Senior Engineer, Firmware

Meso Scale Diagnostics, LLC.; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 118,000 - 134,000; Full time

Job summary

Meso Scale Diagnostics, LLC. seeks a Senior Firmware Engineer to join our Gaithersburg, MD teams to design and develop embedded C++ firmware and Python software for MSD’s laboratory instruments.

The Firmware Engineer II role involves following our firmware process, targeting Microchip/Atmel ARM processors, and implementing real-time control, sensor interfaces, USB, SPI/I2C, and test tools on Windows and Linux SBCs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering or related field, MS preferred.
• Minimum of four years of experience in the design and development of embedded firmware
• Experience with C++ and Python
• Experience in an ISO or cGMP environment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Follow MSD's firmware design and development process.
• Develop firmware in an embedded C++ variant running on a real-time kernel for Microchip/Atmel ARM processors.
• Implement motion control, fluidics staging, temperature control, and ECL excitation in firmware.
• Develop test and alignment routines in Python on Windows/Linux SBCs.
• Create GUI applications to support firmware PCB tests and instrument testing.

Skills

Embedded firmware design

C++

Python

Real-time systems

Sensor interfacing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science/Engineering

MS in engineering preferred

Tools

JTAG debuggers

Job description

The Senior Firmware Engineer works with the engineering and scientific teams to develop laboratory systems that deliver state-of-the-art solutions for biodefense, clinical, and life sciences markets . The Firmware Engineer II designs and develops C++ firmware and Python software for MSD’s instruments.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Follow MSDs firmware design and development process.
• Develop firmware in an embedded variant of C++ running on a real-time kernel targeted to Microchip/Atmel ARM processors. The firmware monitors sensors, processes real-time data and controls actuators to implement the following functions:
• Motion control using encoders, limit sensors, stepper and DC motor drivers.
• Fluidics staging and control using fluidic position sensors, pressure sensors, miniaturized pumps and valves.
• Temperature control using thermal sensors, resistive heaters and TECs.
• Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) excitation and quantization of emitted light.
• Computation, display and storage of results.
• Command and control interfaces over USB.
• Network interfaces.
• Firmware interfaces to the microcontroller’s internal memory mapped peripherals (timer/counters, PWMs, ADC, DACs, watchdog system, etc.).
• Firmware interfaces to the microcontroller’s external peripherals on SPI and I2C busses.
• Barcode scanning and decoding using imaging sensors and barcode scanning libraries.
• Support Instrument illumination and other industrial design goals.
• Develop test and alignment routines in Python running on Windows and Linux based SBCs to implement the following
• GUI applications to support firmware based PCB tests.
• GUI applications to support instrument test, alignment and results reporting.
• GUI applications to support incoming inspection and test of image sensors and lenses.
• Support verification, test, debug and failure analysis activities using JTAG debuggers, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers and multimeters.
• Support process improvement and development.
• Document intellectual property as needed.
• Specific duties will vary depending upon departmental requirements

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering or related field, M.S. in an engineering discipline preferred.
• Minimum of four years of experience in the design and development of embedded firmware
• Experience with C++ and Python.
• Experience in an ISO or cGMP environment preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Excellent organizational, planning, and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple and often changing priorities and issues of varying complexity, while meeting time-sensitive deadlines and deliverables.
• Ability to identify complex problems and review related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions
• Excellent oral, written communication and interpersonal skills
• Effectively communicate issues/problems and results that impact timelines, accuracy and reliability of data
• Proficient in MS Office Suite
• Attention to detail with a demonstrated commitment to excellence and performance improvement and the drive to deliver quality and value-added results and outcomes
• Ability to work well independently and as an effective team member.
• Demonstrated propensity to be creative, collaborative, proactive, and self-motivated in the execution and completion of assigned accountabilities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position requires the ability to communicate and exchange information, utilize equipment necessary to perform the job, and move about the office.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Traditional office environment.
• Electrical engineering/Firmware engineering lab environment.
• Instrument manufacturing environment.

COMPENSATION SUMMARY

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $88,100 to $134,375. This salary range represents a general guideline as MSD considers other factors when presenting an offer of employment, such as scope and responsibilities of the position, external market factors, and the candidate’s knowledge, skills, abilities, education and experience. Employees may qualify for a discretionary or non-discretionary bonus in addition to their base salary. These annual bonuses are intended to recognize individual performance and enable employees to benefit from the Company's overall success.

BENEFITS SUMMARY

At MSD, we offer a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees' well-being and financial security. In addition to competitive salaries, our benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with prescription benefits. We provide a 401(k) plan with company matching, flexible spending accounts, and company-paid short- and long-term disability insurance as well as group life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance. Our offerings also encompass paid vacation, paid sick leave, paid holidays, and paid parental leave, along with an employee assistance program. Additional voluntary perks include a fitness club membership contribution, pet insurance, identity theft protection, home and auto insurance discounts, and optional supplemental life insurance.

EEO/AA STATEMENT

MSD is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, making employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, age, protected veteran status, pregnancy, disability status, or any other protected characteristic. For our full EEO/AA and Pay Transparency statement, please visit here . Meso Scale Diagnostics uses E-Verify to validate the work eligibility of candidates.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.