Principal Firmware Engineer

Nokia; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Performance bonus

Job summary

Nokia in Ottawa is seeking a Principal Firmware Engineer to lead embedded firmware initiatives for next‑gen optical modules. You will drive design, coding, testing, and delivery within an Agile team, mentoring junior engineers and ensuring robust, scalable firmware architectures.

The role offers strong collaboration with hardware and software groups and a pathway to influence product outcomes. The position emphasizes leadership in Agile environments, deep C/C++/Python expertise, ARM and RTOS

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in embedded firmware development.
• Proficiency in C/C++ and Python.
• Strong knowledge of ARM architecture and embedded operating systems.
• Proven leadership in Agile/Scrum environments.
• Excellent debugging and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, implementation, testing, and delivery of firmware features for pluggable modules.
• Collaborate with hardware/software teams to define requirements and architectures.
• Mentor junior engineers to foster growth and best practices.
• Contribute to development tooling and coding standards.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration and performance.

Skills

Embedded firmware

C/C++

Python

ARM architecture

Real-time OS

Agile/Scrum

Team leadership

Job description

Job Description

In this role as a Principal Firmware Engineer, you will work within a dynamic Agile scrum team dedicated to innovation in optical systems. Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including hardware and software professionals, to design and implement cutting-edge firmware for next-gen optical modules. You'll enjoy a culture of continuous improvement, where your expertise will drive the growth and success of junior engineers and the collective team. We offer a competitive salary and performance bonuses, comprehensive health benefits, and opportunities for professional development. Your contributions will directly impact Nokia’s mission of connecting the world, while you engage in challenging projects that push the boundaries of technology in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Job Description

In this role as a Principal Firmware Engineer, you will work within a dynamic Agile scrum team dedicated to innovation in optical systems. Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including hardware and software professionals, to design and implement cutting-edge firmware for next-gen optical modules. You'll enjoy a culture of continuous improvement, where your expertise will drive the growth and success of junior engineers and the collective team. We offer a competitive salary and performance bonuses, comprehensive health benefits, and opportunities for professional development. Your contributions will directly impact Nokia’s mission of connecting the world, while you engage in challenging projects that push the boundaries of technology in a supportive and collaborative environment.

How You Will Contribute And What You Will Learn

Lead design, implementation, testing, and delivery of firmware features for pluggable modules.

• Develop and maintain high-performance embedded firmware using C/C++ and Python.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define firmware requirements and system architecture.
• Analyze system performance and identify enhancement opportunities using cutting-edge technologies.
• Engage in Agile/Scrum development processes, serving as Product Owner or technical lead when necessary.
• Mentor junior engineers, fostering a collaborative team culture focused on growth.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of development tools, workflows, and coding standards.
• Partner with hardware, ASIC, and software teams for seamless integration and performance optimization.

Key Skills And Experience

Must-Have:

• 15+ years of experience in embedded firmware development.
• Proficiency in C/C++ and scripting skills in Python.
• Solid understanding of ARM architecture and embedded operating systems.
• Proven experience leading teams or projects in an Agile/Scrum environment.
• Excellent debugging, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Nice-To-Have:

• Experience with advanced pluggable transceivers (e.g., 400ZR, 800ZR, 1600ZR).
• Familiarity with stateful protocol design and management network architecture.
• Knowledge of low-level hardware interfaces and peripheral drivers.