Embedded Firmware Engineer – Electro-Optical Systems

JenRec Recruitment; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 900 000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency seeks an experienced embedded firmware developer to design and maintain firmware for optical systems. Candidates should have over 7 years of development experience in C/C++, familiarity with embedded Linux and RTOS, and strong debugging skills. This position offers the chance to work on cutting-edge technology in a dynamic and innovative company based in Gauteng, South Africa.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in embedded C / C++ firmware development.
• Experience with microcontrollers like STM32, NXP, TI.
• Strong debugging skills using oscilloscopes and logic analyzers.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain robust firmware for embedded systems.
• Design and implement drivers for various peripherals.
• Collaborate closely with hardware teams on testing phases.

Skills

Embedded firmware development

C / C++ programming

Embedded Linux

RTOS (FreeRTOS, Zephyr)

Python scripting

Debugging skills

Optical subsystems experience

Regulatory compliance knowledge (EMC, CE)

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 TIcovering 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 hardwaresoftware 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 .