Embedded Firmware Developer/Electrical Engineer

 

What we offer is a job where you will get to work with and create systems that are state-of-the-art.  Our challenge is that we build electronics for high-temperature and high-shock and vibration environments.  Given that, we must use sensors (typically accelerometers, magnetometers, and gyroscopes) that will survive in those environments and then be able to use their output to determine their real-time position with extreme accuracy and low latency. There are also elements of user experience, ease of assembly, and ultimate reliability to consider which make this a challenging and exciting role. You job will be to perform design work on an extreme temperature upgrade to the technology and to work on the development of some new auto-steering concepts.

 Some of the elements of experience that we are looking for are:

 Practical control systems theory and application in high-speed mechatronic systems, built on a foundation of:

  • Digital signal processing theory and practical application on embedded control firmware design. 

  • Experience developing on small highly constrained real-time platforms. 

  • Hardware design skills are highly beneficial, but optional.

  • Rapid development/test cycle experience.

  • Operator/user interface design and evaluation.

 

Some of the responsibilities for the role include:

  •  Understanding and evaluation of the minutiae of the control/signal processing chain for ensuring optimal performance of the core navigation functions of the tool, based on log test data and test conditions.  If anything goes weird or wrong in any test situation, you need to be somebody who will ensure not only that the cause is tracked down, but that the test was designed and recorded in a way that such an analysis is even possible.

  • The ability to work closely with the hardware designer to make sure the fundamental requirements are met and understand the limitations of the platform.

  • Organization of the code base to track different branches for different applications or porting to different hardware.

  • Documentation and communications at all phases and levels of the development process.

 

Within the first 90 days of starting with us you can expect to be doing the following:

  • Gaining familiarity with an existing C# code base containing:

    • Brushless DC motor control (velocity and position control loops)

    • Orientation determination using high frequency accelerometer and magnetometer data

    • Roll angle determination using rolling magnetometer and accelerometer sensors at up to 400 RPM

  • Bug fixes in existing RTOS code

  • Hardware design for simple surface test apparatus

  • QC hardware design for downhole tools by consultant designer

  • Designing and performing temperature and vibration tests on electronic circuits

  • Aggregating and analyzing logged data from field runs to quantify performance and help determine failure modes

  • Forensic analysis of failed electronic circuits to determine root cause of failure

  • Managing the production of electronic circuits from contract manufacturers and assisting with QC procedures

  • With familiarity of existing code base:

    • Improving existing positional determination algorithms

    • Improving or re-writing BLDC motor control

    • Adjusting or re-writing RTOS program for better user experience

We offer a true start-up experience, where quick results matter and there is a strong emphasis on innovation.  You will get to experience all aspects of the company, from customer interaction to field testing and even to company strategy.  You may be a recent graduate who has proven high marks in control systems and signal processing theory courses with experience developing on embedded systems and a thirst for tackling this challenge, finding, and solving all the flaws.  Or, you may already have a lot of experience with embedded systems sensors and control software who just needs to learn the essentials of the theory and application as it applies to our system. 

Either way, if you are willing to bring your energy and passion to work for us we have a place for you to contribute to something big.  Please apply with some type of letter that describes one of the most interesting or challenging projects that you’ve taken on so far and how you would like to apply that experience to your next job.  The compensation will range from $120,000 upwards depending on previous experience.

 If this appeals to you and you reside in the Calgary Alberta Area, please apply with a resume and cover letter describing why this position is the one for you to dcramer@sparrowtech.ca. Thanks and we look forward to hearing from you!