Cape Town: Senior Electronic Design Engineer / Firmware Engineer – CPT posted by DataFin Recruitment

ENVIRONMENT:

A specialized engineering firm dedicated to wireless automation is seeking a highly experienced and versatile Senior Electronic Design Engineer with a strong background in both hardware and firmware development. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in full-lifecycle product development, from component-level hardware design to writing complex firmware for 32-bit microcontrollers. This role requires a proven track record in telecommunications, SCADA systems, vehicle tracking/telemetry, and ISO9001 manufacturing environments.

DUTIES:

• Firmware Development: Design, write, and maintain complex firmware for 32-bit microcontrollers (specifically ARM and PIC32 architectures) using C, C++, and Assembler.
• RTOS Integration: Develop and implement Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) for embedded devices.
• Hardware Design: Perform component-level board design and layout using CAD software such as Altium, PCAD, or Ansoft.
• Full-Lifecycle Product Management: Manage electronic products from conceptual design and prototyping to final manufacturing and release.
• SCADA & Telemetry Systems: Design, program, and commission SCADA remote terminal units and implement industrial protocols (Modbus, DNP3, IEC61850) to interface with central systems like ADROIT, Wonderware, or SIMATIC WinCC.
• Quality & Test Engineering: Ensure compliance with ISO9001 standards by developing rigorous test procedures, designing test jigs, and creating comprehensive manufacturing documentation and checklists.
• Project Leadership: Scrutinize tenders, plan network coverage (RF/radio), manage project milestones, and lead technical teams during factory (FAT) and site acceptance testing (SAT).
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with backend/frontend software teams, external manufacturing plants, and clients to deliver turn-key technological solutions.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Experience: 15+ years of progressive experience in electronic hardware design and firmware development.
• Programming Languages: Expert-level proficiency in C, C++, and Assembler. Working knowledge of Python and Basic.
• Microcontrollers & Logic: Extensive experience with ARM, PIC32, Intel MCS-51, and FPGA/CPLD logic design.
• Design Tools: High proficiency in EDA/CAD software (Altium, PCAD, AutoCAD) and development environments (Keil, CodeWarrior, MPLAB, Atmel Studio).
• RF & Telecommunications: Deep understanding of RF technology, microwave systems, and telecommunications networks.

• Version Control: Experience maintaining firmware variants and architectures in repositories like GitHub.
• Preferred/Bonus Skills:
• SCADA Expertise: Experience with Motorola SCADA RTUs, specifically ACE3600 and MOSCAD, is a significant plus.
• Industry Experience: Previous experience in the vehicle tracking, fleet management, or collision avoidance industries.
• Specialized Tech: Background in secure IT solutions, smart card technologies (Mifare/RFID), or biometric systems.
• Global Deployment: Experience handling international projects and deployments (e.g., Middle East/Sub-Saharan Africa).
• IoT/Automation: Familiarity with IoT home automation protocols (Zigbee, X10).

Education & Certifications:

• Degree: Bachelor of Technology (BTech) in Telecommunications, National Diploma in Telecommunications, or equivalent engineering degree.
• Additional: Relevant industry training (e.g., Motorola, Huawei, Python) is highly advantageous