Sr. Firmware Engineer

Key Responsibilities

• Define and own the firmware architecture for MWD/LWD tools — including high-speed mud pulse telemetry — from system requirements through implementation, qualification, and field release.
• Design and optimize high-speed mud pulse telemetry schemes, including pulser generation and control, modulation/encoding, power-efficiency optimization, and surface decoding algorithms.
• Develop, test, and debug embedded firmware in C/C++ for microcontroller, microprocessor, or DSP-based downhole measurement and telemetry systems. Architect firmware-to-hardware and firmware-to-sensor interfaces, defining data flow, timing, synchronization, and communication protocols across subsystems.
• Develop signal-processing and noise-mitigation algorithms for telemetry, vibration, and sensor data in harsh, high-noise downhole environments.
• Take a system-level view across firmware, electronics, mechanical, and surface software to ensure end-to-end tool performance, data integrity, and reliability. Work closely with electronics, mechanical, test, operations, and field teams to improve tool reliability and field performance.
• Lead firmware integration, troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, performance optimization, verification, qualification, and reliability testing of embedded telemetry systems, including hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and environmental testing
• Support field deployment and product sustainment by investigating and resolving firmware, telemetry, sensor, and electronics issues to ensure reliable system performance.
• Establish firmware development standards, coding practices, version control, and design documentation for the downhole engineering team.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to less experienced firmware and electronics engineers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Embedded Systems, or a related discipline; Master’s degree or above is preferred.
• 8+ years of embedded firmware development experience, with demonstrated experience at a lead or principal level.
• Direct, hands-on experience developing high-speed mud pulse telemetry (MWD) systems and other MWD/LWD products.
• Strong system and architecture perspective, with a proven ability to define firmware architecture and interfaces spanning firmware, electronics, sensors, and surface software. Familiar with various electronic communication Bus systems and implementations.
• Expert-level embedded firmware development in C/C++ for MCU, MPU, or DSP-based real-time systems.
• Solid understanding of hardware-software integration, including sensor interfaces, communication interfaces, and timing/synchronization.
• Proficiency with laboratory and debug tools such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, emulators/debuggers, and automated or HIL test methods.
• Strong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis capability for mixed firmware/hardware systems.

Preferred Experience

Work Environment

Physical Demands

Travel

Supervisory Responsibility

• This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities; however, it serves as a technical lead, mentor, and point of contact for less-experienced engineers.
• CNPC USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered regardless of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, religion, disability, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.
• Disclaimer: The job description is not intended to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.