Principal Firmware Engineer

Position: Lead Firmware Developer Surgical Robotic Systems Company: Meril Life Science Location: Chennai, TN, India Department: Medical Robotics R&D Embedded Systems Product Development Reports To: GM (HOD) Experience: 7-12 years Job Type: Full-Time Skills with Strong Experience: Firmware, C++, EtherCAT, Microcontrollers, Motors, Encoders Notice Period: 30 Days Working Days: Mon - Sat Position Overview Meril Life Science is looking for an innovative and detail-oriented Firmware Developer to join our cutting-edge team developing precision-controlled surgical robotic systems. This role involves working closely with hardware, control systems, and software teams to develop embedded firmware for safety-critical medical devices compliant with IEC 62304, IEC 60601, and ISO 14971 standards. As a key member of the R&D team, you will develop firmware for motor control, sensor integration, safety subsystems, communication protocols, and real-time control loops in robotic applications. Key Responsibilities Firmware Development: - Develop and maintain embedded firmware for microcontrollers (ARM Cortex-M, STM32, etc.) used in robotic actuators, encoders, and sensors. - Implement real-time control loops (PID, torque control, trajectory following) for robotic arms and haptic feedback mechanisms. - Write low-level drivers (SPI, I2C, UART, ADC, PWM, CAN, EtherCAT). System Integration & Debugging: - Interface with FPGA, motor drivers, absolute and incremental encoders, and force sensors. - Perform in-system debugging using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and JTAG/SWD tools. - Collaborate with hardware teams to bring up custom PCBs and validate communication and control blocks. Safety & Compliance: - Develop safety-related software features (watchdogs, diagnostics, error handling) per IEC 62304 Class B/C. - Support risk management documentation and design traceability to comply with ISO 14971. - Work with QA teams on firmware verification, validation, and unit testing. Collaboration & Documentation: - Participate in design reviews, code walkthroughs, and system-level integration testing. - Contribute to firmware architecture documents, flowcharts, and interface specifications. - Use version control (Git) and task tracking tools (JIRA, GitLab, etc.). Required Qualifications - Bachelors or Masters degree in Electronics, Embedded Systems, Computer Engineering, or related field. - 7+ years of experience in embedded firmware development (preferably for medical, robotics, or automotive domains). - Proficient in C/C++, RTOS-based development, and peripheral driver development. - Hands-on experience with motor control, encoder interfaces, and real-time sensor data acquisition. - Familiarity with safety-critical development processes (IEC 62304, ISO 13485, IEC 60601-1). Preferred Skills - Experience with STM32, TI C2000, or NXP microcontroller families. - Exposure to EtherCAT, CANopen, or RS485 communication protocols. - Familiarity with MATLAB/Simulink, model-based design, or control tuning. - Knowledge of unit testing, static code analysis, and code coverage tools. - Experience with motor types like BLDC, stepper, brushed DC, and high-resolution encoders (BiSS-C, SSI). Soft Skills & Traits - Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail. - Passion for innovation in surgical robotics and medical devices. - Good communication and documentation skills. - Team player with a proactive and self-driven attitude. What We Offer - Opportunity to work on life-saving medical robotic technologies. - A collaborative and innovation-driven work environment. - Career growth through cross-disciplinary learning and training in medical safety and compliance. - The chance to make a real impact in the healthcare space. .