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:
Market Related
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
Market Related