Pacemaker Firmware Engineer – Minneapolis, MN

Are you passionate about developing life-saving technology that directly impacts patient health and quality of life? We are seeking a Pacemaker Firmware Engineer to join a world-class medical device team in Minneapolis, MN. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the design and development of cutting-edge pacemaker firmware, ensuring safety, reliability, and innovation in cardiac care. If you are driven by purpose and thrive in a collaborative, high-tech environment, we want to hear from you.

Develop Life-Changing Technology at the Heart of Innovation

A leading medical device manufacturer based in Minneapolis, MN is looking for a Pacemaker Firmware Engineer to join their growing R&D team. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with embedded systems, low-power firmware design, and medical device software development standards (IEC 62304). If you’re ready to play a critical role in advancing cardiac rhythm management technology, this is your chance to help shape the future of healthcare.

Key Responsibilities of the Pacemaker Firmware Engineer – Minneapolis, MN

Firmware Development & Integration:
Design, develop, test, and maintain embedded firmware for pacemaker devices, ensuring compliance with functional requirements, performance standards, and safety regulations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate firmware with hardware and system-level components.

Embedded Systems Engineering:
Work with real-time operating systems (RTOS) and microcontroller architectures to deliver low-power, high-reliability firmware solutions. Optimize code for performance, efficiency, and memory usage within resource-constrained medical devices.

Compliance & Documentation:
Ensure all firmware development follows industry standards including IEC 62304, ISO 13485, and FDA guidelines. Create and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, including design specifications, test plans, traceability matrices, and risk assessments.

Testing & Validation:
Develop unit tests, conduct integration and system testing, and support formal verification and validation activities. Participate in root cause analysis, debugging, and resolution of firmware issues found in development or field use.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Partner with electrical, mechanical, software, and systems engineering teams to define firmware requirements and resolve technical challenges. Participate in design reviews, project planning, and agile sprint meetings to ensure timely and quality deliverables.

Continuous Improvement & Innovation:
Stay current on advancements in embedded technology, medical devices, and firmware development tools. Recommend improvements to firmware design practices and processes to enhance quality, reliability, and innovation.

Regulatory & Risk Management:
Participate in risk assessments, design failure mode analysis (FMEA), and hazard analysis for firmware components. Ensure the firmware meets all safety, security, and quality assurance requirements throughout the product lifecycle.

Patient-Centric Focus:
Understand the clinical use of pacemakers and ensure the firmware design supports safe and effective operation. Contribute to features and improvements that enhance patient outcomes, physician usability, and device reliability.

What the Client is Looking for in You

As a Pacemaker Firmware Engineer, the client seeks a highly skilled, detail-oriented professional with a passion for developing life-saving medical technologies. You should bring deep expertise in embedded systems and firmware design, with a strong understanding of regulatory requirements and safety-critical software development. A collaborative mindset, precision in execution, and a commitment to innovation are essential for success in this role.

Expertise in Embedded Firmware Development for Medical Devices
The ideal candidate has hands-on experience designing, coding, and testing embedded firmware for Class III medical devices—preferably pacemakers or implantable cardiac devices. Proficiency in C/C++, low-level hardware interfacing, and real-time operating systems is essential. Familiarity with microcontroller-based architectures and low-power design is highly valued.

Strong Knowledge of Regulatory Standards and Safety Protocols
The client is looking for an engineer who has worked in regulated environments and adheres to standards such as IEC 62304, ISO 14971, and FDA 21 CFR Part 820. A strong understanding of risk management, safety-critical systems, and documentation best practices is required.

Analytical Thinker with Problem-Solving Skills
You must demonstrate the ability to analyze complex technical problems and develop efficient, scalable firmware solutions. The client values engineers who take a systematic approach to debugging, root cause analysis, and continuous firmware improvement.

Cross-Functional Collaboration and Communication
The client seeks a team player who can work effectively with cross-functional teams including systems engineers, hardware designers, and clinical experts. Clear communication, both written and verbal, is vital for aligning development activities and delivering high-quality products.

Passion for Innovation and Continuous Learning
The client values professionals who are eager to learn and stay current with the latest in embedded technologies, tools, and industry practices. You should be motivated to contribute ideas that improve functionality, reliability, and the overall user experience of cardiac care devices.

Patient-Centric Engineering Mindset
Your work directly impacts patient lives, so a mindset grounded in empathy, responsibility, and attention to detail is crucial. The client seeks engineers who are deeply committed to delivering safe, effective, and dependable solutions for patients and healthcare providers.

Adaptability and Precision Under Pressure
This role demands focus, accountability, and adaptability. Whether working under tight timelines or navigating evolving requirements, you should maintain the highest standards of code quality and compliance while delivering reliable outcomes.

