89 Hardware Design jobs in South Africa

• Develop and test software for IFM and Deep Sea controllers.
• Integrate CAN bus engine data into control logic and HMI displays.
• Design and implement HMI dashboards for operators and maintenance teams.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot controller and communication issues both in the workshop and in the field.
• Collaborate with engineering teams on control logic and safety interlocks.
• Document code, wiring diagrams, and integration procedures.
• Support commissioning and field trials.
• Technical Skills:
  
  • Strong expertise with IFM and Deep Sea controllers.
  • CAN bus communication (J1939, CANopen).
  • HMI development.
  • C/C++ and Embedded C programming.
  • Real-time systems.
• Soft Skills: Leadership, problem-solving, and mentoring abilities.

Balancell Energy (PTY) Ltd, is seeking a talented and motivated Mid-Level Embedded Software Engineer to join our growing team in Cape Town. In this in-person role, you will play a crucial part in the design, development, and testing of embedded firmware for our innovative products.

If you have a passion for embedded systems, a strong background in C, and a desire to

contribute to the full software development lifecycle, we encourage you to apply

Firmware Development
: Design, develop, and test robust and efficient embedded firmware in C for new and existing products.

Hardware Interaction:
Interface directly with various hardware components,

microcontrollers, and develop low-level drivers.

Testing and Debugging:
Thoroughly debug and troubleshoot complex embedded

systems, identifying root causes and implementing effective

solutions. Familiarity with debugging tools.

Team Collaboration
:Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including

hardware engineers, quality assurance, and product

management, throughout the development process.

Product Lifecycle :
Participate actively in the full software development lifecycle,

from requirements gathering and design to implementation,

testing, and deployment.

Technology Expertise:
Work extensively with RTOSs, especially FreeRTOS, various

microcontrollers(Arm Cortex-M and ESP32), and implement

communication protocols (e.g., I2C, SPI, UART, CAN).

Software Architecture:
Contribute to the design and implementation of software

architectures for embedded systems, ensuring scalability and maintainability

Minimum Requirements (non-negotiables)

• Bachelor's/Honors degree in Electrical Engineering and/or Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of professional experience in embedded software development
• Strong problem-solving skills and a keen attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Job Title:
Embedded Systems Engineer

Department:
R&D – Embedded Systems

Location:
Johannesburg, South Africa

Employment Type:
Full-Time (On-Site)

Reports To:
Head of Embedded Systems / R&D Manager

About Us

We are a cutting-edge technology company specializing in smart asset tracking, IoT, and

security solutions for logistics and supply chain management. We design and develop

intelligent, rugged, and efficient tracking devices and systems used across Europe, America, Africa and beyond.

We are on a mission to deliver reliable, innovative solutions that make logistics smarter,

safer, and more efficient.

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Embedded Systems Engineer with a strong

foundation in both hardware design and firmware/embedded software development. You

will be responsible for the full embedded product lifecycle—from circuit design, prototyping, and PCB development to real-time embedded firmware implementation on STM32 or similar microcontrollers.

This role is pivotal in bringing our smart tracking and IoT devices to life.

Key Responsibilities

Hardware Development

• Design and simulate electronic circuits for embedded systems (analog/digital, power,

and RF interfaces)

• Schematic capture and PCB layout using tools like Altium Designer, KiCad, or

equivalent

• Select appropriate components based on design, cost, and availability

• Work with manufacturing partners and internal teams to assemble and test prototype

boards

• Validate hardware functionality with lab equipment (oscilloscopes, multimeters, logic

analyzers)

Firmware / Embedded Software Development

• Develop, maintain, and optimize embedded software in C/C++

• Build applications on RTOS (Real-Time Operating Systems) platforms such as

FreeRTOS, Zephyr, or custom schedulers

• Implement low-level drivers (UART, SPI, I2C, ADC, CAN, BLE, GSM/LTE)

• Integrate sensor, GPS, and communication modules

• Write robust, maintainable, and documented code following MISRA-C, embedded

coding standards, and internal best practices

• Conduct thorough unit testing, debugging, and firmware validation

Product Development & Testing

• Work closely with QA to create test procedures and participate in DFM (Design for

