Senior Engineer, Firmware

POSITION SUMMARY

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.

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.