Firmware Engineer; Contractor Position

Position: Firmware Engineer (Contractor Position)
Overview  About Misty West
Misty West is a hardware engineering consultancy that exists to create novel technologies that enable a healthier planet and bring prosperity to all humankind, with a focus primarily on hardware projects that advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
We are hiring a Firmware Engineer (Contractor) to support an embedded product build. You will help develop core firmware features, including device sensing, power management, connectivity, and reliable system reporting.
Responsibilities   Develop and maintain firmware for connected embedded devices, coordinating across multiple boards or modules as needed
Implement reliable sensor handling and event-driven state logic
Support wireless connectivity features, including provisioning/setup workflows and basic network health reporting
Ensure secure communications and define retry, buffering, and recovery behaviors when connectivity is unavailable
Deliver periodic device state reporting and time-sensitive event notifications aligned to service targets
Optimize low-power operation through effective sleep/wake strategies and battery-aware behaviors
Partner with hardware, mechanical, and software/cloud teams to support integration, troubleshooting, and validation
Create and execute test plans for key functional and integration scenarios
Produce clear documentation, including firmware design notes, configuration details, and test evidence for acceptance readiness
Qualifications   5+ years of embedded firmware experience
Strong C/C++ experience for microcontrollers and/or embedded systems

Experience with low-power, battery-operated products and power budgeting
Hands-on experience with: GPIO, ADC, interrupts, timers, debouncing
Experience implementing secure connectivity:
Wi-Fi provisioning patterns (AP mode, captive portal, BLE assist, or similar)
Strong software practices:
Git, code reviews, clean architecture, testable firmware patterns
Nice-to-Have   RTOS experience (FreeRTOS or similar)

Experience with Wi-Fi positioning or location inference workflows
Familiarity with regulatory-minded development (FCC/UL), and privacy/security standards
Experience bringing products through integration testing and production readiness
Python scripting for test automation or tooling
Benefits   Highly flexible: negotiate your own rates, hours and work location.
Hardware & Software Access:
Misty West can provide equipment and software support where needed
Try us out! Find out if Misty West would be a good permanent employer for your needs and career direction
Amazing Community: plug into a great local and global community of engineers and product design enthusiasts for events, projects, potential work & personal development.

How to Apply

If you would like to be considered for contract work, please apply with your resume and provide a link to previous work (where applicable). Be sure to include your availability for the next 2-4 weeks so we know if you re keen to take on new work!
Disclaimer
Please note that if selected, you will be working as an ‘Independent Contractor’ and not as an employee  have previously hired from our contractor pool, so this is a great way to get your proverbial "foot in the door" when it comes to securing a permanent gig as a Westie!
Requirements will vary depending on the specific project you are being hired for. Some projects require your physical presence in our Vancouver office and lab a few days a week/month - some are 100% remote enabled.

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