Manufacturing) and DFT (Design for Test)

• Collaborate cross-functionally with Software, UX/UI, and Mechanical teams during

product development lifecycle

• Create and maintain technical documentation: schematics, BOMs, firmware revision

history, test plans

Minimum Requirements

Technical Skills

•
3+ years experience in embedded systems design and development

• Strong proficiency in C and C++

• Hands-on experience with STM32 or other ARM Cortex-M microcontrollers

• Experience with RTOS-based development

• Familiarity with circuit simulation, soldering, and debugging hardware

• Comfortable with embedded debugging tools: JTAG, SWD, GDB, logic analyzers

• Experience in PCB layout tools (Altium, KiCad, etc.)

• Experience with Bluetooth LE, GSM, and GPS

Knowledge & Standards

•
Strong understanding of embedded system constraints (timing, memory, power)

• Knowledge of design standards and safety in firmware (watchdog, fail-safes,

versioning)

• Familiar with firmware version control (Git), documentation practices, and ticketing

systems (Azure DevOps preferred)

• Understanding of communication protocols: UART, SPI, I2C, CAN, BLE, GSM,

GNSS

Preferred Qualifications

• BSC/BEng/BTech Electronics/Computer Engineering.

• 3+ year's experience in similar role

Company
: Cutting-edge Global Sports Technology and Data

Role
: Head of Embedded Systems

Location
:
Cape Town (Hybrid)

Introduction:

Our client is redefining what's possible in live sports performance analytics. They build ultra-low-latency tracking systems using
Ultra-Wideband (UWB)
and
motion sensing
to capture every movement of players and balls in real time.

You'll work at the intersection of
embedded systems, wireless networking, and sports innovation,
from bare-metal firmware to cloud infrastructure. Their engineering culture thrives on curiosity, experimentation, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

If you're a hands-on technical leader who thrives on building precision real-time systems that perform flawlessly in the chaos of live sport, this is your arena.

The Role:

As
Head of Embedded Systems
, you will own the technical vision and execution of our client's embedded software platform. You'll lead the architecture and development of firmware for UWB tracking devices and motion-sensor wearables, ensuring ultra-reliable, low-latency communication and sub-millisecond synchronisation across dense wireless networks.

You will guide a team of embedded engineers through the full development lifecycle — from concept and architecture through to production, deployment, and live testing in stadium environments. This is a
deeply technical leadership role
that requires both strategic direction and hands-on technical excellence.

Technical Leadership:

• Own and evolve the architecture, design, and implementation of our client's embedded firmware stack.
• Define technical strategy across the embedded ecosystem: bootloaders, drivers, RTOS task structures, communication protocols, and test frameworks.
• Establish and enforce robust development processes, including CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and documentation.
• Set and monitor software quality metrics, ensuring performance, reliability, and maintainability.

Team & Project Leadership:

• Lead, mentor, and grow a world-class embedded engineering team.
• Collaborate with hardware, backend, and product teams to deliver end-to-end system performance and scalability.
• Oversee planning, prioritisation, and delivery using Agile/Lean methods.
• Contribute to hiring, roadmap planning, and long-term technology strategy in collaboration with senior management.

Hands-On Development:

• Design and develop firmware in
  C/C++
  for
  bare-metal
  and
  RTOS environments
  (e.g. Zephyr, FreeRTOS).
• Implement and optimise low-level drivers, data acquisition pipelines, and communication stacks (SPI, I2C, UART, USB, BLE, UWB).
• Conduct hardware bring-up, field testing, and debugging using oscilloscopes, logic analysers, and RF tools.
• Support manufacturing, calibration, and production test workflows.

