Senior Electronic Firmware Engineer

Simera Sense; Somerset West; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading space technology company in Somerset West is seeking a Senior Electronic Firmware Engineer to innovate in space-based imaging. This role involves designing and integrating digital electronics, firmware development, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. Candidates should possess a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electronic Engineering and 8+ years of relevant experience. A competitive salary and a friendly work environment are offered.

Benefits

Opportunity in a fast-growing space industry

Niche global market for optical payloads

Cutting-edge technology access

Competitive salary

Friendly working environment

Qualifications

• 8+ years experience in developing digital electronics and embedded firmware.
• Professional experience in high-speed FPGA firmware design using VHDL.
• Proficient in writing C code in embedded environments.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement VHDL firmware modules.
• Test and integrate electro-optical electronics.
• Collaborate with teams on cutting-edge technology.

Skills

VHDL firmware development

C programming in embedded environments

High-speed FPGA design

Digital electronics design

MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Electronic Engineering

Master’s Degree in Electronic Engineering

Tools

Microsemi FPGAs

Python

Siemens Teamcenter

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. Our Head Office is in Belgium, and our South African company is based in Somerset West, close to all amenities and diverse natural beauty, providing great lifestyle options.

At Simera Sense, we design and deliver world-class optical payloads for small satellites. We are looking for a Senior Electronic Firmware Engineer to help push the boundaries of what’s possible in space-based imaging.

This is more than just firmware development. It’s about architecting robust embedded systems that power precision instruments orbiting Earth. You will lead the charge in designing, developing, and optimising firmware that drives our payloads, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to bring cutting-edge tech from concept to launch.

If you are ready to take ownership, mentor junior engineers, and innovate at the intersection of electronics and space, your next mission starts here.

Job Purpose:

Designing, testing, and integrating digital and electro-optical electronics for the aerospace sector.

Key Performance Areas and Responsibilities:

• Design, implementation, and testing of VHDL firmware modules.
• Design, implementation, and testing of C software modules.
• Assist in product testing campaigns.
• Development of digital and electro-optical systems.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree in Electronic Engineering; Master’s Degree in Electronic Engineering

Required Experience:

• 8+ years (s) experience developing digital electronics, including embedded firmware.
• Experience in high-speed FPGA firmware design using VHDL.
• Experience in writing C code in an embedded environment.
• Understanding of high-speed and high-reliability design practices.
• Experience in MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) is required.

Recommendations:

• Experience with Microsemi FPGAs will be an advantage.
• Experience with Python (or similar scripting languages) will be advantageous.
• Experience in multi-layer PCB design will be an advantage.
• Experience in environmental testing and acceptance testing to high-quality standards will be an advantage.
• Understanding radiation effects on electronics will be an advantage.
• Experience in CCD and CMOS electro-optical design will be an advantage.
• Experience in standard coding compliance, including revision control, will be advantageous.
• Experience in Siemens Teamcenter will be an advantage.
• Experience in the high-tech, military or aerospace sectors will be advantageous.

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.