Embedded System Designer

Job Description

Do you have a knack for solving issues and take pleasure in getting things organised and working smoothly? Are you well organized, reliable, follow clear processes and instructions, and like being hands-on with your day-to-day work? If so, we are looking for you.

Newcon Optik, a leading producer of electro-optical products in the defence industry is looking to recruit an Embedded System Designer.

We are committed to employment equity and encourage applications from all qualified candidates.

Key Responsibilities:

The key responsibilities of an Embedded System Designer include, but are not limited to:

  • Design, program, and verify FPGA logic using VHDL or Verilog.
  • Develop and debug firmware for microcontrollers (MCUs) in C/C++.
  • Integrate FPGA and MCU subsystems and ensure seamless communication.
  • Collaborate with hardware engineers on board bring-up and system integration.
  • Implement and optimize drivers for communication protocols (SPI, I²C, UART, CAN, USB).
  • Perform debugging using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and JTAG tools.
  • Document designs, code, and processes to ensure maintainability and compliance.
  • Work with Engineering, Optics, Quality Assurance to ensure standards are met and products conform to customer requirements.
  • Read and interpret blueprints, electrical schematics, and engineering drawings.

The Benefits

  • Health and dental benefits, including life insurance.

The Person

The key skills and qualities of an Optical Products Assembler are:

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
  • 3–5 years of professional experience in embedded systems design and programming.
  • Proven expertise in FPGA development (Xilinx and Lattice toolchains).
  • Proficiency in MCU programming (ARM Cortex-M, STM32, NXP, Microchip/Atmel).
  • Strong understanding of real-time operating systems (RTOS) or bare-metal programming.
  • Knowledge of hardware–software co-design and digital electronics.

Desired Skills

  • Experience with scripting languages for build automation.
  • Familiarity with version control systems (Git).
  • Exposure to model-based design (MATLAB/Simulink).
  • High-Level Synthesis (C/C++ → HDL)
  • Experience with low-power embedded design and optimization.

Soft Skills

  • Excellent problem-solving and analytical thinking.
  • Ability to work both independently and within cross-functional teams.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Attention to detail and strong documentation habits.

If you are keen on joining this exciting, forward-thinking company and taking the next step in your career, please forward your resume and cover letter to hr@newcon-optik.com. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.