NeverHard

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