Embedded Firmware Engineer

Position Summary

As part of a product development team, the EFE is responsible for the design, documentation and integration of digital hardware and software within leading edge power conversion products. Will also perform product validation to ensure reliability and electrical performance.

Job Duties/Responsibilities

• Embedded Design (hardware and firmware) in support of Project Design Team for Power Supply development projects of various complexities - from kickoff  through to manufacturing release
• Develop digital control & power management embedded functionality for power supply products from customer or marketing specifications, and hardware engineering team requirements
• Ensure embedded control & design technical integrity through bench verification & qualification testing
• Strong emphasis on design, debug & implementation of assembly or C-based general purpose uCs or digital signal processor firmware and hardware for power control/management/sequencing/telemetry functions in Power Supplies
• Develop circuits and perform tests and evaluations for design verification & integrity
• As a staff level engineering lead, mentors other engineers in the development of various products
• Reviews PCB layouts & other design documents prior to their release for procurement or production
• Research and vet new technologies for future product needs
• Intimately familiar with state-of-the-art techniques for efficiency optimization
• Perform schematic entry, calculations, simulations, and bread-boarding in the design process
• Interface with the customer to communicate technical information
• Interface with vendors for design support and component sampling and quotation
• Supervise and guide the work of technologists assigned to the design projects

Job Duties/Responsibilities Cont.

• Train engineering design groups on critical subset of embedded functions all engineers responsible for – e.g. device programming, boot-loading, exercising embedded data reporting functions
• Ensure that the design conforms to corporate engineering procedures
• Ensure design is documented to ISO9001 procedures and participate in external/internal ISO audits
• Ensure the design meets cost, performance and schedule requirements
• Write reports to document test results.
• Required to keep up-to-date with innovations and trends in embedded design
• Travels to remote contract manufacturers to troubleshoot issues and bring them to resolution

Experience Required

• BSEE with 5 years, MSEE w/ 3years’ experience in designing & developing  digital hardware and software within leading edge power conversion product
• Proficient in the use of MathCAD, PSpice, SImplis or other design software tools
• Comprehensive knowledge of and experience in all facets of high frequency high-density switching power supply design including circuit topologies, control theories, loop compensation, magnetics design, EMI/RFI, supervisory functions, and PCB layout
• Possesses a deep knowledege and experience in a multitude of power conversion topologies and methodologies; Flyback, Resonant, LLC, Buck, ZVS, Synchronous, Current-mode-control, etc.
• Experience in general purpose uC/digital signal controller/DSP/SOC embedded control design is required
• Experience in analog/digital/mixed-signal/instrumentation/signal path analysis & design is recommended
• Experience in developing/implementing on-board serial communications (I2C, SMBus, SPI, UART) on embedded systems is recommended
• Knowledge of off-board/remote communications (USB, Ethernet, CAN bus, RS-485) on embedded systems is an asset
• Good knowledge of microcontroller architecture and familiarity with programming, emulation, & debug tools
• Experience in electronic packaging (high density SMT, PCB layout techniques)
• Experience in product development process.
• Familiarity with product qualification requirements.
• Experience in high volume manufacturing requirements (e.g. DFM/testability)

Physical Requirements

Onsite with four days in-office and one flex day a week.

Competencies