Firmware, Hardware and Embedded Software Engineer

Firmware, Hardware and Embedded Software Engineer:
Radar-Ware Research Group

The CSIR has a vacancy for a Firmware, Hardware and Embedded Software Engineer in the Radar and Electronic Warfare Impact Area. The incumbent will be responsible for the development of world‑class firmware and embedded software for high‑speed digital hardware. This role plays a vital part in high‑impact projects from advanced land and naval surveillance radar sensors to SAR sensing systems in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and spaceborne platforms.

The position is based in Pretoria and will report to the Research Group Leader.

For more information about the impact area and cluster, please visit Radar and Electronic Warfare () and Defence and Security ().

• Interpret user requirements.
• Generate detailed item development specification.
• Generate acceptance test plans and reports.

• Use VHDL and/or Verilog to develop code for programmable logic devices (FPGAs).
• Implement Firmware designs on both pure digital and mixed digital, analogue and RF devices.
• Design complex high‑speed‑digital and high‑bandwidth‑analogue functions.
• Perform simulations to verify design functions both for electrical and firmware designs.

• Debug designs.
• Perform formal functional verification and acceptance testing.
• Perform system and sub‑system integration.
• Complete acceptance test reports.

• Generate manufacturing data packs.
• Generate design documentation.
• Capture data into data management system.

• Mentor junior staff in VHDL and Firmware designs.
• Mentor junior staff in digital and analogue design, simulation and verification.

• A Bachelor of Engineering degree in electronic engineering with at least two years’ experience in firmware development.
• Experience in the following is required:
  • VHDL firmware development of complex systems.
  • Debugging of firmware and hardware.
  • Capability of document preparation.
• Experience in the following will be advantageous:
  • Verilog.
  • High‑speed digital and mixed signal design.
• Proven capability of delegating tasks to junior colleagues.
• Capability of helping in the development and career growth of junior colleagues.

• Learning and development opportunities.
• Competitive and market‑related remuneration packages.
• Total guaranteed salary packages which encompass contributions to the pension fund, risk insurance and medical scheme.
• We openly acknowledge and reward our employees’ contributions and accomplishments through our esteemed CSIR Excellence Awards.

South African citizenship and security clearance are required for this position.

PLEASE NOTE THAT FEEDBACK WILL BE GIVEN TO SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES ONLY.

For more info, please contact the CSIR Recruitment Centre on or email us at

The CSIR is an equal opportunity employer. As such, it is committed to the employment Equity Act and will through the filling of this vacancy, give preference to candidates from designated groups in terms of the Employment Equity Act. By applying for this position at the CSIR, the applicant understands, and agrees that the CSIR may solicit a credit and criminal report from registered credit bureau and/or South African Police Services (in relation to positions that requires trust and honesty and/or entail the handling of cash or finances), and may also verify the applicant’s educational qualification and employment history.

The CSIR reserves the right to remove the advertisement at any time before the stated closing date and it further reserves the right not to appoint if a suitable candidate is not identified.