About Company
Hwange Colliery Company Limited (HCC) stands as a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s industrial landscape, a legacy institution with a rich history spanning over a century. Located in the heart of Matabeleland North Province, HCC is one of Southern Africa’s largest producers of coal and a critical supplier to the country’s thermal power generation. Beyond its core mining operations, HCC is deeply involved in community development and contributes significantly to the local economy. Our operations are complex and extensive, involving sophisticated heavy machinery, vast processing plants, and critical infrastructure that demands constant innovation and technological advancement. We are committed to sustainable practices, operational excellence, and leveraging cutting-edge technology to optimize our processes, enhance safety, and drive efficiency in a dynamic industrial environment. Joining HCC means becoming part of an enduring legacy and contributing to the nation’s energy future.
Job Description
Hwange Colliery Company Limited is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Embedded Systems Engineer to join our innovative engineering team. This pivotal role will be instrumental in the design, development, and maintenance of robust embedded systems that control and monitor our heavy machinery, industrial processes, and critical infrastructure within the Hwange complex. As a Senior Embedded Systems Engineer, you will be responsible for the full lifecycle of embedded software and hardware development, from conceptualization and architectural design to implementation, testing, and deployment. You will play a key role in optimizing the performance, reliability, and safety of our operational technology (OT) systems, ensuring seamless integration with existing infrastructure and preparing for future advancements in industrial automation.
The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of real-time operating systems (RTOS), microcontroller programming, sensor integration, and industrial communication protocols. You will be expected to lead projects, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate cross-functionally with mechanical, electrical, and process engineering teams to deliver solutions that meet the demanding requirements of a large-scale mining and power generation environment. Your expertise will directly impact our operational efficiency, reduce downtime, and enhance the safety standards across our facilities. This is an unparalleled opportunity for an ambitious engineer to apply their skills in a tangible, high-impact setting, working with complex industrial challenges and contributing to the technological evolution of a national asset. If you are passionate about pushing the boundaries of embedded technology in a heavy industrial context and thrive in a challenging, yet rewarding environment, we encourage you to apply.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, develop, test, and debug embedded software for various industrial control systems and machinery.
- Architect and implement real-time operating system (RTOS) solutions for optimal system performance.
- Integrate hardware components with embedded software, including sensors, actuators, and communication modules.
- Develop and maintain industrial communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, CAN, Ethernet/IP, Profibus).
- Perform system validation and verification, ensuring compliance with industry standards and safety regulations.
- Collaborate with multi-disciplinary engineering teams (electrical, mechanical, process) to define requirements and deliver integrated solutions.
- Lead embedded system projects, including planning, execution, and reporting on progress.
- Troubleshoot and resolve complex hardware and software issues in deployed systems.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of development processes, tools, and best practices.
- Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers.
Required Skills
- Proficiency in C/C++ programming for embedded systems.
- Extensive experience with various microcontrollers (e.g., ARM Cortex-M/R/A, PIC, AVR) and embedded processors.
- Strong understanding of RTOS concepts and experience with FreeRTOS, VxWorks, or similar.
- Experience with embedded Linux development and device drivers.
- Familiarity with hardware-software interfacing, schematic reading, and basic circuit design principles.
- Knowledge of communication protocols such as I2C, SPI, UART, USB, Ethernet, Modbus, CAN.
- Proficiency with development tools (IDEs, debuggers, version control – Git).
- Demonstrated problem-solving skills and analytical capabilities.
- Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
- Experience in industrial automation, mining, power generation, or heavy machinery sectors.
- Knowledge of functional safety standards (e.g., IEC 61508) and cybersecurity principles for embedded systems.
- Experience with FPGA/ASIC development or VHDL/Verilog.
- Familiarity with PLC/DCS systems and SCADA integration.
- Project leadership or management experience.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
- Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
- Generous paid time off and public holidays.
- Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
- Relocation assistance for eligible candidates.
- Subsidized housing options within the company compound.
- Access to recreational facilities and community services.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by clicking on the application link below. Please ensure your resume and cover letter clearly highlight your relevant experience and qualifications for this Senior Embedded Systems Engineer position.