scientific teams to develop laboratory systems that deliver state-of-the-art solutions for biodefense, clinical, and life sciences markets. The Firmware Engineer II designs and develops C++ firmware and Python software for MSD's instruments., * Follow MSDs firmware design and development process.

 * Develop firmware in an embedded variant of C++ running on a real-time kernel targeted to Microchip/Atmel ARM processors. The firmware monitors sensors, processes real-time data and controls actuators to implement the following functions:

 * Motion control using encoders, limit sensors, stepper and DC motor drivers.
 * Fluidics staging and control using fluidic position sensors, pressure sensors, miniaturized pumps and valves.
 * Temperature control using thermal sensors, resistive heaters and TECs.
 * Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) excitation and quantization of emitted light.
 * Computation, display and storage of results.
 * Command and control interfaces over USB.
 * Network interfaces.
 * Firmware interfaces to the microcontroller's internal memory mapped peripherals (timer/counters, PWMs, ADC, DACs, watchdog system, etc.).
 * Firmware interfaces to the microcontroller's external peripherals on SPI and I2C busses.
 * Barcode scanning and decoding using imaging sensors and barcode scanning libraries.
 * Support Instrument illumination and other industrial design goals.

Develop test and alignment routines in Python running on Windows and Linux based SBCs to implement the following

 * GUI applications to support firmware based PCB tests.
 * GUI applications to support instrument test, alignment and results reporting.
 * GUI applications to support incoming inspection and test of image sensors and lenses.

Support verification, test, debug and failure analysis activities using JTAG debuggers, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers and multimeters.

Support process improvement and development.

Document intellectual property as needed.

Specific duties will vary depending upon departmental requirements