Firmware Developer

Northern Digital - Canada
103 Randall Drive
Waterloo, ON , CAN

Compensation Range
: $70,000.00 – $80,000.00 per year

AT NDI, THE WORK YOU DO HERE MAKES A DIFFERENCE.

Every day, we help shape the future of healthcare.

We design and build 3D tracking systems that equip medical devices with advanced spatial navigation technology, delivering greater accuracy, performance, and confidence in procedures where precision is critical. Since 1981, we’ve partnered with leading OEMs and research institutes to push the boundaries of surgical navigation. Our optical and electromagnetic technologies are trusted in procedures ranging from orthopaedics and spine surgery to cardiac interventions and radiation therapy.

Whether you're designing systems, supporting customers, or enabling the teams behind them, your work matters. It brings clarity to healthcare and helps improve outcomes for patients around the world.

We’re looking for a Firmware Developer to join our R&D team and help build the embedded software behind our next-generation optical tracking and measurement systems — used in applications ranging from neurosurgery to robotics.

You’ll collaborate with hardware and systems engineers to design, integrate, and optimize real-time firmware, drivers, and high-speed processing algorithms. If you’re curious, hands-on, and love solving complex technical challenges while learning fast, this role is for you.

• Design and development of real-time embedded control firmware, processing algorithms, drivers and protocols that power NDI’s advanced measurement systems.
• Integrate firmware with FPGAs and target hardware, contributing to the overall embedded software architecture and design.
• Work closely with System Architecture, Hardware Development, Design Verification and other teams across R&D and Manufacturing.
• Actively collaborate in the translation of concepts and product requirements into designs.

• Bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field, with early-career experience gained through internships, co-op placements, academic projects, or entry-level industry roles
• Experience in C/C++, object-oriented design and developing multi-threaded applications.
• Hands-on experience with tools such as oscilloscopes and logic analyzers.
• Familiar with network device development and TCP/IP network protocols.
• Knowledge of secure firmware technologies, including secure boot, encryption, authentication mechanisms, and secure communication protocols.
• Development experience with RTOS packages and/or embedded Linux.
• Understanding of I2C and SPI, as well as DMA and high-speed data acquisition.

• Familiarity with Python, Java, test automation, and shell scripting.
• Experience with Xilinx SoC product families.
• Knowledge of medical device development standards and procedures.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.

• Competitive pay with a 4% RRSP match to help you plan for the future.
• A comprehensive benefits package that supports your health and well-being.
• Company-wide bonus program and regular salary reviews.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan offering discounted company shares to help you invest in and benefit from our growth.
• A 37.5-hour work week with a hybrid work model available where responsibilities allow.
• Receive 15 vacation days starting on day one, plus a paid holiday shutdown in December to recharge before the New Year!
• A calendar full of employee social events and engagement activities to keep us connected.
• Professional and personal development support designed to foster your continuous growth and career advancement.
• Work where your contributions are valued — as a multi-year winner of Waterloo Region’s Top Employers and the 2025 Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year, we’re recognized for putting people first and fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence.
• Part of a growing global company with offices in Waterloo, Vermont, Germany, and Hong Kong.
• Conveniently located near GRT and ION transit stops, with free on-site parking available.

If you’re looking…