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

Council for Scientific and Industrial Research; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research organization based in Pretoria is looking for a Senior Firmware, Hardware and Embedded Software Engineer to develop firmware for high-speed digital hardware. The role involves responsibilities from requirements interpretation to mentoring junior staff. A Bachelor's degree and significant experience in firmware development are essential for this position. Join our team to work on impactful projects ranging from surveillance radar sensors to UAVs.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of experience in firmware development or three years with a Master's degree.
• Experience in complex system firmware development.
• Experience in debugging firmware and hardware.

Responsibilities

• Develop world-class firmware and embedded software for high-speed digital hardware.
• Interpret user requirements and generate specifications.
• Mentor junior staff in design and verification.

Skills

VHDL firmware development

Debugging of firmware and hardware

Capability of document preparation

Education

Bachelor of Engineering in electronic engineering

Master’s degree in electronic engineering

Tools

Verilog

Analog and RF devices

Job description

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

Job Location: Gauteng, Pretoria

Deadline: December 03, 2025

Quick Recommended Links

• Jobs by Location
• Job by industries

About the job

• The CSIR has a vacancy for a Senior 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 Arieal Vehicles (UAVs), and spaceborne platforms. The position is based in Pretoria and will reports to the Research Group Leader.

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 five years of experience in firmware development; OR
• A Master’s degree in electronic engineering with at least three 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.