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Software Design Engineer

Company


Sonic Communications (Int) Ltd is a market leader and global supplier of specialist equipment, solutions and services, for the Police, Military, Government and Industrial sectors, with over 45 years’ experience. 


We specialise in the design and manufacture of communications accessories for all radio makes and models. Sonic Communications (Int) Ltd supply body-worn, mobile and static video surveillance equipment and offer installation services to all types of technical equipment into vehicles, both covertly and overtly. This service covers all the UK at our fully equipped installation workshop, or at the Customers premises. 


Sonic Communications (Int) Ltd are proud to be closely associated with Motorola as an Application Partner in both DIMETRA and MOTOTRBO systems. 


This partnership, based on many years of co-operation, provides us access to tools and information that build on our ability to develop specialised, bespoke accessories for our customers. 


We have teamed up with Motorola to produce solutions that support DMR and TETRA radio users, along with their diverse requirements across the globe, to ensure critical specialisms are fully supported in their demanding roles. 


The company operates from a single site in Bickenhill, Birmingham and is within walking distance of Birmingham International train station giving us good transport links for rail or local bus services in support of employee parking.



Job Purpose/mandate


The Technical Support team provides comprehensive assistance across multiple departments, including Production, Video Support, Specialist Vehicle Operations, and Sales. 


We are seeking a highly motivated Software Design Engineer who can take ownership of tasks involving product redesign, issue resolution, and production support across a diverse range of products regarding the embedded code that the product uses.



Specific duties and responsibilities


  • Software Design: Develop, test and maintain clear, well-optimised embedded C firmware for company products.

  • Fault Diagnosis: Skilled in troubleshooting and repairing faults with code, using supporting documentation for items returned by customers or identified during production builds.

  • Continuous Knowledge Development: Willingness to expand technical knowledge of company technologies, including research, to meet specific task requirements.

  • Product Testing: Comprehensive understanding of product functionality and correct testing procedures.

  • Team Support: Ability to provide assistance to any team member seeking help. If unsure, take ownership of the issue and escalate to the appropriate resource.

  • Product Development & Future Technologies: Contribute to product development initiatives and stay informed about emerging technologies relevant to the company’s offerings.

  • Software Management: Ability to manage your own library of software and make sure that revisions are kept, notes taken as to why issues have arisen and what needs to be actioned to correct the issue.



Knowledge and Skills


  • Electronics Expertise: Prior experience in the electronics industry is essential, including the ability to diagnose faults, interpret schematics, and work down to component level. The role involves embedded code writing of small PCBs with IAR C/C++ Compliers.

  • Practical Skills: Strong soldering skills are required, along with proficiency in using technical equipment such as multi-meters, oscilloscopes, signal generators, and PCB rework tools.

  • Software Knowledge: 

    • Crossworks for MSP430

    • Code Composer Studio IDE

    • Version control with Git.

    • KiCAD

    • Jira

    • Microsoft Office 365 Suite


  • Communication: Demonstrates strong communication skills within the team and across the company, providing support and collaboration when required.

  • Customer Focus (Internal and External): Ability to engage effectively with customers visiting the company, offering clear and accurate explanations of products and their functionality.

  • Problem Solving: Proficient in diagnosing technical issues within product ranges by reviewing schematics or drawings, identifying faults, and coordinating corrective actions with the assembly team.

  • Job-Specific Skills: KiCAD knowledge is not mandatory; however, familiarity with the software is advantageous and would enable the candidate to contribute to PCB design.

  • Innovation: Collaborates within the Technical Support Department to discuss and refine product designs. A strong understanding of customer needs ensures products are optimized with features and capabilities that enhance the end-user experience.

  • Organisation and Project Responsibility: Takes pride and ownership in products developed by the team. In the event of faults or customer complaints, works proactively with the team to resolve issues and ensure product quality.


  • Focus: The candidate must demonstrate resilience and the ability to manage challenges constructively, ensuring that performance remains unaffected by stress.

  • Working Hours: 42.5 Hours per week (08:00 – 17:00) 30 minutes break at 13:00



Working conditions


  • Environment: Normal office environment. 

  • Location: Birmingham Office (Starley Way, Bickenhill), Hybrid (remote) working is not available within this position.



Company Benefits


  • Holiday: 23 days basic annual leave plus Bank Holidays. 

  • Health Care: Bupa Private Healthcare following 12 months service.

  • Cover: Healthshield Cashplan Cover following 12 months service.

  • Pension: There is a Company Pension Scheme in place. The minimum employee contribution is 5% and minimum employer contribution is 3%.

  • Life Assurance: Company Life Assurance Cover (Death in Service) from day one of employment, currently 3 x annual salary.

  • Benefits Website

  • Sparks Wellbeing App



If you feel you are right for this role and would like to apply, please contact Michele Bryant for an application form at : michele.bryant@sonic-comms.com

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