Key details
Quick facts about this role
Location
Knysna, Western Cape
Work mode
On-site
Compensation
Market related
Posted
29 May 2026
Closes
18 Jun 2026

Work in Cape Town

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Our client is seeking  a Lead Embedded Hardware Engineer to design and develop a highly miniaturized, high-performance avionics hardware platform. You will own the full hardware lifecycle from schematic design and PCB layout through to prototyping, testing, and mass production.
You will be responsible for developing:
  • The AeroNode processing hub (STM32-based flight computation system)
  • The H1 headset electronics (wearable biometric and audio DSP system)
  • High-density, safety-critical embedded PCB systems for aviation applications


Required Experience & Skills

  • 5–7+ years in embedded hardware and PCB design
  • Strong experience with high-density, multi-layer PCB layout
  • Proven ability in high-speed digital design and signal integrity
  • Strong knowledge of STM32 microcontroller architecture
  • Experience with EMI-sensitive designs (GPS, magnetometers, RF systems)
  • Hands-on hardware debugging capability
  • Experience with wearable or rigid-flex PCB design

Advantageous (Bonus) Experience

  • Drone or aviation hardware experience (Pixhawk, CubePilot, FMUv6x)
  • Avionics, aerospace, or safety-critical embedded systems
  • Experience with MRAM, eMMC, or high-reliability storage systems
  • Familiarity with EKF-based navigation or flight control systems

Key Responsibilities

  • End-to-end PCB design using Altium Designer or KiCad
  • Design of multi-layer, high-density embedded avionics hardware
  • Integration of sensors and modules including IMUs, barometers, magnetometers, GNSS, and wireless communication systems
  • High-speed interface design (SPI, I2C, USB, SDIO) with strong signal integrity control
  • EMI/EMC mitigation, particularly for GPS and magnetometer performance
  • Design of rigid-flex PCBs for wearable electronics
  • Collaboration with mechanical engineers on vibration, thermal, and enclosure design
  • Support prototyping, debugging, and validation using lab equipment (oscilloscopes, logic analysers)
  • Manage DFM/DFA and transition from prototype to production
Salary:
Market Related
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