Embedded Software Engineer

Company Description

Sensear is a global leader in designing and manufacturing best-in-class digital communication headsets used by companies in their mission to eradicate hearing loss and enhance operational critical communications. Sensear collaborates with industries in high-noise environments to solve workplace noise and communication challenges. Founded in 2006, Sensear's headsets protect hearing, allow verbal communication, and retain 360° situational awareness. Sensear revolutionizes workplace communication in various industrial workplaces, including oil, gas, mining, construction, manufacturing, data centers, concerts, special events, and more. The company designs and manufactures its headsets in-house in Perth, Australia and distributes products from its U.S. headquarters in Carpentersville, IL.

Role Description

Working with a dedicated team of other engineers, you will be developing leading-edge audio hearing protection and wearable products distributed globally. As a key member of the engineering team, you will be involved in all aspects of the product development cycle including architecture, simulation, design, design verification, compliance, and introduction into manufacturing. You will be expected to coordinate with other team members to develop and maintain key components of the development environment. This is a full-time, on-site role located in Carpentersville, IL. The Embedded Software Engineer will be responsible for day-to-day tasks such as embedded software programming, software development, debugging, and software design.

Role & Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, prototype and implement embedded software components running on the Sensear earplug and earmuff products, current and future.
• Implement Soundcheck test sequences, and associated Windows DLLs and LabVIEW applications, that are used in the production team’s functional test system to test the functionality of fully assembled units before they are boxed and added to the stock as fully finished goods.
• Implement version control and maintain all software components: embedded software, functional test software, and Windows software.
• Perform initial stage of production release of all software components. The initial stage involves determining when the software component is release-ready and asking permission from the Engineering Manager to release the software component.
• Research and develop new technologies that can be included in the Sensear products. Implement the software component of these technologies.
• Implement and fine tune new algorithms that are developed in house.
• Supervise staff/students that work on short-term projects.     
• Being involved in the Sensear Sound Laboratory experiments, reviewing of hardware design documents, providing technical support to both the sales team and the production team, speaking to customers at tradeshows and over the phone, recording new voice clips for Sensear products, and others.
• Review hardware schematics and architectures for software compatibility.

Required Knowledge & Expertise

• Demonstrated track record in product development projects and project management as it relates to commercialization of new products.
• At least +7 years of experience in software design and development of embedded systems.
• Strong (embedded) C/C++ programming skills
• Experience with firmware debugging technologies such as JTAG, SWD
• Experience in implementation of various wired communication protocols including I2C, SPI, I2S, UART, USB.
• Electronics and hardware knowledge to understand and troubleshoot at the firmware/hardware interface.
• A solid understanding of wireless technologies such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, LoRa etc.
• Experience in audio signal processing and DSP
• Driver development such as: Wi-Fi, USB, Bluetooth, FM, audio codec and past working knowledge of ARM Cortex-M based MCU (dual-core preferred)
• Proven ability in embedded software engineering with solving real-time embedded issues, including threading, optimization, memory management, interrupt handling.
• Experience in developing (audio) DSP algorithms and porting them between different cores and platforms.
• Familiar with optimal use and integration of RTOS for real time applications.
• Development and integration of board support package, boot loader and boot code.
• Demonstrated ability to produce high quality technical documentation.
• Knowledge of high-level languages and shell scripting in other programs and languages (Python), Application software development for Android and/or iOS
• Good knowledge of VC systems including Jira, Git and Perforce

Strongly Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:

•  Knowledge of build automation, continuous integration, unit test, change management and configuration management
•  Understanding audio technologies and applications. DSP audio algorithm and digital filter design background.
• Ability to use common test equipment such as oscilloscopes and logic analyzers
• Experienced in working in an Agile development environment and understanding of SDLS and test-driven development processes.
• Knowledge and working with collaboration tools such as Confluence with ability to contribute to architecture discussions, advocate strategies and solutions.
• Ability to work well with others in a team environment with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Contribute to developing internal and external technical design documentation and guides in support of the product.
• Contribute and participate in product hardware review design.

Preferred Traits & Skillsets

·      Highly organized and process driven.

·      Strong attention to detail and organizational skills

·      Proven track record of on-time delivery of projects and exceeding milestone targets

·      Individually motivated

·      Superb analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills

·      Strong leadership abilities

·      Strong written and verbal communication skills

·      Ability to make decisions under pressure.

·      Collaborative team player

·      Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications and Educational Requirements

Bachelor's Degree Required. Candidate needs to have proven experience and tenure in the related engineering field with high analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. This role will be central to maintaining engineering standards and product standards. The ideal candidate must play a leadership role in ensuring the company meets and exceeds technical project specifications and timelines.