Embedded Systems Developer (I/O: September 2026 - December 2026)

Mohawk College; Hamilton; Hybrid; CAD 50,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

CAAT pension

Maternity/Parental leave top-up

Vacation days + holiday closure

Employee assistance program

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Mohawk College is seeking an Embedded Systems Developer to design, build, and validate custom sensor interface hardware for remote data collection. You will develop HAT boards for embedded platforms, select components for wide frequency data acquisition, and write firmware for testing and bring-up.

Under the Project Lead and Project Manager, you will deploy hardware to partner sites and contribute to documentation, field readiness, and collaboration with senior staff and industry partners.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a 3-year diploma or Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics, or a closely related field.
• Experience in PCB design, embedded firmware development, or hardware bring-up (academic projects, co-ops or equivalent).
• Proficiency with at least one EDA tool: KiCad, Altium Designer, Eagle or equivalent.
• Hands-on experience with microcontrollers or single-board computers (Arduino, STM32, Raspberry Pi, etc.).
• Programming in Python and/or C/C++ for hardware interfacing and data acquisition.
• Familiarity with I2C, SPI, UART and RS‑485 protocol implementations.
• Commitment to human rights, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (IDEA).
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse students, staff and communities.

Responsibilities

• PCB design and hardware development from concept to layout, ensuring signal integrity and EMC constraints.
• Develop firmware and Python software to support bring-up, testing, and data collection.
• Create hardware validation plans, bench tests, and assist field deployment activities.
• Maintain technical documentation, BOMs, test reports and revision notes.
• Collaborate in design reviews and with industry partners and Mohawk College teams.

Skills

PCB design

Embedded firmware

Python

C/C++

Data acquisition

Signal integrity

EMC considerations

Education

Electrical/Computer/Mechatronics degree

Tools

KiCad

Altium Designer

Eagle

Job description

Status: Initiatives & Opportunities (September 2026 – December 2026)

Hours: Monday – Friday, 35 hours/week

Home Campus: Fennell (hybrid work arrangements available)

Rate of Pay: Payband H (Start Rate: $37.34 per hour)

Vacancy Status: 1 vacancy available

Posting Date: August 26th, 2026

Closing Date: September 1st, 2026 at 7:00pm EST

Preference will be given to qualified employees within the Full Time Support Staff bargaining unit, Appendix D (6 consecutive months in Appendix D status) and RPT employees who have passed probation at Mohawk College.

We believe the rich diversity among our students and the communities we serve should be reflected within our workforce. As educators, we believe it is important to act and show leadership in advancing the principles of reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion in our community.

The Embedded Systems Developer supports applied research projects at EPIC by designing, building, and validating custom sensor interface hardware for remote data collection and monitoring applications. Working under the direction of the Project Lead and Project Manager, the incumbent designs HAT boards for embedded microcontrollers and microcomputers, selects appropriate components for data acquisition spanning low-frequency continuous energy monitoring to high-frequency power quality capture, and develops the firmware and test software needed to bring that hardware into service. The role also contributes to field deployment preparation, ensuring that finished hardware systems are ready for installation at industry partner sites.

What You’ll Be Doing

PCB Design & Hardware Development

• Component selection: Identify and specify components suitable for data acquisition across a broad frequency range – from low-resolution continuous energy monitoring (seconds/milliseconds timescale) to high-frequency power quality capture at kHz–MHz rates.
• Schematic capture and PCB layout: Use industry-standard EDA/CAD tools (e.g., KiCad, Altium, or equivalent) to design schematics and lay out multi-layer PCBs with signal integrity and EMC constraints in mind.
• Design‑rule compliance: Apply manufacturer‑specific DRC constraints (trace width, via size, clearance, impedance control) before submitting Gerber/fabrication files for production.

Firmware & Software Development

• Develop Python and/or C/C++ software to support PCB bring‑up, functional testing, and field data collection.
• Write test scripts to validate hardware functionality across all I/O channels.
• Implement sensor drivers and communication protocols (I2C, SPI, UART, etc.).
• Develop data‑logging and remote monitoring routines suited to the target embedded platform (e.g., Raspberry Pi, Arduino, or similar).

Hardware Validation & Field Deployment Support

• Verify assembled PCBs against design intent and support installation activities.
• Conduct bench testing including power‑on verification, signal probing, and communication checks.
• Troubleshoot hardware and firmware issues identified during bring‑up.
• Assist in preparing hardware kits and documentation for field installation; support on‑site deployment of monitoring systems as required.

Documentation & Collaboration

• Maintain accurate technical documentation and collaborate with the team.
• Produce design files, BOMs, test reports, and revision notes.
• Participate in design reviews and technical meetings with senior staff, faculty, and industry partners.

Other duties as assigned.

What You’ll Bring To The Role

• Minimum of a 3-year diploma or bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics, or a closely related field.
• Relevant experience in PCB design, embedded firmware development, or hardware bring‑up – Including academic project work, co‑op placements, or equivalent hands‑on exposure.
• PCB/EDA Tools: Proficiency in at least one EDA package (KiCad, Altium Designer, Eagle, or equivalent).
• Embedded Platforms: Hands‑on experience with microcontrollers or single‑board computers (Arduino, STM32, Raspberry Pi, or similar).
• Programming: Python and/or C/C++ for hardware interfacing, sensor drivers, or data acquisition.
• Communication Protocols: Familiarity with I2C, SPI, UART, and/or RS‑485.
• Measurement & Instrumentation: Understanding of analog signal chains, ADC selection, and noise considerations relevant to low‑ and high‑frequency data capture.
• Demonstrated commitment and understanding of human rights, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.
• The ability to communicate and work effectively with diverse students, employees, and communities.

What We Offer

• Defined Benefit pension plan (CAAT) with contributions matched by Mohawk College.
• 93% top up of maternity and parental leave pay for 52 weeks.
• Progressive vacation plan starting with 15 vacation days plus annual holiday closure.
• Access to Employee Family Assistance Program including counselling services, financial literacy services, nutrition advice and more.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, paramedical services (massage therapy, acupuncture, naturopath, psychotherapy and psychology), short‑term and long‑term disability.
• Ability to take courses at a reduced rate for employees and dependents.

To find out more about working at Mohawk College, including our Employee Value Proposition, please visit https://www.mohawkcollege.ca/about-mohawk/careers-at-mohawk

We are committed to reconciliation and nurturing an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible (IDEA) environment for everyone who learns and works at Mohawk College. We welcome applications from racialized persons, women, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.

The College is committed to fostering inclusive and barrier‑free recruitment and selection processes. If you require accommodation during any stage of the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources.

To learn more about Mohawk College’s commitments, please visit the Mohawk College strategic plan webpage: https://www.strategicplan.mohawkcollege.ca/