Firmware Engineer

Company: VJ Tech Limited/Controls Spa (“VJ Tech”, “Controls”, or “Company”)

Job Title: Firmware Engineer

Reports to: R&D Manager

(Disclaimer: We are not open to sponsoring at this point in time.)

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled, independent, and motivated Firmware Engineer to join our team. This position will be responsible for creating and improving embedded software systems used within precision materials testing equipment primarily focused within the construction and infrastructure markets. The Firmware Engineer will report to the R&D Manager and will require occasional travel on site to our manufacturing facility in Milan, Italy. The ideal candidate will have 10+ years of experience successfully implementing firmware on industrial machinery, be proficient in C or C++ and have a strong understanding of microcontrollers and experience with real time operating systems. The candidate’s base will be in Reading UK with expectations to travel to Control’s facility in Milan, Italy when necessary.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with hardware and other engineering staff to evaluate and document the interface requirements between hardware/firmware/software
• Design, implement, and debug firmware for embedded systems in C/C++
• Perform testing and validation of embedded firmware to ensure reliability and stability
• Optimize code for performance, power efficiency, and memory usage
• Assess third party and open-source software
• Assist hardware engineers in developing schematics to optimize product performance
• Provide postproduction support when necessary

Experience, Skills and Education

• BS Electrical/Electronic Engineering or Software Engineering with 10+ years’ work experience from a relevant area
• Proficiency with C and C++ required with extensive experience in automation and closed loop industrial control
• Strong understanding of embedded systems architecture and hardware interfaces (e.g., UART, SPI, I2C, CAN etc.).
• Strong knowledge of ST family microcontrollers (e.g. STM32H7) and real-time operating systems (RTOS).
• Knowledge of Digital Signal Processing (e.g. FIR, IIR filters)
• Knowledge of TCP/IP, network programming preferred
• Familiarity with version control systems (e.g., Git).
• Embedded Linux based knowledge is a plus
• Basic electronics troubleshooting abilities (debugging and problem-solving skills, including using tools like oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and debuggers).
• Experience with wireless communication protocols (Bluetooth, WiFi, 4G, etc.).
• Experience or coursework with automated testing frameworks is a plus
• Experience with firmware development of modern GUI for embedded applications
• Detail oriented, thorough, and ability to maintain and enforce strict revision control and change documentation.

Compensation

• 21 days holiday plus the UK statutory and bank holidays
• Medical and dental benefits
• Life insurance benefits (entry is immediate upon completion of 3 months’ service)
• Pension fund – company contributions 3%

Company Background

VJ Tech has been successfully manufacturing and supplying high quality, advanced and innovative laboratory test equipment to the construction and geotechnical industries since 1991. From universities where our instruments provide testing for post-graduate research, to multinational construction companies involved in large projects, our equipment provides the solutions to a diverse range of requirements. For more information, please visit www.vjtech.co.uk.

Controls is a market leader in the construction materials testing industry. Headquartered in Milan, Italy with five international branch offices, over 100 distributors worldwide and a dedicated team of highly experienced and knowledgeable specialists, we offer the largest and most capable technical sales and support network in the industry. For more information, please visit www.controls-group.com.