706 Hardware Design jobs in South Africa

Introduction

We are looking for a highly experienced Senior Electronic Hardware Design Engineer to take a leading role in the design, development, and testing of Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) for cutting-edge defence and aerospace applications. This position requires deep technical expertise in electronic circuit simulation, schematic design, and PCB layout, as well as proven experience guiding projects from concept through to production. The successful candidate will also play a key role in mentoring junior engineers and ensuring designs meet stringent industry standards.

Duties & Responsibilities

Lead the design, simulation, schematic capture, and PCB layout of LRUs in line with system specifications

Apply and follow electronic hardware design processes, ensuring thorough documentation in line with hardware design plans

Take part in technical peer reviews, providing feedback and ensuring design quality

Mentor and guide junior engineers, offering technical support and leadership

Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams (software, mechanical, DSP, RF, aeronautical) to achieve seamless hardware integration

Test, validate, and verify hardware designs against applicable standards (DO-160, MIL-STD-704)

Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues impacting design and performance

Stay up to date with advancements in electronic hardware design and apply innovations to ongoing and future projects

Desired Experience and Qualifications

BEng or MEng in Electronic Engineering (or equivalent qualification)

Minimum of 10 years’ experience in hardware design (15 years preferred); aerospace or defence sector experience advantageous

Extensive expertise in analogue, digital, and communication electronic hardware design

Proficiency in :

Altium (non-negotiable)

LTspice or similar circuit simulation software

Microsoft Word and Excel

Strong knowledge of schematic design, PCB design, circuit analysis, development processes, and testing procedures

Familiarity with key industry standards, including DO-160, MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-704, MIL-STD-810, and DO-254

Preferred technical experience :

3U VPX and 3U VPX backplane design

MTBF calculations and FMEA circuit analysis

High-speed digital design (50GbE to 100GbE)

Ansys and IPC PCB design courses for military and aerospace applications

Soft Skills :

Strong problem-solving ability with excellent attention to detail

Ability to work independently with minimal guidance and contribute effectively to multidisciplinary teams

Commitment to following structured design processes and delivering high-quality, reliable designs

• Diploma or Degree in Electronic Engineering or Electrical Engineering, with a strong electronics focus

• Solid understanding of electronic components, circuits, and PCB design
• Experience with circuit simulation tools or prototyping (during studies or internship)
• Ability to read and interpret schematics and technical drawings
• Problem-solving mindset, with attention to detail
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Advantageous: Exposure to embedded systems, microcontrollers, or analog/digital design

Introduction

We are looking for a highly experienced Senior Electronic Hardware Design Engineer to take a leading role in the design, development, and testing of Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) for cutting-edge defence and aerospace applications. This position requires deep technical expertise in electronic circuit simulation, schematic design, and PCB layout, as well as proven experience guiding projects from concept through to production. The successful candidate will also play a key role in mentoring junior engineers and ensuring designs meet stringent industry standards.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead the design, simulation, schematic capture, and PCB layout of LRUs in line with system specifications

• Apply and follow electronic hardware design processes, ensuring thorough documentation in line with hardware design plans

• Take part in technical peer reviews, providing feedback and ensuring design quality

• Mentor and guide junior engineers, offering technical support and leadership

• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams (software, mechanical, DSP, RF, aeronautical) to achieve seamless hardware integration

• Test, validate, and verify hardware designs against applicable standards (DO-160, MIL-STD-704)

• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues impacting design and performance

• Stay up to date with advancements in electronic hardware design and apply innovations to ongoing and future projects

Desired Experience and Qualifications

• BEng or MEng in Electronic Engineering (or equivalent qualification)

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in hardware design (15 years preferred); aerospace or defence sector experience advantageous

• Extensive expertise in analogue, digital, and communication electronic hardware design

• Proficiency in:

  • Altium (non-negotiable)

  • LTspice or similar circuit simulation software

  • Microsoft Word and Excel

• Strong knowledge of schematic design, PCB design, circuit analysis, development processes, and testing procedures

• Familiarity with key industry standards, including DO-160, MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-704, MIL-STD-810, and DO-254

• Preferred technical experience:

  • 3U VPX and 3U VPX backplane design

  • MTBF calculations and FMEA circuit analysis

  • High-speed digital design (50GbE to 100GbE)

  • Ansys and IPC PCB design courses for military and aerospace applications

Soft Skills:

• Strong problem-solving ability with excellent attention to detail

• Ability to work independently with minimal guidance and contribute effectively to multidisciplinary teams

• Commitment to following structured design processes and delivering high-quality, reliable designs

Simera Sense is a leading provider of Earth observation camera solutions for the global small satellite market. Committed to excellence and innovation, we deliver superior products and services to our worldwide customer base. Our Head Office is in Belgium, and our South African company is based in Somerset West, close to all amenities and diverse natural beauty, providing great lifestyle options.

