Job Description

Software Engineer (DSP)

Department: R&D

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Salisbury

Description

Working within the Software Development team your role is to develop the embedded firmware that runs on the SHARC DSP processor at the heart of all Naim streaming audio systems. Using your combined experience of embedded software, electronics, and audio DSP techniques you will work with the new product development team on the design and realisation of the next generation of our world class audio products.

During the concept phase you will be involved in developing new ideas with the acoustics team, working on the overall software architecture with other embedded software engineers and prototyping ideas in C code and sometimes in MATLAB. During development you will be working closely with the electronics team to bring up new prototypes and writing the software that drives the DSP side of our products. The software you write will be responsible for both the signal processing pipeline that handles the audio signals and the subsystems that control of the DSP chip at board level, interfacing with peripherals such as DAC/ADC and volume control circuitry.

You are expected to have a strong real-time embedded software background with signal processing applications. A background in audio DSP is desirable but an interest in audio is essential. You should be familiar with electronics and prototype debugging techniques as often you will be involved in bringing up early prototypes.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop real-time embedded software for new products. Often the software will be related to DSP applications.
• Write drivers for peripherals that might be on the DSP chip or on the PCB.
• Develop new processing chain components in MATLAB then implement in C code on the DSP processor.
• Collaborate with other firmware developers to define interfaces between processors.
• Work with the acoustics team to develop new ideas and find novel ways to improve performance and sound quality.
• Bring up the DSP and digital audio circuitry on prototype PCBs. Sometimes using oscilloscopes, logic analysers and audio test equipment.
• Produce clear documentation to communicate your ideas and design decisions.
• Engage in peer code review.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Degree qualified in Electronic Engineering, Computer Science or similar engineering related discipline.
• Strong C programming skills, minimum 6 years of commercial C/C++.
• In depth experience of working on real-time embedded systems, preferably using Analog Devices SHARC devices.
• Some audio DSP experience with techniques such as filter design, sample rate conversion, FFT, and dynamic range control.
• Familiarity with electronics design and debugging techniques.
• History of working in a commercial environment designing embedded software for complex electronics products.
• Familiarity with modern software development tools and techniques (Git, Jira, Agile)
• Proactive approach to documentation and collaborative development.
• Personal interest in audio related topics would be beneficial.

Benefits

• 24 days holiday, plus bank holidays - increasing with length of service
• Use of (free) canteen
• Free parking available on-site
• Enhanced employer pension contribution (4% of gross salary)
• Death in Service insurance
• Employee discount on Naim products
• Wellbeing initiatives, including an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), and discounted memberships at select local gyms
• Alongside other, standard benefits (for example, training and development opportunities as appropriate to role)

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