Legacy Firmware Engineer

Alcohol Countermeasure Systems (ACS) is an established Canadian safety technology manufacturer based in Toronto with global operations. We have spent 50 years turning breathalyzer science into a global mission: stopping impaired driving before it costs a life. From ignition interlocks and personal breathalyzers to drug-screening tech like DrugWipe®. ACS provides governments, employers, and everyday drivers with tools trusted on roads around the world. We engineer the most accurate alcohol-sensing technology on the market. ACS isn't just building devices — it's building safer roads, one breath test at a time.

Job Summary

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Legacy Firmware Engineer to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for working closely with the Engineering Group on the design, development, testing, documentation, and maintenance of firmware for embedded devices built on the 16-bit architectures. The ideal candidate has an expert in low-level 16-bit assembly languages who can sustain existing legacy code, optimize memory-constrained systems, and develop highly efficient firmware. The role will also support the Product Development Manager with project management activities, hardware bring-up, and manufacturing support.

Responsibilities

• Proven experience in embedded systems development with a focus on legacy firmware projects.
• Strong proficiency in programming languages including C, C++, Java, Python, C#, and Ruby on Rails.
• Hands-on experience with software development tools such as Git, SVN, Azure DevOps, and Jenkins.
• Familiarity with web development frameworks, REST APIs, SQL databases like MySQL and SQL Server, and application development best practices.
• Knowledge of cloud platforms such as AWS and Azure for firmware management and deployment.
• Experience working within Agile methodologies to deliver iterative improvements efficiently.
• Solid understanding of Linux-based environments along with scripting skills for automation tasks.
• Utilize, maintain, and structure embedded assembly software projects on GitLab/GitHub, including managing repositories, branching strategies, and merging workflows.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or higher degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent
• 3+ years of professional work experience developing, debugging, and maintaining bare-metal embedded firmware using 16-bit architecture-specific assembly languages.
• Strong background sustaining legacy codebases on resource-constrained 16-bit MCUs.
• Strong diagnostic and troubleshooting skills for tracking down complex low-level bugs, with the patience to navigate legacy architectures using BDM (Background Debug Mode) debuggers, oscilloscopes, and other electronic lab equipment.
• Good understanding of electronic circuit design to read schematics, cross-reference component datasheets, and provide meaningful feedback during the product design stage.
• Deep experience configuring MCU peripherals at the register level, including Timers, SCI/UART, SPI, and A2D converters.
• Good familiarity using Git and GitHub/GitLab, including best practices (e.g., managing branches, resolving merge conflicts, and maintaining meaningful commit structures for assembly files).
• Proficient with Microsoft Excel, Word, and specialized legacy toolchains (such as NXP CodeWarrior Classic).
• Excellent English language and technical writing skills.
• Familiarity developing, debugging, and maintaining embedded code using Freescale/NXP MC9S12 or HC12 Assembly language.
• Experience or familiarity with CAN and LIN communication protocol stacks implemented in assembly environments.
• Proficiency with toolchain utility scripts (e.g., using batch files, shell scripts, or manual build tools to link assembly objects).

Join us if you’re eager to leverage your expertise in firmware engineering while working on impactful projects.

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company events
• Dental care
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• RRSP match
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision care
• Wellness program

Work Location: In person