At Simera Sense, we create high-performance optical payloads that empower satellites to see the Earth in extraordinary detail. We are looking for a Senior Electronic Hardware Design Engineer to help us push the boundaries of what is possible in space-based imaging.

In this role, you’ll lead the design and development of advanced electronic systems that power our payloads, from concept through to launch. You will work closely with multidisciplinary teams to architect robust, space-ready hardware that performs flawlessly in the harshest environments.

If you are passionate about precision electronics, thrive on solving complex engineering challenges, and want your designs to orbit the Earth, this is your opportunity to make a real impact on the ground and beyond.

Job Purpose :

Lead the design, development, and optimisation of advanced electronic hardware systems for earth observation applications, ensuring high performance, reliability, and compliance with industry standards.

Responsibilities :

• Attend requirement and proposal discussions with clients.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and interact with sub-contractors to resolve manufacturing issues.
• Design and develop electronics-based products used in spacecraft systems.
• Create and review design documentation, test procedures, and calibration systems.
• Develop embedded firmware for micro-controller and FPGA-based applications.
• Derive technical specifications for sub-system requirements based on market and customer needs.
• Research, develop, and test theoretical and conceptual designs.
• Select and qualify components for electronic designs.
• Simulate and test designs at various levels to ensure reliability and performance in specified operational environments.
• Conduct practical testing and debugging of electronic circuits.
• Document and review all aspects of the design phases.
• Develop production documentation and ensure compliance with industry standards.
• Manage project timelines and deliverables.
• Ensure projects are completed within budget and to the required quality standards.
• Stay updated with the latest industry trends and technologies.
• Implement innovative solutions to improve product performance and reliability.

Required Qualifications :

Bachelor’s Honours Degree or Postgraduate Diploma in Electronic/Mechatronics Engineering

Required Experience :

• 5 - 10 years of experience in high-reliability electronic product design, analog and digital circuit design, and practical testing and debugging, ideally within the aerospace or defense industry
• Practical experience in testing and debugging electronic circuits, ensuring they meet stringent reliability and performance standards
• Proficiency in embedded software development using languages such as Assembler, C, and C++
• Experience in FPGA development, preferably using VHDL
• Familiarity with various microcontroller architectures
• Skills in schematic creation and PCB layout, preferably using tools like Altium Designer
• Experience in managing projects, including timelines, budgets, and deliverables

Recommendations:

• Master’s degree in Electronic Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Understanding of radiation effects on electronics
• Experience with configuration or product lifecycle management tools such as Siemens Teamcenter

What we offer :

• The opportunity to work in the fast-growing space industry.
• Niche global market for optical payloads for microsatellites.
• Cutting-edge technology at your fingertips
• A competitive salary
• A friendly working environment.

Overview

An exciting opportunity exists for a Junior Electronic Hardware Design Engineer with a focus on power supply development. This role is ideal for a technically strong individual looking to specialise in the design, simulation, and testing of power supplies for Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) within a high-performance engineering environment. The successful candidate will support the full hardware development cycle, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams.

• Design and simulate power supply circuits for LRUs according to systems engineering specifications
• Complete PCB design and routing using industry-standard tools (Altium – non-negotiable)
• Document hardware designs in line with defined engineering processes and hardware design plans
• Participate in peer reviews of electronic hardware and designs
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams including software, mechanical, RF, DSP, and aeronautical engineering
• Test and validate designs against relevant industry standards (e.g. DO-160, MIL-STD-704)
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to LRU power supply performance
• Stay informed on industry trends and integrate relevant technological advancements into designs

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical or Electronic Engineering (or similar)
• Strong proficiency in schematic design, circuit simulation, PCB design, and circuit analysis
• Experience using the following tools (non-negotiable):
• • Altium for PCB design
  • LTspice (or similar simulation software)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel
• Self-motivated and capable of working independently as well as in collaborative team settings

An exciting opportunity exists for a Junior Electronic Hardware Design Engineer with a focus on power supply development. This role is ideal for a technically strong individual looking to specialise in the design, simulation, and testing of power supplies for Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) within a high-performance engineering environment. The successful candidate will support the full hardware development cycle, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Design and simulate power supply circuits for LRUs according to systems engineering specifications
• Complete PCB design and routing using industry-standard tools (Altium – non-negotiable)
• Document hardware designs in line with defined engineering processes and hardware design plans
• Participate in peer reviews of electronic hardware and designs
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams including software, mechanical, RF, DSP, and aeronautical engineering
• Test and validate designs against relevant industry standards (e.g. DO-160, MIL-STD-704)
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to LRU power supply performance
• Stay informed on industry trends and integrate relevant technological advancements into designs

Experience and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical or Electronic Engineering (or similar)
• Strong proficiency in schematic design, circuit simulation, PCB design, and circuit analysis
• Experience using the following tools (non-negotiable):
  
  • Altium for PCB design
  • LTspice (or similar simulation software)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel
• Self-motivated and capable of working independently as well as in collaborative team settings

This function is performed in the Nortech International business division.

The immediate line of responsibility is to the Hardware Development Manager.

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

This post involves the research and development of new products for all of the four business units of Nortech, namely, Traffic, Parking, HeadCount, and Identipark. The job will involve developing products from initial concept through to a fully qualified, robust prototype using sound engineering principles. All products developed will be competing in international markets and, therefore, need to be of the highest quality standard. Interfacing with the Nortech production facility will be required to facilitate prototype builds, product testing, and final handover of the prototypes for Industrialisation.

QUALIFICATION & KEY COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

• Minimum BSc Degree in Electronic Engineering
• 3 to 4 years working experience in an electronics manufacturing environment
• Solid Hardware (electronics) experience in Analogue and Digital Design, including Schematic and PCB design.
• Solid Firmware development experience with Embedded Systems and C.
• Experience in Compliance Testing for Certifications of Product.
• Ability to write or modify PC Based Software in Visual Software Suites.
• Ability to plan a project accurately given a complete specification.
• CPLD, FPGA Design experience would be a plus
• DSP experience would be a plus.
• Ability to impart knowledge of product and train Industrial Engineering, Engineering Services, Test and Repairs Departments at handover.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with departments within the company.
• An eagerness to embrace change and previously unused technologies.
• A responsible, self-motivated individual driven to meet deadlines.
• A meticulous individual with significant attention to detail.

THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE ROLE:

• Design of electronic products from concept, technology research, full technical product specification, design of schematic and PCB using Altium Designer, design of firmware – right through to a fully qualified, robust prototype.
• Walking the product through the production facility during the first-off prototype builds.
• Full spectrum bench-testing and verification, environmental verification and Electromagnetic Compliance verification.
• Liaising with the Industrial Engineering Department to get the product fully industrialised.
• Training of Engineering Services and Test and Repairs Departments to be able to support the final product.
• Firmware Development for Microcontrollers – generally done in C.
• Occasional PC Software development for testing purposes – these will generally be done in C / C++ / Visual Basic / Java / TCL.
• Liaising with the Software developers to integrate components into complete systems.
• Designing with DSPs, ARM Processors, 8051 based Microcontrollers, PICs, Motorola Micros, and FPGAs.

Activities connected with the Job:

• Schematic and PCB Design - 30%
• Firmware Development - 40%
• Documentation - 5%
• Interfacing with other departments - 5%
• Testing - 20%

Structure:

The Hardware Development Engineer will report to the Hardware Development Manager.

His/her interpersonal roles within the organisation will be:

• To liaise with the Sales and Marketing departments
• To liaise with Industrial Engineering staff
• To liaise with Engineering Services Staff
• To liaise with Planning and Production Staff

Success in the function is more objectively measured by:

• The ability to translate market requirements into a technical specification
• The ability to accurately plan projects to meet all specifications and requirements
• The ability to meet the deadlines set out in the project planning phase
• The quality and durability of products designed
• The ability to speedily resolve problems arising
• The ability to interface with other departments within the organisation

The candidate appointed to this position will be expected to:

• Manage himself/herself with little supervision
• Produce results in line with commitments and agreed objectives