Embedded Audio Engineer

Blackstar Amplification; Northampton; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading audio technology company in Northampton is seeking an experienced embedded software developer to contribute to innovative audio products. You will design and develop control systems, write code, and improve products in a dynamic team setting. The ideal candidate will have strong C programming skills, knowledge of DSP, and a passion for audio technology, with opportunities for hybrid working and career progression.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Excellent career progression

Workplace pension

Private mental health support

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years' experience in a commercial software development environment.
• Ability to produce clean, accurate and reusable code.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop and maintain embedded control systems.
• Build, test and release code for new products.
• Integrate new peripheral subsystems.

Skills

Embedded C

Git

Hardware debugging

Technical documentation

Advanced DSP implementation

C++

Embedded Linux

Real-time audio

Education

Degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

MATLAB

Python

C#

Jira

Confluence

Job description

Overview

To develop Blackstar's proprietary embedded software within our ever-expanding product range. Hold responsibility for Release firmware: from Design Brief to product release and beyond. Be part of the next‑generation of audio products in an exciting team and dynamic industry.

Main Activities and Tasks

• Design, develop and maintain embedded control systems.
• Assist in the implementation of new and evolving hardware platforms.
• Support in specifying new user-focused products for the Musical Instrument market.
• Build, test and release code for cutting‑edge new products.
• Work within the Software Team to expand and improve our multi‑platform software ecosystem.
• Collaborate with the wider team to peer review, bug fix, and generally improve the large Blackstar codebase.
• Devise, control and carry out pre‑release test procedures for both hardware and software products.
• Integrate new peripheral subsystems (USB, SPI, I2C etc.).

Additional Desirable Activities

• Design, implement and optimise novel DSP algorithms on hardware products.
• Port existing DSP algorithms between codebases and languages.
• Support with the development of desktop applications.

Qualifications

Proven knowledge and working experience with:

• Embedded C
• Git and the command line
• Hardware debugging using logic analyzers, scopes etc.
• Writing technical documentation
• Some combination of:
• Advanced DSP implementation and design for audio
• Professional experience with C++ and the JUCE framework
• Professional experience with embedded Linux systems
• Professional experience with real‑time audio
• Minimum 2 years' experience in a commercial software development environment
• Ability to produce clean, accurate and reusable code

Desirable

• Experience with a fast prototyping language (MATLAB, Python, C# etc.)
• CI/CD
• Unit Testing
• Agile development practices and associated software (Jira, Confluence etc.)
• Plugin Architectures (AU, VST3, AAX, LV2).
• Guitar player or an active interest in music technology
• An understanding of:
• Audio and low‑voltage control electronics
• PCB design
• The wider Musical Instruments industry
• Qualified to degree level or above in Computer Science or related field

Personality

• Strong team player.
• Excellent communication skills, both technical and personal.
• Enthusiastic, with a can‑do attitude.
• Able to work to deadlines, with exceptional time management.
• Methodical approach, and able to work independently on large projects.
• We're a small team in a small company; you should have a flexible approach to your role and be willing to assist in various departments and activities when required.

About Blackstar

Blackstar Amplification launched from Northampton, England in 2007 and has an award‑winning R&D team of engineers. Driven by a passion for designing innovative amplification products that redefine players expectations, Blackstar today distributes products to over 50 countries worldwide and is a major international brand in the Musical Instrument and Audio markets.

Location and Work Hours

Primarily office‑based in Northampton, UK, with some opportunity for hybrid working.

Full time 8.00 – 17.00, Monday – Friday.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Excellent career progression and learning opportunities.
• Workplace pension.
• Private mental health support.