Firmware Engineer
$85k - $120k USD
Location: Ottawa, Canada (on-site)
Reports to: Firmware & Systems Manager
Role status: Existing role
About RBR: Making waves since 1973
At RBR, we’ve been designing cutting-edge instruments to measure our blue planet for over 50 years. Built to withstand some of the harshest environments on Earth, our instruments are deployed from the ocean’s deepest trenches to the polar ice caps, capturing essential data on water temperature, salinity, pH, and more. This data empowers researchers in the global fight against climate change, and our technology supports groundbreaking science with partners like Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Woods Hole, the Scripps Institution, and the British Antarctic Survey.
At RBR, we care deeply about our work, each other, the environment, and the global communities we serve. We value teamwork, continuous improvement, and having fun along the way. From Friday lunches to social events, we’re a crew that thrives on taking on complex and exciting challenges that have a meaningful impact on the blue planet! Ready to make waves with us? Apply below!
About the role
Join our talented R&D team as a Firmware Engineer and help shape the future of oceanographic research! At RBR, you'll collaborate with experts across firmware, systems, electronics, mechanical, software, and sensor engineering—all while contributing to cutting-edge oceanographic instruments. We're looking for a versatile problem solver who takes ownership, delivers top-notch firmware, and thrives in a fast-paced, innovative environment. If you love learning, exploring new technologies, and creating tools that empower oceanographers worldwide, we want to hear from you!
What you'll do
Design and develop embedded firmware applications, contributing to architecture and implementation
Implement and uphold best practices in software development methodologies
Implement and maintain software versioning and revision control
Evaluate and balance trade-offs in system design to meet diverse requirements
Take ownership of your projects from concept to deployment, ensuring they stay on schedule
Translate design specifications into system designs and implementations, participating actively in design and code reviews
Share your expertise to enhance software architecture and feature design
Collaborate with hardware and software teams to translate requirements into working designs
Contribute to the conceptual development of innovative products and projects
Stay up-to-date on industry developments in software engineering technologies, processes, and disciplines
What you bring
A Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or an equivalent field
Preferred 5+ years of firmware development experience, with strong proficiency in:
Programming skills in both C and C++
Working with low-power microcontrollers (STM32/ARM preferred)
Embedded Real-Time Operating Systems (Zephyr is a plus)
Troubleshooting and debugging using JTAG tools, IDE, logic analyzers, and oscilloscopes
Communication protocols such as RS232, SPI, I2C, I3C, USB, and Bluetooth
Embedded systems test methodologies, continuous integration, and modern git workflow principles
Reading and annotating electronic schematics, including digital, mixed-signal, and analog devices
Experience with Linux terminals
Experience working in an Agile development process; familiarity with Jira/Confluence tools would be an asset
Strong organizational skills and the capacity to work both independently and as part of a team
Adaptability to work in an interrupt-driven environment, managing multiple projects, and shifting priorities
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Nice to have
Some knowledge of Bash and Python scripting
Familiarity with containerized development environments
Experience with Hardware-in-the-loop testing
Interest in, and knowledge of new and developing embedded technologies (platforms, languages)
Knows which end of a soldering iron is the hot one:)
Can wield a screwdriver
Salary range: $85,000–$120,000 + bonus
The final salary and job level will depend on your experience and qualifications. We know great talent shows up at different points in a career - whether you’re earlier in your journey or bring senior-level experience, we encourage you to apply. Depending on fit, the role level may shift accordingly.
Why you'll love working at RBR
🌴 20 days of vacation, plus a company-wide holiday shutdown and paid sick days
🩺 Benefits from day 1 & RRSP contribution matching
💰 Company-wide bonus program
🏋🏽 Annual fitness reimbursement program
🚴 Greener commuting incentive program (bike-to-work, carpool, or transit passes)
🚗 EV reimbursement program + on-site charging stations
💝 Charitable donation matching
🌮 Weekly lunches (on us)!
🐶 Dog-friendly office (recently launched)
🤝 Collaborative, supportive work environment
🧠 Work alongside passionate experts spanning multiple disciplines
🌊 Direct impact on climate science and ocean research
At RBR, we celebrate and support diversity in our workplace. As an equal-opportunity employer, we welcome people from all backgrounds and aim to find the most talented person for each role. Accommodations are available upon request at every stage of the selection process.
AI statement: At RBR, we may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools during parts of our hiring process. These tools may be used to support note-taking, scheduling, and/or organizing candidate information. Final hiring decisions are made by our people.