Embedded Hardware/Software Engineer

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Dragonfly Aerospace (DFA) is looking for an Embedded Hardware/Software Engineer to join our team. They will be based at our Stellenbosch office outside of Cape Town.

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The Embedded Hardware (and Software) Engineer is responsible for designing and developing hardware systems, specifically focusing on digital and embedded components for use as part of the Space and Ground Segments as well as others as may be required.

The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in digital electronics, microprocessors, and embedded systems, with proven experience in embedded software development (C) for micro-controllers.

This role requires a strong understanding of digital electronics, microprocessors, and embedded systems. The engineer must be able to design, test, and troubleshoot hardware systems to ensure they meet performance and reliability standards of the organisation.

The embedded hardware engineer is responsible for supporting each project through the development, testing, assembly, integration, production and commissioning environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Hardware Design: Designing electronic hardware systems and components, including circuit boards, microcontrollers, sensors, power systems, and communication interfaces. The candidate would need to consider factors like power efficiency, radiation hardening, and thermal management.
• System Integration: Work closely with other teams, such as software engineers, systems engineers, and mechanical engineers, to integrate hardware designs into larger systems. This would involve collaborating on system architecture, interfaces, and testing procedures.
• Prototyping and Testing: Be involved in the prototyping and testing phases, build and evaluate hardware prototypes, conduct performance tests, and ensure that the hardware meets the required specifications and standards.
• Failure Analysis and Troubleshooting: In the event of hardware failures or issues, the candidate would be responsible for conducting root cause analysis and troubleshooting the problems. This may involve using specialised tools and techniques to diagnose and resolve hardware-related issues.
• Compliance and Certification: Ensure hardware designs comply with industry standards and regulations, such as those set by NASA or other space agencies. This includes electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), thermal vacuum testing, and other environmental testing requirements.
• Documentation: Create detailed documentation, including design specifications, test procedures, and technical reports to communicate work effectively with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Research and Development: Stay updated with the latest advancements in embedded hardware technology, space exploration, and industry trends is crucial. The candidate may be involved in research and development activities to explore and incorporate new technologies into hardware designs.
• Collaboration and Communication: Collaborate with various teams and stakeholders, such as electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, project managers, and mission specialists. Effective communication and teamwork skills are essential for success in this role.

Competencies and Skills

• Electrical Engineering Knowledge: A strong foundation in electrical engineering principles, including analogue and digital circuit design, semiconductor devices, power systems, and signal processing, is essential.
• Embedded Systems: Proficiency in designing and programming embedded systems using microcontrollers, FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), and other hardware platforms is crucial. Understanding real-time operating systems (RTOS) and firmware development is also important.
• Hardware Design Tools: Familiarity with computer-aided design (CAD) tools such as Altium, OrCAD, Eagle, or similar software is necessary for creating schematic designs, printed circuit board (PCB) layouts, and performing simulations.
• Digital and Analog Circuit Design: Knowledge of digital logic design, including combinational and sequential logic, as well as proficiency in designing analog circuits, such as amplifiers, filters, and voltage regulators, is important.
• Hardware Testing and Debugging: Ability to perform hardware testing, troubleshooting, and debugging using laboratory equipment like oscilloscopes, logic analysers, multimeters, and debuggers is crucial. Familiarity with hardware debugging tools and techniques is a valuable skill.
• Embedded Programming Languages: Proficiency in programming languages commonly used in embedded systems, such as C, C++, and assembly language, is important for firmware development, device driver implementation, and software-hardware integration.
• Communication Interfaces: Understanding and experience with various communication interfaces and protocols, such as UART, SPI, I2C, Ethernet, and CAN bus, is necessary for integrating hardware components and ensuring data exchange between subsystems.
• System-Level Understanding: Ability to understand the overall system architecture, interact with multidisciplinary teams, and collaborate effectively with software engineers, systems engineers, and mechanical engineers is essential.
• Space-Specific Considerations: Familiarity with space-related considerations, such as radiation hardening techniques, thermal management, power efficiency, and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements, is valuable for designing hardware that can withstand the harsh conditions of space.
• Problem-Solving and Analytical Skills: Strong problem-solving abilities, critical thinking skills, and the ability to analyse complex technical issues are essential in identifying and resolving hardware-related challenges.
• Documentation and Reporting: Proficient documentation skills to create design specifications, test plans, technical reports, and user manuals are necessary to effectively communicate designs and findings to colleagues and stakeholders.
• Continuous Learning and Adaptability: The space industry is dynamic, and technological advancements occur rapidly. Being open to learning, staying updated with industry trends, and adapting to new technologies and methodologies are vital.
• Attention to Detail and Quality Focus: Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy and quality in design, testing, and verification processes is crucial to meet the stringent requirements and safety standards of space hardware.
• Teamwork and Communication: Effective collaboration, communication, and teamwork skills are necessary for working in multidisciplinary teams, as well as for conveying technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

Education/ Qualification Requirements

The ideal candidate will hold a B.Eng minimum and have 5+ years of relevant experience.

Location

The Embedded Hardware/ Software Engineer will be based at our Stellenbosch office outside Cape Town. This is a one-year fixed-term contract to be extended. Interested? If you think you've got what it takes to join our dynamic team, please email us at embeddedhardware2024@erp.dragonflyaerospace.com with your CV. We eagerly anticipate welcoming you to the Dragonfly family.

• Mid-Senior level

• Contract

• Engineering and Information Technology
• Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing