Develop and maintain firmware for connected, battery-powered embedded devices. Responsibilities include sensor handling, event-driven logic, wireless provisioning, secure communications, device reporting, power optimization, integration with hardware and cloud teams, testing, troubleshooting, and technical documentation. The role requires strong C/C++ firmware experience, low-power product expertise, embedded interfaces, connectivity workflows, and software engineering practices. RTOS, positioning, regulatory development, production readiness, and Python automation experience are preferred.
Overview
Requirements
BenefitsBenefits
About MistyWest
MistyWest is a hardware engineering consultancy that exists to create novel technologies that enable a healthier planet and bring prosperity to all humankind, with a focus primarily on hardware projects that advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
We are hiring a Firmware Engineer (Contractor) to support an embedded product build. You will help develop core firmware features, including device sensing, power management, connectivity, and reliable system reporting.
Requirements
- Key Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain firmware for connected embedded devices, coordinating across multiple boards or modules as needed
- Implement reliable sensor handling and event-driven state logic
- Support wireless connectivity features, including provisioning/setup workflows and basic network health reporting
- Ensure secure communications and define retry, buffering, and recovery behaviors when connectivity is unavailable
- Deliver periodic device state reporting and time-sensitive event notifications aligned to service targets
- Optimize low-power operation through effective sleep/wake strategies and battery-aware behaviors
- Partner with hardware, mechanical, and software/cloud teams to support integration, troubleshooting, and validation
- Create and execute test plans for key functional and integration scenarios
- Produce clear documentation, including firmware design notes, configuration details, and test evidence for acceptance readiness
- Must-Have Qualifications
- 5+ years of embedded firmware experience
- Strong C/C++ experience for microcontrollers and/or embedded systems
- Experience with low-power, battery-operated products and power budgeting
- Hands-on experience with: GPIO, ADC, interrupts, timers, debouncing
- Experience implementing secure connectivity: Wi-Fi provisioning patterns (AP mode, captive portal, BLE assist, or similar)
- Strong software practices: Git, code reviews, clean architecture, testable firmware patterns
- Nice-to-Have
- RTOS experience (Zephyr, FreeRTOS, or similar)
- Experience with Wi-Fi positioning or location inference workflows
- Familiarity with regulatory-minded development (FCC/UL), and privacy/security standards
- Experience bringing products through integration testing and production readiness
- Python scripting for test automation or tooling
BenefitsBenefits
- Highly flexible: negotiate your own rates, hours and work location.
- Hardware & Software Access: MistyWest can provide equipment and software support where needed
- Try us out! Find out if MistyWest would be a good permanent employer for your needs and career direction
- Amazing Community: plug into a great local and global community of engineers and product design enthusiasts for events, projects, potential work & personal development.
MistyWest Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN Office
Vancouver, Canada
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