Senior Firmware Developer

onsemi; Southwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

onsemi in Waterloo seeks a Senior Firmware Engineer to join our embedded firmware team. You will develop low-level firmware for power management devices, high-performance sensing solutions, embedded Ethernet, and cloud power systems used by global providers.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, implement in C (and occasionally C++/assembly), and contribute to architecture, testing, and Agile processes while utilizing AI-assisted development tools to boost productivity and quality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or related discipline.
• 3–5 years of embedded firmware development experience.
• Strong proficiency in embedded C, with working knowledge of C++ and assembly.
• Solid understanding of embedded system design at both board and IC levels.
• Experience with UART, I2C, SPI, and USB communication protocols.
• Familiarity with hardware debugging tools and measurement equipment.
• Excellent communication and collaboration across teams.
• Experience using AI-assisted development tools across the software lifecycle.
• Ability to assess AI outputs and integrate safely into firmware.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with system architects, design engineers, firmware engineers, and applications engineers to define and implement optimal firmware solutions
• Develop firmware architecture specifications and associated test plans
• Architect and implement embedded firmware primarily in C, with occasional use of C++ or assembly as required
• Debug firmware on custom hardware platforms and prototypes
• Optimize, refactor, and maintain existing firmware codebases
• Participate in an Agile development environment, contributing to task planning, execution, and timely status updates
• Apply best practices for coding, documentation, and tool usage (e.g., Git, JIRA, and related development tools)
• Work closely with digital design engineers to emulate and validate new designs using FPGA platforms
• Leverage AI‑assisted tools throughout the development lifecycle, including requirements analysis, design exploration, coding, test generation, debugging, documentation, and code review
• Evaluate and apply AI capabilities in a disciplined and secure manner to improve developer productivity, code quality, and system understanding

Skills

Embedded C

C++

Assembly

Embedded systems

Microcontroller architectures

UART I2C SPI USB

Debugging tools

Team collaboration

Agile

AI-assisted development tools

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering / Computer Engineering / Software Engineering

Tools

Git

JIRA

Oscilloscopes

Logic analyzers

Verilog/SystemVerilog

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

At onsemi, we help improve lives every day through innovative silicon and software solutions. Our intelligent power and sensing technologies address some of the world’s most complex challenges, enabling a safer, cleaner, and smarter future. From leading-edge wireless-enabled MCUs and DSPs to software that senses and connects the world—or supports personal health through body‑worn and implantable devices—we are at the forefront of technology that truly makes a difference. Our world‑class ultra‑low‑power solutions further contribute to a more sustainable future.

About Onsemi

At onsemi, we help improve lives every day through innovative silicon and software solutions. Our intelligent power and sensing technologies address some of the world’s most complex challenges, enabling a safer, cleaner, and smarter future. From leading-edge wireless-enabled MCUs and DSPs to software that senses and connects the world—or supports personal health through body‑worn and implantable devices—we are at the forefront of technology that truly makes a difference. Our world‑class ultra‑low‑power solutions further contribute to a more sustainable future.

We invite you to join our innovative team and help shape technologies that improve lives around the globe.

The Role

We are seeking a Senior Firmware Engineer to join our embedded firmware development team in our Waterloo office. This team specializes in developing low‑level firmware for advanced power management devices, high performance sensing solutions, embedded ethernet solutions and industry‑leading cloud power systems used by global infrastructure providers. In this role, you will collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams—including system architecture, design engineering, applications engineering, and embedded firmware development—to deliver robust, high‑quality solutions.

Why Join Us

At onsemi, we create a diverse range of world‑class products in a collaborative, team‑oriented environment. We foster continual learning and professional growth through opportunities such as education assistance, patent and publication incentives, and exposure to cutting‑edge technologies.

We are also committed to supporting our employees beyond the workplace, offering volunteer and charitable programs, flexible work hours, and comprehensive wellness and retirement benefits—helping you maintain a healthy work‑life balance.

Responsibilities

What You’ll Do

• Collaborate with system architects, design engineers, firmware engineers, and applications engineers to define and implement optimal firmware solutions
• Develop firmware architecture specifications and associated test plans
• Architect and implement embedded firmware primarily in C, with occasional use of C++ or assembly as required
• Debug firmware on custom hardware platforms and prototypes
• Optimize, refactor, and maintain existing firmware codebases
• Participate in an Agile development environment, contributing to task planning, execution, and timely status updates
• Apply best practices for coding, documentation, and tool usage (e.g., Git, JIRA, and related development tools)
• Work closely with digital design engineers to emulate and validate new designs using FPGA platforms
• Leverage AI‑assisted tools throughout the development lifecycle, including requirements analysis, design exploration, coding, test generation, debugging, documentation, and code review
• Evaluate and apply AI capabilities in a disciplined and secure manner to improve developer productivity, code quality, and system understanding

Qualifications

What You’ll Need

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related discipline
• 3-5 years of experience in embedded firmware development
• Strong proficiency in embedded C, with working knowledge of C++ and assembly language
• Solid understanding of embedded system design at both board and IC levels
• Good knowledge of microprocessor architectures, including memory subsystems, interrupts, and common peripherals
• Experience with communication protocols such as UART, I²C, SPI, and USB
• Familiarity with hardware debug and analysis tools (e.g., hardware debuggers, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers)
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams
• Proven ability to plan and manage work to meet project deadlines
• Detail‑oriented, quality‑focused, and a strong team player
• Interest in or experience with the semiconductor industry
• Demonstrated experience using AI‑assisted development tools across multiple stages of the software lifecycle (design, implementation, validation, and maintenance)
• Ability to critically assess AI‑generated outputs, validate correctness, and integrate them safely into production‑grade firmware

What Else You May Bring

• Experience with scripting languages, particularly Python
• Experience with ARM Cortex‑M based microcontrollers
• Hands‑on experience with FPGA prototype platforms for system evaluation
• Experience with Verilog or SystemVerilogExperience running and analyzing RTL simulations
• Experience building or customizing AI‑enabled workflows (e.g., prompt engineering, automation, or tool integration) to support firmware development, verification, or documentation
• Familiarity with enterprise and security considerations when applying AI in a regulated or IP‑sensitive environment

About Us

onsemi (Nasdaq: ON) is driving disruptive innovations to help build a better future. With a focus on automotive and industrial end‑markets, the company is accelerating change in megatrends such as vehicle electrification and safety, sustainable energy grids, industrial automation, and 5G and cloud infrastructure. With a highly differentiated and innovative product portfolio, onsemi creates intelligent power and sensing technologies that solve the world’s most complex challenges and leads the way in creating a safer, cleaner, and smarter world.

More details about our company benefits can be found here: https://www.onsemi.com/careers/career-benefits

About The Team

We are committed to sourcing, attracting, and hiring high-performance innovators, while providing all candidates a positive recruitment experience that builds our brand as a great place to work.

onsemi is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, or are limited in the ability or unable to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, you may contact [e-mail] for assistance.