Job Description

Job Title/Position

Embedded Systems Engineer

Department

Engineering

Responsible To 

Engineering Manager – Rail

Responsible For

Linux distributed applications and Embedded Software

Hours of Work 

Minimum of 40 hrs per week

Main Purpose 

To develop and maintain software applications that can provide cross platform services and data communications, integrating and linking applications running in Linux OS with low-level software/hardware running in a microcontroller or FPGA. Configuration of Linux based embedded systems, including local webservices, IP tables, and secure remote access.

Main Duties/Function

Generation and maintenance of software requirements in line with the project functional specification and company quality standards.

Generation of software design and documentation in line with project requirements and company standards.

Generation of efficient, well structured, annotated software code as defined in the design documentation.

Operation of debugging tools protocol analysis hardware/software to ensure reliable implementation of application and communications functionality.

The production of validation and verification requirements to test that the code has met the requirements of the project.

Conducting the verification and validation testing as necessary

Assist in the development of initiatives to improve and simplify the generation, modification, and documentation of software

To develop system level application software/firmware to operate embedded processors, peripherals, interfaces, and I/O circuitry.

The integration of hardware and software needed to run a Linux embedded OS on a local application card communicating with a main controller/microprocessor card.

Development of web-based diagnostic/monitoring tools, integration with third party applications and libraries under Linux OS environment.

Design of communications interface software (ie serial link, Ethernet, CANbus, Modbus, PROFIBUS, TCP/IP for example).

Assist in the integration of the embedded solution into the overall product.

Assist in the production of qualification and production test procedures.

Provide advice on all aspects of design and engineering to other senior managers and staff to ensure effective decision making

Actively follow the Company’s Health and Safety Policy, Procedures, and safe systems of work, and be responsible for your own health and welfare, working with colleagues to ensure that the working environment is safe. This includes following instructions and actively participating in training and development to ensure compliance and best practice in this area.

Educational / Quals.

Essential:

• Engineering Degree in software and/or embedded systems related discipline

Desirable:

• Chartered Engineer Status

Practical Experience

Essential:

• Able to give real references of software product development.
• Programming in C and Python.
• Integration of third party/open-source software (applications, libraries).
• Javascript II, AJAX, web data interface.
• Embedded Linux services and network configuration.
• Files, logs, memory/thread management in Linux.
• Communication protocols TCP/IP, UDP, SPI, I2C.
• Secure protocols and data integrity (SSH, TLS, HTTPs…)
• Knowledge of Microprocessors/Microcontrollers technology ARM/Cortex, TI, ST.
• Knowledge of microprocessor’s peripherals
• Debugging communications (Tera Term, Wire shark…)
• Use of lab equipment such as: Scopes, Signal analyser, Multimeters, Power Supplies.
• Use of software version control tools (Subversion, Git)
• Rudimentary knowledge of closed loop control systems with sampled feedbacks

Desirable:

• Demonstrable experience with FPGA Logic Design and simulation using high level descriptive language, preferably VHDL.
• Configuration of physical layer for Ethernet optical fibre Communications.
• PCB circuit design software packages (analogue and digital circuits)
• Familiar with schematics drawing packages as Ecadstar and SEE Electrical.
• Knowledge of Pulse Width Modulation and power electronics concepts
• Ability to operate simulation tools such as PLECS and/or Symmetrix
• Demonstrable experience of working to recognised software processes and standards with application of Software Integrity Levels (SIL)
• Signal conditioning.

Skills & Competence Level

Essential:

• Working to agreed budgets and timescales and in a timely and efficient manner.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of relevant market sectors to TPS, specifically Industrial, Energy, Rail and/or Military

Additional Comments

Good communication and presentation skills, written and oral. Motivated and organised individual who is at ease liaising with customers and suppliers as well as other internal functions within the company.

Drawn up by:

Miguel Areias

Agreed By:

Nigel Jakeman

Issue Date:

05/04/23