Embedded Software Designer Jobs in Ottawa, ON (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Embedded Software DeveloperJob Description

This role focuses on developing and enhancing board support packages (BSPs) and secure bootloaders for infotainment, connectivity, and other hardware modules in next-generation vehicles. You will work on embedded systems running Linux and QNX, contribute to both current production platforms and future platform development, and take ownership of critical technical features in a highly collaborative engineering environment.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement BSP and bootloader features as part of a larger, team-based software project.
• Design and implement secure boot features for embedded platforms.
• Create clear and comprehensive software design documents that reflect architecture and implementation details.
• Participate actively in design reviews, providing constructive feedback and technical insight.
• Assist with product verification and validation activities, including troubleshooting, debugging, and testing.
• Use debugging tools such as JTAG, oscilloscopes, and logic analyzers to diagnose and resolve complex issues.
• Support board bring-up activities for new hardware platforms and contribute to platform evolution projects.
• Communicate technical issues and risks early to team members and stakeholders and propose practical solutions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to integrate BSP, drivers, and bootloader features into vehicle systems.
• Take ownership of significant technical features and customer-critical issue resolution on embedded platforms.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of development processes, tools, and coding practices within the team.

Essential Skills

• At least 8 years of experience in the design and development of board support packages (BSPs) and bootloaders for embedded systems.
• Strong experience with embedded operating systems, specifically Linux and QNX.
• Proven programming expertise in C and assembly language for low-level embedded development.
• Demonstrated experience completing at least two board bring-ups for new hardware platforms.
• Ability to read and interpret electronic schematics to support hardware and software integration.
• Hands-on experience with debugging tools such as JTAG, oscilloscopes, and logic analyzers.
• Driver development experience for interfaces such as UART, I2C, SPI, CAN, and CAN FD.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and intuitive debugging skills in complex embedded environments.
• Detailed knowledge of ARM processors, including A-series and M-series architectures.
• Experience designing and implementing custom bootloaders for embedded platforms.
• Experience with version control tools such as SVN and Git or similar systems.
• Solid understanding of embedded software concepts, including memory controllers, device drivers, and hardware interaction.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Understanding of the SHE (Secure Hardware Extension) specification.
• Experience with Hardware Security Modules (HSM) or other SHE-based hardware security modules.
• Knowledge of cryptographic algorithms such as RSA, DES, AES, and SHA-1 and their application in secure boot and embedded systems.
• Experience with eMMC storage and NAND/NOR memory controllers in embedded designs.
• Familiarity with connectivity and infotainment modules in automotive or similar embedded domains.
• Exposure to both current production platforms and future-generation platform development.
• Ability to take ownership of complex technical features and manage customer-critical issues to resolution.
• Comfort working in a collaborative technical environment focused on solving complex embedded software challenges.
• Familiarity with AI tools is viewed positively, though AI-specific experience is not required and does not significantly influence hiring decisions.

Work Environment

This position is based at an engineering center in Ottawa and requires working on site five days per week. You will operate in a collaborative, hands-on environment focused on embedded systems, BSP, bootloader technologies, and driver development for automotive platforms. The role involves close interaction with hardware, including participation in board bring-up activities, use of lab equipment such as JTAG interfaces, oscilloscopes, and logic analyzers, and direct engagement with production and next-generation vehicle platforms. Contractors initially support existing platforms and may transition to next-generation platform initiatives based on skills and performance, offering ongoing exposure to evolving technologies and complex embedded software challenges.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Ottawa, ON.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $76.90/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Ottawa,ON.

À propos d'Actalent

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About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

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Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.