Freelance Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in Toronto, ON

Senior Embedded Systems Designer

Job Description

The Senior Embedded Systems Designer designs, develops, and sustains embedded systems for advanced medical devices used in demanding and life-critical environments. This role leads embedded firmware and hardware integration for existing product lines while also creating prototypes for future products. The position combines hands-on embedded development, technical leadership, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure products meet stringent regulatory, safety, and performance standards.

Responsibilities

• Perform embedded system development and maintenance activities on all products and accessories within the MADM and RespirAct product lines.
• Design, implement, and maintain embedded firmware and software for microcontroller-based systems.
• Generate clear, accurate documentation for embedded designs in compliance with the quality system and applicable standards.
• Collaborate closely with electronics designers on hardware design and hardware/firmware integration.
• Work with manufacturing specialists and electronics designers to support and sustain hardware throughout the product lifecycle.
• Partner with test engineering teams on verification activities, including planning and executing safety and performance testing to satisfy relevant standards (e.g., IEC standards).
• Maintain and update existing embedded designs to ensure they conform to current state-of-the-art technologies and standards.
• Design and develop prototypes for future products, including proof-of-concept embedded systems and hardware platforms.
• Prepare engineering change requests and change orders to support product improvements and regulatory compliance.
• Participate actively in design reviews, providing technical input and ensuring design robustness, reliability, and testability.
• Support production and service teams by troubleshooting and resolving technical issues encountered in manufacturing, testing, and field use.
• Establish and maintain effective testing setups and test benches for embedded systems and hardware verification.
• Interface with partners, suppliers, and subcontractors to address and resolve technical issues related to embedded systems, hardware, and firmware.
• Provide technical leadership, guidance, and mentorship to junior team members, including co-op students.
• Incorporate quality considerations into all aspects of work and consistently follow established procedures and norms.
• Use revision control systems to manage firmware, software, and design artifacts, ensuring traceability and configuration control.
• Apply robust debugging techniques for embedded systems using soldering and common electronics tools such as logic analyzers, microcontroller debuggers, and oscilloscopes.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of development processes, test methods, and design practices.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support team and organizational objectives.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related field.
• 8–10 years of practical experience working in a regulated industry, with medical device experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in embedded system design, including firmware development, circuit design, schematic capture, and PCB design.
• Proficiency with ECAD tools for PCB design, such as Altium Designer.
• Strong microcontroller embedded software development experience in C and C++.
• Hands-on experience with debugging embedded systems using soldering and common electronics tools, including logic analyzers, microcontroller debuggers, and oscilloscopes.
• Familiarity with sensors and serial communication protocols commonly used in embedded systems, such as I2C, SPI, and UART.
• Proficiency with revision control systems, for example Git or GitLab.
• Aptitude for programming with a focus on reliability, robustness, and testability.
• Strong understanding of complex integrated electromechanical systems and embedded software interactions.
• Knowledge of relevant standards such as IEC, ISO, and IEC standards applicable to safety and performance of medical or regulated devices.
• Excellent problem-solving, troubleshooting, and debugging skills for hardware and firmware issues.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with a demonstrated ability to create maintainable, well-structured designs.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a cross-functional team.
• Demonstrated ability to build strong working relationships and collaborate with colleagues across engineering, manufacturing, test, and service functions.
• Proven drive to consistently achieve results, even under challenging circumstances, and to meet commitments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access.
• Development expertise with Microchip dsPIC and PIC32 microcontrollers.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in the medical device industry or other highly regulated environments.
• Experience participating in or leading design reviews within a formal quality system.
• Experience establishing and maintaining test benches and automated test setups for embedded systems.
• Exposure to safety and performance testing for compliance with IEC and related standards.
• Comfort interfacing with external partners, suppliers, and subcontractors to resolve technical issues.
• Experience mentoring junior engineers or co-op students and providing technical leadership within a team.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities while maintaining high quality standards.
• Motivated self-starter with a creative mindset and a strong sense of ownership.
• Interest in contributing to products that support emergency healthcare providers, humanitarian organizations, and military medical teams worldwide.
• Alignment with a culture that values courage, collaboration, precision, and a mission-driven focus on saving lives.

Work Environment

This role follows a hybrid work schedule, typically requiring three days per week in the office with the option to work up to two days from home, depending on project needs and hardware access requirements. Onsite presence is expected when hands-on work with hardware, test equipment, or prototypes is necessary. The position is based in an office environment, collaborating closely with cross-functional engineering, manufacturing, and test teams. Business casual dress code applies in the office. Some travel may be required to visit customer sites for technical support, testing, or collaboration. The work involves regular use of embedded development tools, ECAD software such as Altium Designer, revision control platforms like Git or GitLab, and electronic test equipment including logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, and microcontroller debuggers. Team members contribute to medical technologies deployed globally, including in challenging environments such as war zones, within a culture that emphasizes collaboration, precision, and a shared mission to enable life-saving solutions.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Toronto, ON.

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $60.00/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.

This is a hybrid position in Toronto,ON.

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