Encoder Software/Firmware Engineer

Timken; Traverse City (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Timken Company is seeking an embedded firmware engineer to develop software for PC-based encoder test equipment and to create firmware for real-time microcontrollers used in absolute position encoders. You will select components and collaborate with PCB layout teams to ensure high-quality analog design practices.

The role involves working with customers to troubleshoot communications and assist in evaluating designs for new encoder ASICs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• 4–8 years of embedded work; electromechanical products a plus.
• General knowledge of programming test equipment / UI development.
• Electromechanical assembly and testing skills.
• Experience with robotics, motor control and feedback theory a plus.
• Ability to read prints, process sheets and engineering specifications.
• Ability to use basic gauging.
• Good written and verbal communication; able to work independently or in a team.

Responsibilities

• Create programs for custom PC-based encoder test equipment.
• Create firmware for real-time microcontrollers embedded into absolute position encoders.
• Select components (ADC/DAC, MCUs, interface chips) for embedded designs.
• Consult with PCB layout resources to ensure proper analog design practices.
• Work with customers to troubleshoot communications with Timken products.
• Assist in specifying and evaluating designs for new encoder ASIC chips.

Skills

Embedded firmware

Real-time MCU

Reading drawings

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering

Job description

What Timken makes possible begins with you.
Those who came before us helped land a man on the moon, create the world's infrastructure, and introduce renewable energy alternatives. Now you can join the Timken team to write your own unique story and help drive what's next.

A career at Timken means you can have an immediate impact doing Work That Matters to the world— improving the efficiency of today's industrial equipment and preparing for the future of motion on our planet and beyond. New employees can start contributing right away, and there are many opportunities to advance your career at your own pace. Join our global team of 19,000 people in 45 countries, and start helping our customers push the limits of what's possible in their world of motion.

The Timken Company sells some of the world’s most sophisticated magnetic position encoders. This role supports the company’s product development and production group in Traverse City, MI, which is integrated with Cone Drive.

Responsibilities include all aspects of coding related to dedicated PC test equipment used to program and test encoder products. This role also includes the development of firmware to run on embedded microcontrollers located on the circuit boards of the company’s magnetic position encoders. Timken's microcontrollers run real time processing digital signals that represent both digital and analog transducer outputs. Coding will include digital signal processing, filtering, and implementation of industrial communication protocols.

Duties:

• Create programs for custom PC based encoder test equipment.
• Create firmware for real time microcontrollers embedded into absolute position encoders.
• Select components (Analog to digital converters, micro controllers, interface chips) for embedded designs.
• Consult with PCB layout resources to ensure proper analog design practices are followed.
• Work with customers to troubleshoot communications with Timken developed products.
• Asist in specifying and evaluating designs for new encoder ASIC chips.

Requirements:

• Bachelors Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• 4 to 8 years' industry-related embedded work - electromechanical products a plus.
• General knowledge of programming test equipment / User interface development.
• Electromechanical assembly and testing skills for use in developing products.
• Experience with robotics theory, motor control and feedback theory is a plus.
• Ability to read and understand prints, process sheets, and engineering specifications.
• Ability to use and understand basic gaging.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team.

This position may require access to United States export controlled technical data (“CTD”) and hardware under the Departments of US State (ITAR) and/or Commerce (EAR). Eligible candidates are; US Citizens, Green Card holders, Asylees or others eligible to receive US export license authorizations. Candidate must be authorized to work in the US.

All qualified applicants shall be treated equally according to their individual qualifications, abilities, experiences and other employment standards. There will be no discrimination due to gender or gender identity, race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran/military status or any other basis protected by applicable law.

Timken is a global technology leader in engineered bearings and industrial motion. Our expanding portfolio of next-generation solutions helps customers around the world improve efficiency, solve their toughest challenges, and push the boundaries of performance. We employ 19,000 people globally, operate from 45 countries, and posted $4.6 billion in sales in 2025.
We have been recognized as one of America's Most Responsible Companies 6x by Newsweek and one of the World's Most Ethical Companies® 15x by Ethisphere.

Why Choose Timken?

• Over a century of knowledge and innovation
  
• A culture of top performance
  
• Products that contribute to a sustainable world
  
• A conviction to improve communities around us
  
• Competitive salary and benefits