Embedded Software Engineer

Summary

From its roots in 1990, Alaris Antennas has grown to become a substantial supplier of advanced Electronic Warfare (EW) antennas. For the global defence and security markets, Alaris Antennas’ mission is to deliver high quality antenna Solutions, on time, through technical and service excellence.

Country South Africa

Alaris Subsidiary Alaris Antennas

Employment Full Time Position

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This position requires full-time presence at our Centurion, South Africa office.

Build the firmware that powers next-generation defence technology. Alaris Antennas is looking for a mid-level Embedded Software Engineer who writes clean C, thinks in state machines, and thrives at the hardware-software boundary. If you've spent years making microcontrollers do exactly what they're supposed to—and can prove it—we want to talk.

The Role

We're seeking a talented Embedded Software Engineer to join our R&D team. This mid-level role requires solid working experience and the ability to hit the ground running. You'll design, develop, test, and debug embedded firmware that interfaces with cutting-edge antenna hardware used in defence and security applications.

Please note: This is an on-site position based in Centurion, South Africa. Remote work is not available.

What You'll Do

✓ Develop and optimize firmware for 8-bit, 16-bit, and 32-bit microcontrollers and embedded platforms (MIPS, ARM, STM32)

✓ Implement and manage RTOS or bare-metal solutions

✓ Design and maintain device drivers and middleware for communication interfaces (SPI, I²C, UART, CAN, USB, Ethernet)

✓ Conduct integration testing and qualification of firmware with hardware systems

✓ Collaborate closely with hardware engineers for seamless firmware-hardware integration

✓ Write technical documentation including firmware specifications, test descriptions, interface definitions, user manuals, and integration guides

✓ Contribute to process improvements through automation and coding standards

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electronic Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related discipline

Experience

5+ years in embedded software development with:

Core Technical Skills

• Strong proficiency in C, particularly bare-metal embedded programming
• Thorough understanding of microcontrollers, digital/analogue circuits, and low-level hardware interaction
• Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS) and concepts
• Experience with hierarchical state machines
• Proficient with 8-bit, 16-bit, and 32-bit microcontrollers
• Experience with unit and system testing
  
  

Tools & Platforms

• Embedded IDEs: STM32CubeIDE, MPLAB, or similar
• Communication protocols: SPI, I²C, UART, CAN, USB, Ethernet
• Debugging tools: oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, protocol analyzers
• PCB design software: Altium Designer (to support hardware collaboration)
• Version control: Git
• Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  
  

Key Competencies

• Ability to write highly readable, clear, and understandable code
• Strong technical problem-solving and analytical skills
• Logical thinker who can simplify complex problems
• High levels of initiative, ownership, and accountability
  
  

Personal Attributes

• Self-driven and motivated to work independently and collaboratively
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• Proactive, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively
• Excellent team collaboration skills
  
  

Language

English proficiency required