FPGA-Firmware Engineer (South Africa)

Simera Sense; Somerset West; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Friendly working environment

Job summary

Simera Sense is seeking a Firmware Engineer to design, develop, and validate high-performance FPGA firmware for embedded space missions. You will collaborate across hardware, software, and systems teams in an agile environment to deliver robust firmware solutions.

Requirements include a Bachelor’s Honours in Engineering, 2–5 years in FPGA-based firmware, C and VHDL proficiency, and experience with Xilinx or Microchip FPGA platforms. Remote work is not offered; location is South Africa.

Qualifications

• 2–5 years of FPGA-based firmware design, development, and testing.
• Experience with FPGA platforms and high-reliability design practices.
• Proficiency in C and VHDL programming languages.
• Experience with Python scripting and real-time testing environments.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement FPGA firmware for space-related systems, from concept to qualification.
• Develop software for embedded microcontrollers.
• Test and debug firmware in real-time environments and simulations; perform hardware-in-the-loop testing.
• Create detailed documentation for firmware designs, testing procedures and results, and maintain version records.

Skills

FPGA firmware design

VHDL

C programming

Python scripting

Real-time testing

Education

Bachelor’s Honours Degree in Engineering

Tools

Xilinx

Microchip

HDL simulators

Job description

Simera Sense is a leading provider of Earth observation camera solutions for the global small satellite market. Committed to excellence and innovation, we deliver superior products and services to our worldwide customer base.

We are currently seeking a Firmware Engineer who is passionate about FPGA design and solving complex technical challenges. In this role, you will contribute to the design, development, and validation of robust firmware that sits at the core of our next-generation products. You will work closely with electronics, systems, and mechanical engineers in an agile, collaborative environment where technical excellence and innovation are part of everyday work.

Position Type: Full-time

Remote Opportunity: No

Report To: Group Electro-optical and Embedded Systems Manager

Location: South Africa

Job Purpose:

Design, develop, and maintain high-performance FPGA firmware for embedded systems, ensuring reliable operation and integration with advanced electro-optical components used in space missions.

Responsibilities:

Firmware Development

• Design and implement FPGA firmware for space-related electronic systems, from concept to qualification.
• Develop software for embedded microcontrollers

Testing and Debugging

• Conduct thorough testing and debugging of firmware to ensure optimal performance
• Utilise simulation tools and real-time testing environments to validate firmware functionality

Documentation

• Create detailed documentation for firmware designs, testing procedures and results.
• Maintain records of firmware versions and modifications

Innovation

• Participate in research and development activities to innovate new firmware solutions
• Explore new technologies and methodologies to enhance firmware performance and reliability

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Honours Degree in Engineering or Bachelor of Science in Engineering

Required Experience:

• 2 to 5 years of experience in FPGA-based firmware design, development, and testing
• Experience in developing firmware for embedded systems based on FPGA platforms
• Proficiency in programming languages such as C and VHDL
• Experience in high-speed FPGA design using VHDL
• Experience with FPGA tools and platforms, such as Xilinx or Microchip
• Hands-on experience with testing and debugging firmware in real-time environments
• Experience in Python scripting
• Familiarity with simulation tools and hardware-in-the-loop testing
• Understanding of high-reliability design practices
• Experience working in cross-functional teams, including hardware engineers, software developers, and systems engineers
• Strong documentation skills for maintaining detailed records of firmware designs and modifications

Recommendations:

• Master’s degree in electronic engineering
• Certifications in embedded systems, FPGA design, or related areas
• Familiarity with Microchip and/or AMD (Xilinx) FPGA design tools
• Experience with high-speed FPGA serial transceiver designs for high-bandwidth interfaces such as 10 Gigabit Ethernet, Space Fibre or Aurora.
• Experience in CMOS sensor based electro-optical designs
• Understanding of radiation effects on electronics
• Experience in environmental testing and acceptance testing to high-quality standards
• Familiarity with Siemens Teamcenter

What we offer

• The opportunity to work in the fast-growing space industry.
• Niche global market for optical payloads for microsatellites.
• Cutting-edge technology at your fingertips
• A competitive salary
• A friendly working environment.