Engineer II, Embedded Systems Design & Integration
Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
Full-time
Onsite
Entry, Mid Level
Thermo Fisher Scientific is a global leader in serving science, and they are seeking a motivated Firmware Engineer to join their engineering team. This role focuses on the development, testing, and maintenance of embedded software for cutting-edge analytical instrumentation in the spectroscopy field.
Perform all phases of embedded software development, including design, implementation, testing, integration, and maintenance for scientific instruments
Develop reliable firmware in C for ARM microprocessors and TI DSPs used in FTIR, Raman, and microscopy instruments
Design and implement programmable logic using VHDL for FPGAs and CPLDs
Develop manufacturing and support utilities using C#/.NET
Ensure timely delivery of high-quality products by working closely with project teams, SQA, and cross-functional engineering groups
Participate in design and architecture reviews
Develop and maintain technical documentation, including specifications, test plans, and user documentation
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field
Approximately 2–4 years of hands-on experience in embedded software or firmware development
Strong programming skills in C; experience with C++ is a plus
Experience developing embedded software across the full lifecycle, including design, implementation, testing, integration, and maintenance
Proficiency working with microcontrollers and embedded systems, including ARM-based processors and/or DSPs
Strong understanding of low-level embedded concepts (e.g., interrupts, DMA, memory management) and ability to interpret hardware schematics
Familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS) and/or bare-metal embedded systems
Knowledge of common communication interfaces such as SPI, I2C, UART, Ethernet, and USB
Experience with debugging tools such as JTAG debuggers, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and protocol analyzers
Familiarity with version control systems (e.g., Git) and modern development workflows (e.g., CI/CD)
Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including hardware, systems, and quality engineering
Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to debug complex system-level issues
Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to contribute to technical documentation and design reviews
Ability to manage individual tasks with moderate guidance while contributing to team deliverables
Willingness to learn new technologies and take on evolving technical challenges
Preferred
Experience developing firmware for scientific or instrumentation-based systems
Experience with programmable logic design (e.g., VHDL for FPGAs or CPLDs); experience debugging FPGA-based implementations is a plus
Exposure to embedded Linux or higher-level system integration is a plus
Experience developing utilities or applications using C#/.NET is a plus
Understanding of low-level system components such as bootloaders, device drivers, and power management is desirable
Ability to contribute to embedded software architecture and communication protocol design
Experience with data acquisition, signal processing, or motor control systems is a plus
Exposure to AI/ML tools used to support embedded systems development (e.g., code generation, debugging, test automation, or data analysis)
Awareness of how AI/ML techniques may be applied to instrument data processing, signal analysis, or system optimization
Experience working in regulated development environments (e.g., medical devices, automotive, aerospace) is a plus
Benefits
Thermo Fisher Scientific is a biotechnology and laboratory equipment company that provides a wide range of scientific products and services.
