Embedded Firmware Engineer

Q-Block Computing; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Extended health care benefits

Life insurance

Job summary

A tech company in quantum technologies seeks an Embedded Firmware Engineer to develop firmware for quantum hardware platforms. You will design and validate firmware modules, implement device drivers, and collaborate with cross-functional teams. Ideal candidates hold a degree in a relevant field and have over 3 years of experience in embedded firmware development. Benefits include extended health care and life insurance. Candidates eligible for Government of Canada clearance are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of professional experience in embedded firmware development with ARM Cortex-M or comparable architectures.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain Government of Canada security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design, write, test, and maintain embedded firmware modules in C/C++.
• Implement and validate peripheral device drivers for precision analog and digital ICs.
• Develop DMA transfer configurations, GPIO management routines, and interrupt service routines.
• Implement digital control loop modules and real-time signal handling functions.
• Integrate and test firmware across multiple control units as a synchronized system.
• Write documentation for firmware modules, including test procedures and guides.
• Perform hardware bring-up, debugging, and characterization using lab instruments.
• Collaborate with cross-functional hardware, software, and systems teams.

Skills

C/C++ proficiency

SPI, I2C, UART understanding

Ability to read schematics

Laboratory instruments proficiency

Experience with development environments

Digital signal processing exposure

Attention to detail

Critical thinking

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Physics or related field

Job description

Job Description

Q-Block Computing is seeking an Embedded Firmware Engineer to join our innovative team in Canada. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of cutting‑edge quantum technologies in sensing, communication, and computation. The candidate will join Q‑Block Computing to advance the development of real‑time embedded control firmware for quantum hardware platforms.

Job Summary

As an Embedded Firmware Engineer, you will collaborate with other team members and achieve technical milestones under the guidance of the Senior Embedded Systems Architect and the Technical Lead. Job duties include the design, implementation, and validation of firmware modules and peripheral device drivers on ARM Cortex‑M‑based platforms used to control advanced sensing, communication, and computation hardware.

Responsibilities

• Design, write, test, and maintain embedded firmware modules in C/C++ for ARM Cortex‑M microcontroller platforms.
• Implement and validate peripheral device drivers for precision analog and digital ICs over SPI, I2C, UART, and related interfaces.
• Develop DMA transfer configurations, GPIO management routines, and interrupt service routines to achieve deterministic and low‑latency I/O timing.
• Implement digital control loop modules and other real‑time signal handling functions based on system‑level requirements.
• Integrate and test firmware across multiple interconnected control units operating as a synchronized system.
• Write documentation for new and updated firmware modules, including test procedures and integration guides.
• Perform bench‑level hardware bring‑up, debugging, and characterization using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and signal generators.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional hardware, software, and systems teams.
• Contribute to a culture of continuous learning and knowledge sharing within the team.

Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a related field.
• 3+ years of professional experience in embedded firmware development with ARM Cortex‑M or comparable architectures.

Security and Compliance Requirements

• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain Government of Canada security clearance, if required for assigned projects.
• Must be eligible to comply with requirements of the Controlled Goods Program, if required for assigned projects.
• Must be willing to participate in background screening, documentation, and compliance processes associated with security‑sensitive work.
• Experience working in regulated, security‑sensitive, or defense‑oriented engineering environments is an asset.

Skills

• Strong proficiency in C/C++ for bare‑metal and RTOS‑based embedded systems.
• Solid understanding of SPI, I2C, UART, and DMA controllers on ARM microcontrollers.
• Ability to read schematics and component datasheets; comfortable at the hardware‑firmware boundary.
• Hands‑on proficiency with standard laboratory instruments such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and signal generators.
• Experience with Arduino, Teensy, PlatformIO, or comparable development environments is an asset.
• Exposure to digital signal processing, real‑time scheduling, or precision timing systems is an asset.
• Experience in scientific or deep‑tech hardware environments is an asset.
• Strong attention to detail, authenticity, and a sense of responsibility in all tasks.
• Critical thinking and problem‑solving mindset.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic team environment.

Benefits

• Extended health care benefits (inc. dental and vision)
• Life insurance

Equal Opportunity

Q‑Block Computing is an equal‑opportunity employer. We are committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity. If you require assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please feel free to notify us.

Canadian citizens and permanent residents are strongly encouraged to apply. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply.