Software & Controls Engineer

About

Our client, a leading manufacturer of mobile mining machinery based in Boksburg, is seeking a skilled Software & Controls Engineer to join their engineering team. This is an exciting opportunity for an engineer who thrives at the intersection of embedded software and heavy mobile equipment. The successful candidate will design, develop, integrate, test, and maintain embedded software/firmware and control systems for underground mining machines. The role is primarily software/firmware-focused — working with embedded C/C++, C#, structured text, CAN bus diagnostics, communication stacks, and bootloaders — while requiring solid electrical systems knowledge to ensure effective software-hardware interfacing. You will play a key role in delivering robust, safe, and maintainable control solutions, with involvement across the full product lifecycle from concept through commissioning and field support.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with product management, applications, and cross-functional engineering teams to translate machine-level needs into software and controls requirements.
• Architect, implement, and review embedded software/firmware for new features, diagnostics, algorithms, I/O handling, and safety functions (primarily in C/C++).
• Develop control strategies and algorithms; define performance criteria; create validation plans (SIL/HIL) and execute tests to verify requirements.
• Perform hands-on hardware bring-up, board support/configuration, interface definition, system debugging, and code optimisation.
• Configure and integrate industrial/automotive communication protocols (CAN/CANopen/J1939, RS-232/422/485, TCP/IP/Ethernet).
• Create and maintain technical documentation including requirements, architecture/design specifications, test plans, release notes, and user/service guides.
• Ensure interface compatibility across machine iterations through close collaboration with Mechanical, Electrical, and Hydraulic design engineers.
• Apply applicable safety regulations and standards by customer geography (ISO/ANSI/CSA/IEC).
• Support commissioning, troubleshooting, and remote/field diagnostics; provide guidance to technicians and stakeholders.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior team members.
• Lead design reviews and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Travel to test sites and customer locations as required.

Experience & Qualifications

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) in Computer & Electronics OR B.Eng. in Mechatronics (required).

Experience

• 3–5 years of relevant experience in embedded software/firmware and control systems for mobile machinery or industrial equipment.
• Experience with control architecture design and real-time embedded systems (RTOS advantageous).

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in C/C++ (embedded) and/or C#; exposure to Python and Structured Text advantageous.
• Practical knowledge of DC electrical and electronic systems, wiring practices, sensors/actuators, and power management.
• Familiarity with communication protocols: CAN/J1939/CANopen, RS-232/422/485, TCP/IP.
• Experience with version control (Git).
• Ability to design, model, simulate, and analyse control systems using MATLAB/Simulink or relevant IDE software packages.
• Strong familiarity with sensor technologies (pressure, temperature, levels, vision, IMUs) and their integration into control systems.
• Strong debugging skills with oscilloscopes, logic analysers, and relevant tools; ability to interpret schematics and datasheets.
• Knowledge of ISO/ANSI/CSA/IEC electrical and functional safety principles relevant to mobile machinery.
• Familiarity with BOM structures and DFMEA processes.
• Ability to develop HIL/SIL test harnesses and author unit, integration, and automated regression tests.