Senior Firmware Engineer (Quantifi Photonics, New Zealand)

Our Purpose

TERADYNE, where experience meets innovation and driving excellence in every connection. We are fueled by creativity and diversity of thought in our workforce. Our employees are supported to innovate and learn something new every day.

We cultivate a culture of inclusion for all employees that respects their individual strengths, views, and experiences. We believe that our differences enable us to be a better team – one that makes better decisions, drives innovation, and delivers better business results.

Opportunity Overview

As part of Teradyne, Quantifi Photonics is seeking an experienced Senior Firmware Engineer to lead the development of embedded platforms for advanced photonics test and measurement systems. This role combines deep expertise in firmware architecture with a strong understanding of high-speed optical and electronic instrumentation design. The successful candidate will drive innovation in embedded control, data acquisition, and precise instrument timing for next-generation photonics products.

In this role, you will:

• Lead the design and development of embedded systems for advanced photonics test and measurement instruments.
• Architect and implement firmware for photonics equipment including optical power meters, optical attenuators, spectrum analyzers, polarization controllers, and lasers.
• Collaborate closely with Hardware Engineering, Software, NPI, and Test Systems teams to align design solutions with product and customer requirements.
• Define and implement robust data acquisition pipelines (DACs/ADCs) and embedded signal processing solutions for high-speed photonics and I/O instrumentation.
• Analyse product performance and identify opportunities for design, calibration, and specification improvements to enhance reliability and user experience.
• Develop and oversee repeatable, well-documented calibration methods in collaboration with photonic, optoelectronic, and cross-functional engineering teams.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to firmware engineers, establishing best practices and driving continuous improvement.
• Document firmware architecture, design decisions, and API specifications, and work closely with software teams to ensure seamless driver and system integration.

All About You

We seek individuals who share our passion for innovation, engineering excellence, and customer success. If you are motivated by solving complex technical challenges and building high-impact instrumentation, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a difference.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• Substantial expertise in embedded systems development, with at least 5 years of experience in test and measurement or photonics instrumentation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a data-driven approach to engineering decisions.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across hardware, software, and manufacturing teams.
• Proven ability to take ownership of responsibilities and deliver high-quality outcomes with minimal supervision.

• Experience with calibration and validation of optical instruments.
• Familiarity with instrument control standards such as SCPI and VISA.
• Experience with FPGA development and integration, including HDL-based workflows.
• Proficiency with simulation tools, automation scripting, and product lifecycle management (PLM) tools.
• Collaborative mindset, with the ability to work efficiently across disciplines and propose new ideas and technical approaches.

• Strong sense of ownership and accountability, consistently delivering on commitments.
• Analytical, structured, and evidence-based in technical decision-making.
• Polite, respectful, and supportive in interactions with colleagues; acts as a mentor and technical leader within the team.

We are only considering candidates local to position location and are unable to provide relocation for this position. 

We are an equal-opportunity employer and value diversity at Teradyne. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Paid birthday off
• Great staff facilities (lunchroom outdoor flow and BBQ area)
• Walking distance from Constellation Bus Station
• Employee centric company

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