Embedded Systems Engineer (Marine Robotics)

Location: Christchurch, New Zealand (Hybrid/Remote Possible)
Employment Type: Full-Time

About Oceanova

Oceanova is developing advanced autonomous and remotely operated marine systems, including Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), and Autonomous Surface Vessels (ASVs). These systems integrate high-efficiency propulsion, real-time sensor processing, and AI-powered autonomy to support marine research, biosecurity monitoring, and offshore inspections.

We are looking for an embedded systems engineer to develop firmware and software for real-time control systems in our autonomous marine platforms. This role will focus on integrating low-power embedded computing, sensor fusion, and autonomous navigation technologies to optimize system performance in challenging marine environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize firmware for autonomous marine vehicles and embedded sensor systems.
• Design and implement real-time control algorithms for motor drivers, thrusters, and actuator systems.
• Work with microcontrollers, ARM processors, and real-time operating systems to develop reliable embedded solutions.
• Integrate and process data from sensors including sonar, IMUs, GPS, and environmental monitoring devices.
• Implement and refine communication protocols such as CAN, I2C, SPI, RS485, and Ethernet for system connectivity.
• Optimize power consumption and onboard computing resources for energy-efficient autonomous operations.
• Conduct hardware debugging, signal processing, and performance tuning to ensure robust system operation in the field.
• Collaborate with software, electrical, and mechanical engineers to integrate embedded systems with autonomous control frameworks.
• Support field testing and system validation, including sea trials and real-world mission deployments.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or master's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related field.
• Proficiency in C/C++ for embedded development, with experience in real-time operating systems (RTOS) such as FreeRTOS or Zephyr.
• Experience with ARM Cortex, STM32, or similar microcontroller platforms.
• Strong knowledge of embedded system debugging, hardware-software integration, and low-level communication protocols.
• Familiarity with sensor integration, digital signal processing, and embedded AI applications.
• Understanding of power management strategies for battery-powered embedded systems.
• Ability to read and develop PCB schematics and assist in hardware debugging.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in developing embedded systems for AUVs, ROVs, ASVs, or robotic applications.
• Knowledge of underwater acoustic communication and sensor fusion techniques.
• Familiarity with FPGA-based embedded processing for high-speed data applications.
• Proficiency in Python or MATLAB for algorithm prototyping and data analysis.

Why Join Oceanova?

• Work on next-generation marine robotics with real-world applications in ocean research, biosecurity, and offshore industries.
• Be part of an innovative startup working on cutting-edge automation and embedded AI.
• Collaborate with engineers, marine scientists, and software developers in a multidisciplinary team.
• Competitive salary, flexible work environment, and opportunities for hands-on testing and deployments.

How to Apply:
Send your CV and cover letter to info@oceanova.nz with the subject line “Embedded Systems Engineer Application.”