FAQs About the Role – Pacemaker Firmware Engineer – Minneapolis, MN

1. What are the key responsibilities of a Pacemaker Firmware Engineer in this role?
As a Pacemaker Firmware Engineer, you will be responsible for designing, developing, testing, and maintaining embedded firmware for life-critical cardiac devices. Your work will involve collaborating with cross-functional teams, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, debugging firmware issues, and contributing to continuous improvement efforts for system performance, reliability, and patient safety.

2. What qualifications and experience are required for this position?
The ideal candidate should have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field. A minimum of 3–5 years of experience in embedded firmware development—preferably in medical devices or other safety-critical applications—is required. Proficiency in C/C++, real-time operating systems (RTOS), and familiarity with standards like IEC 62304 and ISO 14971 are highly valued.

3. What technical skills are essential for success in this role?
You should be skilled in embedded C/C++, real-time systems, device drivers, hardware/software integration, and working with microcontrollers. A deep understanding of low-power design, signal processing, and safety-critical firmware architecture is essential. Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git), debugging tools, and medical device development tools is also important.

4. What challenges can I expect in this role?
Developing firmware for implantable cardiac devices requires precision, attention to detail, and strict adherence to regulatory standards. You’ll need to navigate complex system requirements, conduct rigorous testing, and resolve real-time performance issues while ensuring high levels of safety and reliability. Managing documentation and compliance with FDA and ISO regulations is a continual focus.

5. How does this role impact patient safety and product quality?
Your firmware directly affects how the pacemaker monitors and responds to heart activity. Precision in development and testing is critical, as even minor firmware issues can impact device performance. Your work will be central to ensuring that the device operates safely, reliably, and in accordance with clinical requirements, ultimately improving patients’ quality of life.

6. What is the work environment and team structure like?
You’ll be part of a collaborative team consisting of firmware engineers, systems engineers, hardware engineers, and quality assurance specialists. The environment is innovation-driven and fast-paced, with a strong emphasis on teamwork, compliance, and engineering excellence. You’ll work in a mission-critical setting where your contributions make a direct impact on human health.

What Remuneration Can You Expect from This Job?

As a Pacemaker Firmware Engineer in Minneapolis, MN, you can expect a comprehensive and competitive compensation package that reflects the critical nature of your role in developing life-saving medical technologies. This package typically includes the following components:

1. Base Salary
The base salary for a Pacemaker Firmware Engineer varies depending on experience, education, and the complexity of the role. In Minneapolis, you can expect an annual base salary typically ranging between $95,000 to $140,000. Engineers with significant industry experience or advanced technical expertise may earn higher within this range.

2. Performance Bonuses
Many medical device companies offer annual performance-based bonuses tied to personal contributions, team achievements, and company success. These bonuses typically range from 5% to 20% of the base salary and reward both technical excellence and project delivery.

3. Equity & Stock Options
Depending on the employer, engineers may be eligible for equity incentives such as Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) or Employee Stock Purchase Plans (ESPPs). These offerings allow engineers to share in the long-term financial success of the company, particularly in publicly traded or growth-stage medical device firms.

4. Comprehensive Benefits
Pacemaker Firmware Engineers typically enjoy a robust benefits package, which often includes:

Health, dental, and vision insurance
Life and disability insurance
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
401(k) with employer match
Paid time off (vacation, holidays, and sick leave)
Tuition reimbursement and professional development support

5. Additional Perks
Employers may also offer workplace perks such as:

Hybrid or flexible work arrangements
On-site fitness centers or wellness programs
Relocation assistance (if applicable)
Travel reimbursement (for cross-site collaboration or conferences)

Total Compensation Outlook

When you combine base salary, performance bonuses, stock options, and benefits, the total annual compensation for a Pacemaker Firmware Engineer in Minneapolis can range from $110,000 to $170,000+, depending on your qualifications and the company’s compensation structure.

How to Apply

If you are a highly skilled firmware engineer with a passion for advancing life-saving medical technologies, we encourage you to apply for the Pacemaker Firmware Engineer role in Minneapolis, MN. This is a rare opportunity to contribute directly to the development of cutting-edge cardiac devices that improve and extend lives.

To apply, please submit your resume along with a cover letter highlighting your experience in embedded systems, real-time firmware development, and medical device engineering. Be sure to detail your background in firmware architecture, low-level hardware interfacing, compliance with FDA or ISO standards, and collaboration in cross-functional teams.

This role offers a meaningful career path where your technical expertise will directly impact patient health and innovation in the medical device industry. Take the next step in your engineering career and apply today for the Pacemaker Firmware Engineer – Minneapolis, MN position.

For more information or to discover similar roles in medical device R&D and embedded engineering, visit our Medical Device Engineering Careers page.

Job Category: Medical Device

Job Type: Full Time

Job Location: Minneapolis

Pacemaker Firmware Engineer – Minneapolis, MN