Lead Hardware Development Engineer - Systems (Somerset West)

JenRec Recruitment; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 800 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment company is seeking a highly experienced individual for a leadership role in the development of complex electronic systems, particularly for the aerospace sector. The successful candidate will be responsible for defining engineering plans, translating requirements, leading design efforts, and managing projects. Ideal candidates will possess a Bachelor's in Electronic or Mechatronic Engineering, along with extensive industry experience, project management capabilities, and strong communication skills. This role emphasizes precision, performance, and reliability, fostering innovative engineering solutions.

Qualifications

• 8-15 years of relevant industry experience in electronic hardware development.
• Ability to travel for system testing and integration.
• Excellent communication skills in English.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement engineering plans and processes for compliance.
• Translate customer requirements into detailed specifications.
• Lead system-level design and safety-related analyses.
• Oversee system verification plans and validation tools.
• Guide creation of technical documentation.
• Manage internal and external hardware projects.

Skills

Technical communication skills

Project management capabilities

Analogue and digital hardware design

Problem-solving skills

Interpersonal and leadership qualities

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electronic or Mechatronic Engineering

Tools

Altium Designer

Job description

The successful candidate will take the lead in the development of complex electronic systems including flight control units, embedded computing platforms, and other advanced subsystems primarily for the aerospace sector. Operating in a structured engineering environment, my client adheres to rigorous processes to meet the demands of high-reliability, safety-critical, and mission-critical system development.

Key Responsibilities

The appointed candidate will hold a leadership role within the hardware development team and be responsible for :

• Defining and implementing system-level engineering plans, processes, and internal standards in line with aerospace and safety compliance requirements.
• Translating customer and system requirements into detailed hardware and software specifications.
• Supporting business development efforts through client engagement and technical input for new opportunities.
• Leading system-level design, including architecture definition and supporting safety-related analyses (e.g., reliability analysis).
• Developing and overseeing system verification plans, test procedures, and tools for validation, including automation of V&V and integration processes.
• Guiding the creation of technical documentation such as interface specifications, operator manuals, training materials, and maintenance manuals.
• Leading and supporting system integration and testing activities often requiring on-site presence including ground and flight testing.
• Managing internal and external hardware projects, ensuring compliance with time, cost, and quality constraints.
• Providing client support and technical training, enabling effective system operation and strengthening long-term partnerships.
• Contributing to broader company support activities as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Electronic or Mechatronic Engineering (BSc Eng / BEng or equivalent).

Required Skills and Experience

• 815 years of relevant industry experience in electronic hardware development.
• Strong technical communication skills, including the ability to convey complex engineering concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Proven project management capabilities, with experience leading multi-disciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated expertise in analogue and digital hardware design, simulation, and PCB layout (preferably using Altium Designer).
• Ability to travel for system testing and integration, including both ground and flight testing environments.
• Strong analytical mindset with excellent problem-solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and leadership qualities, both within the company and in client-facing roles.

Recommended Skills and Experience

• Proficiency in high-speed digital interfaces such as PCIe, SATA, and Gigabit Ethernet.
• Familiarity with aerospace standards, particularly RTCA DO-254.
• A Masters degree in Electronic or Mechatronic Engineering (MSc Eng / MEng).

General Attributes

• Quick learner with the ability to master new concepts and technologies rapidly.
• Strong team player with a collaborative approach to large, complex projects.
• Self-directed, able to take initiative and deliver independently.
• Excellent communication skills in English both written and spoken.

This leadership role offers a chance to shape cutting-edge engineering solutions in a domain where precision, performance, and reliability are paramount. It is an ideal fit for technically strong individual with a strategic mindset and the ability to lead both people and projects in a high-stakes environment.