Required Skills & Experience:

• BSc/MSc in Electronics Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science.
• 10–15 years in embedded systems development
  , including 5+ years in leadership of technical teams or embedded engineering functions.
• Deep expertise with ARM Cortex-M (STM32) microcontrollers.
• Mastery of Embedded C/C++, RTOS (Zephyr, FreeRTOS), and bare-metal real-time systems.
• Strong understanding of build systems (Makefiles, GCC, CMake), toolchains, and version control (Git).
• Proficiency with memory interfaces (EEPROM, SD, Flash) and communication peripherals (SPI, I2C, UART, USB).
• Competence in Python for scripting, testing, and data analysis.
• Experience developing wireless communication systems — ideally UWB, BLE, or Wi-Fi.

Nice to Have:

• Experience with sensor fusion and IMU data processing.
• Understanding of RF systems, antenna design, and signal integrity.
• Familiarity with Linux, networking (TCP/IP), and bootloaders.
• Experience with CI/test frameworks or hardware-in-the-loop testing.
• Exposure to cloud-connected IoT architectures and data streaming systems.

Personal Attributes:

• Strategic thinker with strong hands-on engineering instincts.
• Passionate about sports, technology, and building high-performance systems.
• Strong communicator and mentor.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced startup environment with high autonomy.
• Committed to reliability, precision, and performance in every detail.

Reporting To:

• VP of Engineering

Working Closely With:

• CTO, Hardware Engineers, Backend Developers, Data Science, and Product Teams

Perks and Benefits:

• Hybrid work flexibility

Company Description

MHE Electronics (Pty) Ltd has been designing, manufacturing, and supplying high-quality electronic products for over 25 years. The company offers a range of proprietary products in addition to manufacturing customized products exclusively for clients. MHE Electronics prides itself on delivering innovative and tailored electronic solutions to meet client specifications.

Role Description

We are seeking a motivated
Junior Embedded Engineer
to join our team and contribute to the development of embedded systems. You will work on designing, developing, and testing embedded solutions, collaborating with a talented team to bring innovative products to life. This is an excellent opportunity for a driven individual with a passion for embedded systems and a desire to grow their skills in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and test embedded software using
  C
  for microcontrollers and embedded platforms.
• Assist in
  schematic design
  and
  PCB layout
  .
• Conduct
  prototype testing
  , debugging, and validation to ensure system performance and reliability.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate hardware and software components.
• Document design processes, test results, and system specifications.
• Contribute to code reviews, design discussions, and continuous improvement of development processes.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electronic Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• 1-2 years of experience in
  embedded systems development
  , including:
• Proficiency in
  C programming
  for embedded applications.
• Hands-on experience with
  schematic design
  and
  PCB design
  (e.g., using tools like Eagle).
• Familiarity with
  prototype testing
  and debugging tools (e.g., oscilloscopes, logic analysers).
• Basic understanding of microcontroller architectures (e.g., ARM, STM32).
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and in a team-oriented environment.

Preferred Qualifications (Bonus)

• Experience with
  C# development
  for desktop or test applications.
• Familiarity with communication protocols (e.g., I2C, SPI, UART, or CAN).
• Knowledge of real-time operating systems (RTOS) or bare-metal programming.
• Exposure to version control systems (e.g., Git) and agile development practices.
• Basic experience with firmware security and low-power design techniques.

• Design and develop electrical circuits compliant with industry and safety standards
• Program and implement PLC automation solutions for custom machines and systems
• Perform electrical testing, commissioning, and system validation on-site and in-house
• Maintain accurate project and "as-built" documentation
• Provide technical support during assembly, installation, and operation
• Assist technicians and clients with troubleshooting and fault resolution
• Travel locally and internationally to support project delivery and installations

1. 35 years of hands-on experience in designing, programming, and commissioning PLC automation for advanced, high-end machinery
2. Skilled in Siemens TIA Portal for development, configuration, and integration of complex automation systems
3. Experience with CODESYS, Allen Bradley, Delta ISPSoft, or B&R considered a plus
4. 12 years of practical electrical circuit design experience; E-Plan knowledge preferred
5. Strong grasp of electrical standards and their application in sophisticated automated equipment
6. Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) for documentation and technical reporting
7. Flexible and willing to travel domestically and internationally to support installation, commissioning, and testing of high-performance machinery

• BEng or BTech in Electrical / Mechatronic Engineering