Motor Control Firmware Engineer

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Date: Aug 14, 2025

Location: Rochester Hills, MI, US, 48309

Company: Gates Corporation

Are you inspired by challenging the status quo? Do you thrive in collaborative environments that drive results? If so, Gates could be for you.

 

Gates is a leading manufacturer of application-specific fluid power and power transmission solutions. We push the boundaries of material science to engineer solutions that continually exceed customer expectations.

 

Let's simplify it, think belts and hoses. Found in motorcycles, conveyor belts, cars, tractors, blenders, vacuum cleaners, bicycles, & 3D printers just to name a few. Because why not do it all?

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

We are looking for a talented and driven Embedded Firmware Engineer with approximately 5 years of experience to join our mechatronics development team. This role focuses on the design and implementation of real-time embedded firmware for advanced motor control systems, with a strong emphasis on Field-Oriented Control (FOC) techniques. The ideal candidate will have a solid background in embedded systems, motor control algorithms, and communication protocols such as CANbus. This position reports to Gates Technical Director for New Technology Innovation and is responsible for developing, testing and supporting software for e-bike centric devices.

 

Key Responsibilities:

  • Develop and optimize embedded firmware for electric motor control using FOC techniques.
  • Implement real-time control algorithms on microcontrollers or DSPs for PMSM motors.
  • Integrate and validate CANbus communication protocols for system-level interaction.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including hardware, mechanical, and systems engineers to ensure seamless integration of firmware into mechatronic systems.
  • Conduct unit testing, debugging, and performance tuning of embedded code.
  • Support system bring-up, validation, and troubleshooting in lab and field environments
  • Contribute to firmware documentation and participate in code reviews.

 

Other: 

  • Office hours are normal.
  • Travel to supplier facilities and plant and global facilities is required on an as needed basis. 

 

Requirements and Preferred Skills

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
  • 5+ years of experience in embedded firmware development.
  • Strong proficiency in C and real-time embedded programming.
  • Hands-on experience with FOC motor control algorithms and implementation.
  • Familiarity with CANbus communication and related tools (e.g., CANalyzer, CANoe).
  • Experience with microcontroller platforms (e.g., STM32, TI C2000, NXP).
  • Solid understanding of control theory, signal processing, and power electronics.

 

 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with RTOS-based development.
  • Exposure to IoT protocols and wireless communication (BLE, Wi-Fi, MQTT).
  • Familiarity with safety-critical development practices (e.g., ISO 26262).
  • Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git) and Agile development.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Passionate, persuasive, articulate cloud professional capable of quickly establishing interest and credibility in how to design, deploy and operate motor controls. Strong written, verbal, and chalk board skills
  • Experience in enterprise applications, solutions, and data center infrastructures
  • Ability to work with team members from around the globe/experience working with off-shore models
  • Strong service attitude and a commitment to quality

Pay & Benefits

  • Full-Time
  • Bonus Eligible
  • Relocation is not provided
  • Medical, Dental, Vision insurance and other voluntary benefit options: benefits begin on the first day of the month immediately following your date of hire
  • Eligible for 3weeks of paid vacation + 11 holidays (9 scheduled & 2 floating) + 8 sick days. All vacation days are accrued
  • 401(k): 3% company contribution and additional 3% company match
  • Tuition Reimbursement

 

 

Why Gates?

 

Founded in 1911 in Denver, Colorado, Gates is publicly traded on the NYSE. While we might operate in a vast amount of time zones we operate as 'One Gates' and have a common goal of pushing the boundaries of materials science. We invest in our people, bringing real-world experience that enables us to solve our customers' diverse challenges of today and anticipate those of tomorrow.

 

Work Environment 

 

Gates is an Equal Opportunity and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of race, sex, color, religion, age, disability, pregnancy, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any other consideration defined by law.

 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands and fingers to work with objects, tools, or controls; and use office equipment including computers, telephones, and/or copiers/scanners. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.  

 

For individuals assigned and/or hired to work in Colorado, Gates is required by law to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. This compensation range is specific to the State of Colorado and takes into account various factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to the candidate's relevant experience, qualifications, skills, competencies, and proficiency for the role.


Nearest Major Market: Detroit