Embedded Firmware Engineer – Electro-Optical Systems

Findojobs South Africa; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading tech recruitment firm in South Africa is seeking an experienced embedded systems engineer to develop robust firmware using C/C++. The candidate will collaborate with hardware teams and support various phases of product development, including testing and optimization. Ideal candidates have over 7 years of experience in embedded Linux/RTOS and strong debugging skills. Join a dynamic team focused on photonics and embedded technologies.

Benefits

Work with cutting-edge technology

Collaborative team environment

Global client exposure

Qualifications

• 7+ years in embedded C/C++ firmware development for microcontrollers.
• Skilled in embedded Linux/RTOS environments.
• Strong debugging skills using various tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain firmware for embedded systems.
• Collaborate closely with hardware teams during integration.
• Conduct system-level testing and optimization.

Skills

Embedded C/C++ development

Embedded Linux/RTOS

Debugging skills

Python/Bash scripting

Optical subsystem integration

Tools

Oscilloscope

Logic analyzer

JTAG/SWD debuggers

Job description

Key Responsibilities

Develop and maintain robust firmware for embedded systems using C/C++.
Design and implement drivers for a wide range of peripherals and optical components (SPI, I2C, UART, USB, GPIO).
Collaborate closely with hardware teams during schematic reviews, PCB bring-up, and hardware testing phases.
Integrate and control optical subsystems such as lasers, photodiodes, modulators, and high-speed ADCs.
Work within embedded Linux or RTOS environments to develop real-time, high-reliability applications.
Apply signal processing and digital filtering techniques for interpreting sensor and optical data.
Create automation and testing tools using scripting languages such as Python or Bash.
Conduct system-level testing, debugging, and optimisation to improve performance and stability.
Document firmware architecture, module interfaces, and standard operating/test procedures.
Support regulatory and compliance efforts, including EMC, CE, and general safety standards.
Contribute to continuous improvement and innovation in photonic/optical-based embedded solutions.

Experience

Experience Summary
7+ years in embedded C/C++ firmware development for microcontrollers (STM32, NXP, TI). Skilled in embedded Linux/RTOS (FreeRTOS, Zephyr). Experience collaborating with hardware teams on custom board firmware. Strong debugging skills (oscilloscope, logic analyzer, JTAG). Proficient in Python/Bash scripting for automation. Worked on optical subsystems (lasers, photodiodes, ADCs) with focus on real-time, reliable embedded solutions. Familiar with EMC/CE standards.

Professional Experience
7+ years’ experience developing embedded applications in C and C++, focusing on real-time performance and reliability.
4+ years hands-on firmware development for microcontroller platforms such as STM32, NXP, and TI—covering driver development, peripheral integration, and low-level hardware interfacing.
3+ years collaborating with hardware teams to adapt and optimise firmware based on custom board layouts and hardware requirements.
Strong experience in embedded Linux and RTOS environments (e.g., FreeRTOS, Zephyr), including bootloader development and multitasking systems.
Skilled in debugging hardware–software interactions using oscilloscopes, logic analysers, multimeters, and JTAG/SWD debuggers.
Proficient in scripting with Python and Bash for test automation, configuration, and system diagnostics.
Experience developing and integrating optical subsystems, including lasers, photodiodes, ADCs, and signal processing pipelines.
Solid understanding of real-time constraints, power optimisation, and memory-constrained systems for rugged embedded product deployment.
Familiar with regulatory standards including EMC, CE compliance, and hardware safety practices.
Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills through collaboration with international teams and clients.
Experience supporting full product development cycles from concept to prototyping, testing, certification, and production handover.

Why Join
Be part of a team of experienced and innovative South African engineers driving cutting-edge advancements in photonics and embedded technologies. Work with international clients and cutting-edge technology in a fast-growing company with global reach.