Embedded Developer at Role Overview Sera4 — NeverHard
Embedded Developer at Role Overview Sera4 in Waterloo, Waterloo region. Apply on NeverHard.
Company
Role Overview Sera4
Location
Waterloo, Waterloo region
Type
full_time
Role Overview
Sera4 is seeking a Embedded Developer to design and deliver reliable security-focused embedded systems spanning firmware, hardware, and supporting internal tools. This role focuses on developing production-grade embedded solutions from concept through validation and release while ensuring quality, performance, and manufacturability.
You will work closely with mobile, cloud, test, and product teams to ensure seamless system integration and dependable product performance in real-world deployments.
This position is ideal for someone who enjoys solving complex system problems, bridging hardware and software, and delivering robust products that operate reliably in the field.
Key Responsibilities
Embedded Software Development
Design, implement, test, and maintain high-quality embedded firmware and internal tools.
Responsibilities include:
Developing production firmware in C and Python
Implementing and debugging embedded systems running RTOS environments (Zephyr preferred)
Designing maintainable software architectures and documenting system behaviour
Debugging firmware using tools such as GDB, console logging, oscilloscopes, and multimeters
Implementing communication stacks and device integration
Embedded Hardware Development
Design and validate embedded hardware platforms that meet quality, reliability, and cost targets.
Responsibilities include:
Designing and reviewing digital and analog circuits
Reading, reviewing, and creating schematics and PCB layouts using tools such as Altium
Ensuring hardware designs are production-ready and manufacturable
Validating prototypes and supporting transition to mass production
Collaborating with mechanical and manufacturing teams where required
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with internal teams to ensure system integration and product success.
Responsibilities include:
Collaborating with mobile, cloud, test, and support teams
Participating in system architecture planning
Communicating technical designs using diagrams such as:
Use case diagrams
Activity diagrams
Sequence diagrams
Block and class diagrams
Technical Support & Root Cause Analysis
Provide technical guidance and assist in diagnosing complex product issues.
Responsibilities include:
Supporting internal teams with Tier-2 technical analysis
Investigating system failures across hardware, firmware, and network layers
Performing structured root cause analysis
Implementing corrective actions to improve product reliability
Quality, Performance & Compliance
Ensure designs meet reliability, regulatory, and certification requirements.
Responsibilities include:
Following engineering best practices for design, validation, and testing
Implementing automated testing strategies
Ensuring products meet global safety and regulatory standards
Required Technical Skills
Embedded Software
Strong experience developing embedded software in C
Experience using Python for tooling, automation, or test frameworks
Experience with development tools such as:
Make / CMake
GCC / G++
Static code analysis tools
SDKs from MCU manufacturers
Familiarity with RTOS development (Zephyr preferred)
Debugging & Diagnostics
Experience debugging embedded systems using:
Console logs
GDB or equivalent debuggers
Oscilloscopes and multimeters
Strong troubleshooting skills for hardware and system-level issues
Communication Protocols
Experience with one or more of the following:
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Cellular (4G, LTE, LTE-M, 5G)
TCP / UDP, HTTP / HTTPS, DNS / DHCP
UART, I2C
USB
Development & DevOps Tooling
Experience working with modern development environments including:
Git-based version control (GitHub, Bitbucket)
CI/CD systems such as Jenkins
Issue tracking systems (Jira or equivalent)
Shell scripting
Docker / Podman
Embedded Testing
Experience with:
Unit testing
Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing
White-box and black-box functional testing
Automated test frameworks
Hardware & Electrical Experience
Candidates should demonstrate working knowledge of embedded electronics including:
Analog and digital circuits
Resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, and transistors
Ohm’s Law and Kirchhoff’s Laws
Voltage regulators
Linear (Zener, LDO)
Switching (buck, boost)
ADCs and DACs
High-side vs low-side switching
Experience with:
Reading and designing schematics
Creating or reviewing PCB layouts
Hardware validation and troubleshooting
Additional Preferred Experience
Linux system administration
Linux networking configuration
Hardware driver integration
Mechanical prototyping
3D printing
Experience working in Agile-Scrum or Waterfall development environments
Key Competencies
Successful candidates will demonstrate:
Technical Expertise
Deep experience in embedded firmware and hardware design.
Project Delivery
Ability to deliver high-quality engineering work within schedule and cost targets.
System Troubleshooting
Strong diagnostic and root-cause analysis capabilities across complex systems.
Continuous Improvement & Innovation
Drive improvements in engineering practices, tools, and product reliability.
What Success Looks Like
Within this role, success includes:
Delivering reliable embedded firmware and hardware designs
Rapidly diagnosing and resolving complex system issues
Contributing to production-ready hardware platforms
Improving engineering practices and development workflows
Supporting cross-team integration to ensure successful product deployments