Senior/Principal Hardware System Engineer – Avionics & Mission Systems

The Arya Group; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace and defence company in Centurion seeks a Senior/Principal Hardware System Engineer to lead hardware and firmware development for avionics and mission computing platforms. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in electronic hardware development, specifically in airborne electronics, and will oversee all related activities including design, testing, and integration. This role offers an opportunity to contribute to innovative projects in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 5-10+ years in electronic hardware development, preferably in airborne electronics.
• Deep knowledge of high-speed digital PCB design.
• Experience with all aspects of the system life cycle and engineering management processes.

Responsibilities

• Perform hardware system engineering activities on assigned avionics or mission computing systems.
• Take technical ownership of hardware and firmware development.
• Conduct hardware development following the product lifecycle and engineering processes.

Skills

Electronic hardware development

Electrical/electronic design

High-speed digital PCB design

Hardware testing and debugging

System integration engineering

Requirements management tools

Configuration management

Design and simulation software

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Electronic Engineering

Tools

Altium

Solidworks Electrical

Ansys

MATLAB

LT-SPICE

MS-Visio

MS Office

Job description

Position

Senior/Principal Hardware System Engineer – Avionics & Mission Systems

Incomar is an aerospace and defence company based in Centurion, South Africa. We are expanding our specialised product development and flight operations capabilities. Established in 1999, our expertise includes military aircraft weapons, avionics integration, and flight testing. We are well recognized locally and internationally, with strengths in:

• Systems Design, Development, and Integration
• System Testing on various platforms/products
• Product Development
• Flight Test Execution and Support

We seek a motivated individual to lead hardware and firmware development for avionics and mission computing platforms. Responsibilities include overseeing all hardware, firmware, electrical, and electronic activities related to assigned avionics or mission computing modules, including hardware system engineering, electronic hardware, PCB, electrical, firmware development, testing, and integration.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Electronic Engineering or a relevant tertiary qualification.

Required Skills and Experience:

• 5-10+ years in electronic hardware development, preferably in airborne electronics
• Electrical/electronic design, product development & qualification skills (functional & environmental)
• Deep knowledge of high-speed digital PCB design
• Hardware testing, debugging, and qualification skills
• System & hardware integration engineering skills
• Experience with all aspects of the system life cycle and engineering management processes
• Proficiency in requirements management tools (Cradle/Jama/Doors preferred)
• Configuration and product lifecycle management skills
• Proficiency in design & simulation software (Altium, Solidworks Electrical, Ansys, MATLAB, LT-SPICE, MS-Visio)
• Proficiency in MS Office

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Experience in military, defence, or avionics development
• PCB development using Altium Designer
• High-speed PCB simulation
• Knowledge of RTCA DO-254, environmental qualification standards (RTCA DO-160, MIL-STD-810, etc.)
• Electronic thermal management & simulation
• Design & development of avionics LRUs
• Knowledge of software/firmware development
• System safety engineering skills
• Logistical support engineering skills
• Experience with software version control tools
• Project/team management experience (preferred)

Responsibilities:

• Perform hardware system engineering activities on assigned avionics or mission computing systems/sub-systems
• Take technical ownership of hardware and firmware development
• Oversee hardware design activities, including firmware, electrical, electronic, mechanical, and thermal aspects
• Conduct hardware development following the product lifecycle and engineering processes
• Develop and maintain specifications and documentation for firmware, electrical, electronic, and sub-systems
• Perform compliance, verification, validation, and qualification activities
• Manage configuration and version control
• Conduct simulation, data analysis, and report writing
• Ensure standards and customer requirements are met
• Assist with cost and time estimates
• Plan and execute within budgets and timelines
• Contribute to process and tool improvements
• Uphold ethical principles