Embedded Firmware Developer
Location: Calgary, AB (Hybrid)
Employment Type: Full-Time
Company: OPIsystems Inc.
Position Overview
We are looking for an experienced Embedded Firmware Developer to join our engineering team immediately. This role will focus initially on supporting and enhancing our BLUE® platform, including bug fixing, system stabilization, code refactoring, and feature development. Over time, the successful candidate will transition into the development of next-generation products within our EPIQ® platform, helping shape the future of connected agricultural IoT systems.
This position is hands-on and ideal for someone who enjoys troubleshooting complex field issues, improving legacy codebases, and developing reliable firmware for distributed embedded systems operating in challenging real-world environments.
Immediate Responsibilities
You will work primarily on embedded Linux-based systems and be responsible for:
- Investigating and resolving firmware defects and field-reported issues.
- Refactoring and modernizing existing C and Python codebases.
- Designing and implementing new product features.
- Improving system reliability, maintainability, and performance.
- Collaborating with QA to identify root causes and validate fixes.
- Supporting wireless communications based on Synapse radio networks.
- Developing and maintaining data exchange protocols using:
- MQTT
- JSON
- Protocol Buffers (protobuf)
- Working closely with cloud and application development teams to ensure seamless system integration.
Participating in system architecture and design discussions.
Long-Term Responsibilities
As part of our strategic product roadmap, you will contribute to the development of next-generation IoT devices and control systems:
- Design and develop firmware for ESP32-based devices.
- Develop applications running on FreeRTOS.
- Implement communications using:
- AWS IoT Core
- MQTT
- ESP-NOW
- RS485 / Modbus
- UART
- I²C
- Develop and enhance over-the-air (OTA) update mechanisms.
- Integrate sensors, actuators, and wireless field devices.
- Contribute to new hardware designs and system architecture.
- Develop automated tests, diagnostics, and deployment tools.
- Support production releases and long-term product maintenance.
What You'll Be Doing
- Develop and maintain reliable embedded firmware for monitoring and control systems.
- Troubleshoot and debug embedded hardware and firmware issues.
- Participate in code reviews and maintain coding standards.
- Create and maintain technical documentation.
- Work cross-functionally with hardware, cloud, QA, and product teams.
- Support firmware releases and investigate escalated field issues.
- Contribute to build systems, testing frameworks, and development processes.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent experience.
- 5+ years of embedded firmware development experience.
- Strong proficiency in:
- Experience with embedded networking and communications protocols.
- Experience with MQTT-based IoT systems.
- Experience using JSON and Protocol Buffers.
- Solid debugging and troubleshooting skills.
- Experience using Git/GitHub and Agile development tools such as Jira.
- Ability to read electrical schematics and collaborate with hardware designers.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with FreeRTOS.
- Experience with ESP32 development using ESP-IDF.
- Experience with AWS IoT Core.
- Experience with RS485, Modbus, UART, and I²C.
- Experience with wireless mesh or low-power radio networks, including Synapse radios.
- Familiarity with OTA firmware update architectures.
- Experience designing communication protocols for distributed systems.
- Knowledge of automated testing, CI/CD, and firmware release processes.
- Experience with agricultural, industrial, or IoT products.
Why Join OPIsystems?
- Work on products deployed globally.
- Influence both legacy and next-generation product platforms.
- Collaborate with a highly experienced engineering team.
- Solve real-world IoT, wireless networking, and embedded systems challenges.
- Help shape the future of connected agriculture.
