Embedded Software Development Engineer

Syntell (Pty) Ltd; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology company in Cape Town is seeking a Mid-Senior Level Software Engineer specializing in embedded systems. You'll write and optimize code for cutting-edge traffic management systems, work with cross-functional teams, and ensure the performance of critical infrastructure across South Africa. Ideal candidates have over 4 years of software development experience, particularly in C, C++, or Go, and a strong foundation in embedded systems. This full-time position offers market-related compensation.

Qualifications

• 4+ years' software development experience.
• 2+ years' experience with embedded software development.
• Ability to work independently and as a team player.
• Valid South African driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Write, debug and optimize code for embedded systems.
• Work closely with hardware engineers to understand designs.
• Develop software that interfaces with sensors and hardware.
• Conduct hardware-software integration testing.
• Design software architectures that meet performance constraints.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for technical support.

Skills

C/C++/Go programming

Embedded systems development

Multithreading

Debugging

Integration testing

Linux operating systems

Real-time systems knowledge

Collaboration skills

Education

University Degree equivalent to BSc Honours

Tools

Debugging tools

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

Job description

Syntell is a leading South African technology company delivering practical, innovative services and systems, including end-to-end traffic law enforcement services and systems; and state-of-the-art road traffic management systems offering complete turnkey solutions for intersection installations.

We also offer local authorities a complete outsource model for prepaid electricity vending and revenue enhancement services. Build the brain and backbone of South Africa's intersections. Help build and operate the technology that keeps South Africa moving—across a ~, km national road network (the largest in Africa, top-10 globally).

In Cape Town there are ~1,+ signalised intersections, and Johannesburg manages ~2,+—a real-world canvas for embedded control and city-scale RMS analytics.

Your work will directly improve congestion, safety, and uptime at the country's most critical junctions. Join Syntell's Traffic Systems business to lead the teams that design, build, and operate modern traffic signal controllers (embedded hardware / firmware / software) and a city-scale RMS (Remote Management System) that monitors, configures, and optimises intersections—including AI (Artificial Intelligence)-powered “green-wave” optimisation via specialist partners.

We specify hardware, outsource PCB manufacture and component kitting, assemble in our own production facility, and design / maintain our test jigs end-to-end.

Your remit spans embedded MCU (Microcontroller Unit) firmware, OS (Operating System) drivers, backend, frontend, and cloud—working shoulder-to-shoulder with Field Technicians and Production, and leading innovation streams that solve uniquely South African challenges (low-power / green energy, low-cost products, vandalism and cable-theft resilience).

An opportunity exists for an individual who is passionate about software development for embedded systems in C / C++ / Go and has some experience building and integrating full-stack components.

Become an expert in the complex world of safety-critical traffic control systems and also be exposed to next-generational AI edge-services.

Responsibilities

Write, debug and optimize code for embedded Linux-based systems, often in low-level languages like C, C++, Go or Assembly.

Work closely with hardware engineers to understand hardware designs and constraints.

Develop software that interfaces with sensors, actuators, and other hardware peripherals.

Conduct hardware-software integration testing to ensure functionality.

Design software architectures that meet performance, power, and memory constraints.

Translate requirements into detailed software specifications and create robust, scalable solutions for real-time or embedded environments.

Develop and execute unit, integration, and system-level tests.

Use debugging tools to identify and resolve issues.

Validate performance under various conditions.

Write and maintain documentation such as system requirements, design specifications, and user manuals.

Ensure software complies with industry standards (e.g., ISO, MISRA, AUTOSAR).

Continuously optimize code for speed, power consumption and memory usage.

Maintain and upgrade software to support hardware updates or improve performance.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams and provide technical support to customers or stakeholders.

Stay updated on the latest technologies, tools, and trends in embedded systems.

Experiment with new architectures, protocols, or tools to improve performance or reduce costs.

Qualifications and Experience

University Degree at minimum equivalent to BSc Honours, preferably in Computer Science or light current electrical engineering.

4 or more years' software development experience with C++, Java or Go.

2 or more years' experience with embedded software development, including multithreading, debugging and testing.

2 or more years' experience integrating application software on real-time operating systems.

Ability to work independently and as a good team player.

Sound knowledge of real-time, multitasking software for embedded systems, and experience with Linux operating systems on board support packages.

Sound knowledge of IP networks and software configuration control.

Understanding of object-oriented design, test-driven development, and continuous release approaches, proficient with Windows OS and MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Understanding of the systems engineering approach for software development.

Valid South African driver's license.

Market-related compensation.

Seniorities and Employment

Seniority level : Mid-Senior level

Employment type : Full-time

Job function : Engineering and Information Technology

Industries : IT Services and IT Consulting

This posting does not include boilerplate location or referral prompts; it focuses on the role, responsibilities, and qualifications.