Embedded Software Engineer

Since 2012, Threod Systems has designed and manufactured defence technology that is proven and actively used in combat operations.

Built entirely in-house, our UAVs, ISR/ISTAR payloads, and loitering munition launchers are trusted in 26 countries - including 7 NATO allies and Ukraine.

Developed through direct combat feedback, our technology meets the fast-changing demands of modern warfare.

1. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1) Architecture and design input

• Participate in selecting the microcontroller platform and firmware development toolchain, considering system requirements, performance, scalability, and long-term maintainability.
• Support architectural decisions regarding the use of a real-time operating system (RTOS) versus bare-metal design, balancing performance, timing precision, code structure, and future scalability.
• Help design scalable firmware architecture for multi-canister configurations, including modular code structure, unique device addressing, and integration over shared communication buses.
• Create and maintain technical documentation of firmware interfaces, state machines, update workflows, and configuration memory layout to support integration, testing, and system maintenance.

2) Firmware development

• Develop real-time firmware in C or C++ for 32-bit microcontrollers (e.g. STM32, NXP, or similar).
• Design and implement the canister’s internal state machine (e.g. startup, self-test, idle, armed, launch, fault).
• Bring up and interface with onboard sensors (e.g. temperature, pressure, tamper, position switches) and actuators using GPIO, ADC, or other MCU interfaces.
• Handle interrupts, timers, watchdogs, and power-related behaviour on a bare-metal or RTOS-based system (to be selected).

3) Communication and integration

• Define and implement communication between the canister ECU and the central launcher controller using CAN, RS485, or UART, including protocol design, message structures, and error handling. Additional interfaces such as SPI, I²C, Ethernet, or wireless transports may be evaluated depending on architecture and operational needs.
• Integrate non-volatile memory (e.g. EEPROM or flash) to store device identity, configuration, and calibration data.
• Participate in lab and field testing of early prototypes, including firmware flashing, fault tracing, and system-level integration with launcher, sensors, and command interfaces.

4) Diagnostics, safety and reliability

• Develop real-time telemetry and fault monitoring features, including sensor status reporting, system health checks, and persistent fault logging for field diagnostics and post-mission analysis.
• Define and implement safety-critical logic within firmware, including startup checks, arming conditions, safety interlocks, and controlled fail-safe behavior in error scenarios.
• Contribute to test planning and validation for sensor inputs, launch sequencing, and fault-handling behavior.
• Support the design of bootloader and firmware update strategy for in-field upgrades over CAN, UART, or other interfaces, including update triggers, safety validation, and error recovery measures.
• Support the development of hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test strategies to validate firmware behavior under simulated launch and fault conditions.
• Contribute to firmware security measures such as authenticated updates, integrity checks, or tamper detection, as appropriate for field-deployed defense systems.

2. CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

1) Education & Experience

• Degree in Computer Engineering, Embedded Systems, or a related field.
• Proven hands-on experience in embedded software or firmware development.
• Prior experience with defense, aerospace, robotics, automotive, or industrial control systems is a strong advantage.

2) Skills & Competencies

Core Requirements:

• Proven experience developing embedded firmware for 32-bit microcontrollers.
• Strong understanding of real-time systems, interrupt handling, and low-level peripheral control.
• Experience interfacing with digital and analogue sensors and actuators (e.g. GPIO, ADC, I²C SPI).
• Confident working with custom hardware platforms, including bring-up, debugging, and hardware/firmware integration.
• Ability to clearly document firmware behaviour, communication protocols and configuration parameters.

Nice to Have:

• Experience with bootloaders and in-field firmware update mechanisms.
• Familiarity with safety-critical systems, including watchdogs, fault handling, and arming logic.
• Exposure to industrial automation systems, particularly Siemens PLCs (e.g. S7 series, TIA Portal) and the ability to collaborate with PLC developers on integration topics.
• Knowledge of distributed embedded systems or multi-node communication architectures.
• Awareness of industrial communication protocols such as IO-Link, PROFINET, Modbus, or CANopen.
• Basic knowledge of PCB design and layout.
• Understanding of EMC and harsh-environment design principles, including grounding, shielding, thermal and mechanical strategies, and their effects on firmware timing, diagnostics, and signal reliability in the presence of shock, vibration, or EMI.
• Competence in Python for scripting test tools, diagnostics, or HIL automation workflows.

3. PERSONAL QUALITIES

• Proactive, hands-on, and able to take initiative in uncertain or evolving technical areas.
• Strong analytical thinking and structured problem-solving approach.
• Comfortable working both independently and as part of a team.
• Flexibility and self-directed in planning and executing development tasks based on program priorities.
• Clear and concise communicator, able to document and share complex technical details with others.

4. WHAT WE OFFER

• A rare opportunity to join a defense development program from the ground up – with direct influence over architecture, platform selection, and design decisions.
• High-impact work on embedded systems that will be deployed in the field, operating in mission-critical environments.
• Strong emphasis on technical ownership, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and the chance to work on both early prototypes and fielded systems.
• Performance is recognized based on real contributions: delivering quality firmware, solving integration challenges, and enabling system-level functionality.
• Opportunities to grow into system architecture, technical leadership, or deep specialist roles in safety-critical embedded systems.
• Competitive salary and wellness benefits (Confido health insurance or Stebby)
• A day off on your birthday week

👉Please send your CV to [email protected] and include your salary expectation.