Senior Systems Architect/Embedded Firmware Lead
IT
Ottawa, ON, Canada
CAD 120k-160k / year
About Calian
At Calian, we help organizations overcome obstacles, manage risks, and drive progress. Since 1982, we’ve grown from a small consulting firm into a trusted global company across defence, space, health, nuclear energy, public safety, and government.
We create innovative solutions that tackle complex challenges and help organizations and communities stay resilient, informed, and connected. If you’re driven by purpose and energized by solving real-world challenges, we want you on our team.
Ottawa, ON | On-site
Position Overview
We are looking for an enthusiastic and self-motivated embedded code developer and system architect to join our embedded design team in Ottawa. This candidate will have the primary task of guiding embedded system projects though architecture planning and resource allocation. The candidate must also be adept with the embedded C coding environment and lead the resolution of complex challenges within the various programs. This will be an active role which will require innovation and close attention to detail. The candidate will have the opportunity to acquire new skills while engaging in core product application design. A candidate with electronic hardware design understanding would be a significant asset.
Using a variety of software development tools suites, the candidate will be expected to architect and develop new capabilities on embedded system platforms. The candidate will also need to mentor and assign tasks to the developer team as well as support overall product test systems and customer configuration tool suites.
Responsibilities
System Architecture & Embedded Development
- Lead the architecture, design, and development of complex embedded systems and firmware solutions from concept through product release.
- Define system-level requirements, architecture frameworks, and technical roadmaps for multiple product programs.
- Establish hardware/software partitioning strategies and overall system design approaches to ensure performance, reliability, and scalability.
- Review and approve technical designs, architecture decisions, and code implementation strategies.
- Evaluate emerging technologies, tools, and methodologies to improve product capability and development efficiency.
Customer & Business Engagement
- Act as the primary technical interface with customers, partners, suppliers, and key stakeholders.
- Lead technical discussions, architecture workshops, design reviews, and customer demonstrations.
- Support business development activities through technical proposals, solution development, cost estimation, and technology strategy.
- Provide technical leadership during proposal development and contribute to strategic growth initiatives.
- Translate complex customer requirements into practical and scalable system solutions.
Technical Leadership & Mentorship
- Serve as the principal technical authority for embedded systems and firmware development activities.
- Provide technical leadership and guidance to systems engineers, hardware designers, firmware developers, and software engineers.
- Mentor senior engineers and technical leads, fostering growth in architecture, systems thinking, and engineering best practices.
- Support recruitment, technical assessments, career development, and succession planning for engineering staff.
- Foster a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, collaboration, and engineering excellence.
Qualifications
- Expert with Embedded C code development and coding practices.
- Proficient with embedded software development tools.
- ie: Microchip MPLab and Atmel Studio
- Development experience with FreeRTOS or similar.
- Ability to read electronic schematics and component data sheets.
- Experience with JavaScript/PYTHON applications considered an asset.
- Experience with Embedded Linux (Yocto) considered an asset.
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Able to Sense the importance/impact of issues and takes appropriate actions
- Able to self-manage tasks and responsibilities of a team
- The ability to architect a project from start to finish.
- A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering or equivalent computer science
- 10+ years of software coding/design engineering experience
- 3+ years’ experience as a project architect and team lead
Compensation
$120,000 – $160,000
Vacancy
We have 1 available position(s).
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At Calian, we do not use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to screen or evaluate candidates. AI tools may support backend administrative tasks, but they do not influence hiring decisions. All evaluations and decisions are made by real people on our recruitment team and hiring managers. All applicants are reviewed and only those chosen for an interview will be contacted by our recruiting team.
How we hire
- Our hiring process is designed to help us get to know you and discover if you are the best fit for our team. It's also an opportunity for you to gauge if a role at Calian is the right fit for you.
Throughout the process, we’ll share details of the kind of work you’ll be doing, the projects you’ll be working on, the team you’ll be joining, and what it’s like working at Calian. Our biggest tip throughout the process is to just be your authentic self! - Our commitment to diverse, yet highly specialized solutions require many different skills and abilities. We look for the best talent that can contribute to Calian’s success as well as enhance our culture. We encourage you to apply to a role or join our talent community and sign up for job alerts that match your area of expertise and what you are looking for in your next opportunity.
During the recruiting process, you’re encouraged to notify us of any accommodations you may require. We’ll be happy to help.
- We give the same time and consideration to everyone who applies. Here are a few things you can do to ensure your application shines:
- Do your research on Calian, the department, and team you are looking to join
- Add a cover letter that explains why you are a good fit for this position
- Share a portfolio, personal websites, or links to your professional social media
- In your CV, highlight your key achievements - this is your time to brag
- Include dates! Share the timeline of your experience
- Stand out by tailoring your resume to each position you apply to
- Only apply to roles you’re genuinely interested in and that align to your experience
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- Be prepared! Do your research on Calian, the department, and team you are looking to join
- View the responsibilities for the role and find examples that demonstrate how you’ve completed these in your previous work experience
- Prepare a list of questions to ask us
- Dress business casual for your interview (virtual and in person)
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- We assess your skills and fit, you assess our fit for you
- We keep you updated and share expectations as we make progress in the recruiting cycle
- Feel free to reach out to your Talent Acquisition Specialist at any time during the hiring process
Perks and benefits
- Competitive, company-paid benefits
- Generous time off package
- Stock purchase plan
- RRSP program
- Flexible work hours for eligible roles
- Programs to support employee health and well-being