Firmware Engineer 1

Role Overview

As a Firmware Engineer at MDI, you will support the development and maintenance of embedded firmware for our access control controller platforms — including both legacy systems and next-generation Linux-based architectures. This role is ideal for an early-career engineer who wants hands-on experience with real embedded hardware, mentorship from senior engineers, and exposure to the full embedded product lifecycle. You'll contribute to new features, hardware bring-up, debugging, and field issue resolution.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain firmware for MDI access control controllers, supporting legacy and next-generation platforms
• Write and modify firmware code primarily in C/C++ under guidance from senior engineers
• Develop and test peripheral drivers and communication interfaces (UART, I²C, SPI, RS-485, TCP/IP)
• Interface firmware with readers, relays, alarm inputs, and network communication subsystems
• Support hardware bring-up, validation, and real-time controller behavior testing on live hardware
• Debug firmware issues using serial terminal tools, debuggers, and basic lab equipment
• Assist with modernization of MDI controller architecture and embedded Linux environments
• Collaborate with engineering and support teams to diagnose and resolve field issues
• Participate in code reviews and design discussions
• Document firmware behavior, changes, and known limitations

You will gain hands-on experience with:

• Mon Dyn access control controller platforms (legacy and next-generation Linux-based systems)
• Embedded toolchains and cross-compilation environments
• JTAG/SWD debuggers and lab instruments
• Serial terminal and debugging tools
• Linux command-line development environments
• Version control, issue tracking, and documentation platforms

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree (or in progress) in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field — or equivalent hands-on experience
• Foundational knowledge of embedded systems and microcontrollers
• Programming experience in C or C++ from coursework, projects, or internships
• Ability to read schematics, hardware block diagrams, and embedded hardware documentation
• Familiarity with version control systems (e.g., Git)
• Willingness to learn cross-compilation toolchains, debugging tools, and embedded development workflows

Nice-to-Have

• Internship, co-op, or academic project experience in embedded or firmware development
• Exposure to embedded Linux environments and Linux command-line tools
• Familiarity with real-time concepts: RTOS, interrupts, timers, real-time controller behavior
• Experience with communication interfaces: UART, I²C, SPI, CAN, RS-485, TCP/IP, USB
• Familiarity with serial terminal tools (Tera Term, ProComm, or equivalent)
• Experience with networking protocols: SSL, cURL, FTP/SCP
• Experience in a lab environment working with hardware prototypes
• Exposure to access control, physical security systems, or embedded controller products
• Interest in bootloaders, secure firmware, or OTA update mechanisms

Benefits

• Competitive entry-level compensation
• Health, retirement, and paid time-off benefits
• Support for professional development, training, and continued learning
• Collaborative, engineering-focused team environment

About Monitor Dynamics

Monitor Dynamics, Inc. (MDI) designs and manufactures hardware-enabled access control and physical security products. Our systems are deployed in demanding real-world environments where long-term reliability is non-negotiable. Our teams work across firmware, hardware, software, and operations to bring products from concept to production. We're a growing company that values ownership, collaboration, and the craft of building things that work in the field for years to come.