Firmware, Hardware and Embedded Software Engineer

Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR); Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research organization in Pretoria is seeking a Firmware, Hardware and Embedded Software Engineer to develop world-class firmware and embedded software. This role is vital in high-impact projects, with responsibilities including interpretation of requirements, digital design, and mentoring junior staff. The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electronic Engineering and has at least two years’ experience in firmware development. The organization offers competitive packages and opportunities for learning and development.

Benefits

Learning and development opportunities

Competitive and market-related remuneration packages

Pension fund contributions

Risk insurance and medical scheme

CSIR Excellence Awards

Qualifications

• At least two years’ experience in firmware development.
• Proven capability of delegating tasks to junior colleagues.
• Capability to mentor junior staff in VHDL and Firmware designs.

Responsibilities

• Interpret user requirements and generate specifications.
• Develop code for programmable logic devices using VHDL.
• Perform debugging and formal verification of designs.
• Mentor junior staff in design and verification processes.

Skills

VHDL firmware development

Debugging of firmware and hardware

Document preparation capability

Education

Bachelor of Engineering degree in electronic engineering

Tools

Verilog

High-speed digital design

Job description

Firmware, Hardware and Embedded Software Engineer: Radar-Ware Research Group

The CSIR has a vacancy for a Firmware, Hardware and Embedded Software Engineer in the Radar and Electronic Warfare Impact Area. The incumbent will be responsible for the development of world‑class firmware and embedded software for high‑speed digital hardware. This role plays a vital part in high‑impact projects from advanced land and naval surveillance radar sensors to SAR sensing systems in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and spaceborne platforms. The position is based in Pretoria and will report to the Research Group Leader.

For more information about the impact area and cluster, please visit Radar and Electronic Warfare (https://www.csir.co.za/radar-and-electronic-warfare) and Defence and Security (https://www.csir.co.za/defence-and-security).

Key Responsibilities

Interpretation of requirements and specifications

• Interpret user requirements.
• Generate detailed item development specification.
• Generate acceptance test plans and reports.

Digital and Analogue design

• Use VHDL and/or Verilog to develop code for programmable logic devices (FPGAs).
• Implement Firmware designs on both pure digital and mixed digital, analogue and RF devices.
• Design complex high‑speed‑digital and high‑bandwidth‑analogue functions.
• Perform simulations to verify design functions both for electrical and firmware designs.

Debugging and Verification

• Debug designs.
• Perform formal functional verification and acceptance testing.
• Perform system and sub‑system integration.
• Complete acceptance test reports.

Generation of data pack and design documentation

• Generate manufacturing data packs.
• Generate design documentation.
• Capture data into data management system.

Mentoring and Coaching of junior staff

• Mentor junior staff in VHDL and Firmware designs.
• Mentor junior staff in digital and analogue design, simulation and verification.

Qualifications, Skills And Experience

• A Bachelor of Engineering degree in electronic engineering with at least two years’ experience in firmware development.
• Experience in the following is required:
  • VHDL firmware development of complex systems.
  • Debugging of firmware and hardware.
  • Capability of document preparation.
• Experience in the following will be advantageous:
  • Verilog.
  • High‑speed digital and mixed signal design.
• Proven capability of delegating tasks to junior colleagues.
• Capability of helping in the development and career growth of junior colleagues.

What's in it for you?

The CSIR Offers

• Learning and development opportunities.
• Competitive and market‑related remuneration packages.
• Total guaranteed salary packages which encompass contributions to the pension fund, risk insurance and medical scheme.
• We openly acknowledge and reward our employees’ contributions and accomplishments through our esteemed CSIR Excellence Awards.

South African citizenship and security clearance are required for this position.

PLEASE NOTE THAT FEEDBACK WILL BE GIVEN TO SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES ONLY.

For more info, please contact the CSIR Recruitment Centre on 012 841 4774 or email us at [e-mail].

The CSIR is an equal opportunity employer. As such, it is committed to the employment Equity Act and will through the filling of this vacancy, give preference to candidates from designated groups in terms of the Employment Equity Act. By applying for this position at the CSIR, the applicant understands, and agrees that the CSIR may solicit a credit and criminal report from registered credit bureau and/or South African Police Services (in relation to positions that requires trust and honesty and/or entail the handling of cash or finances), and may also verify the applicant’s educational qualification and employment history. The CSIR reserves the right to remove the advertisement at any time before the stated closing date and it further reserves the right not to appoint if a suitable candidate is not identified.