If you think you have what it takes to join us please make sure you download and fill out the Blackstar Application Document. Please attach that along with your CV and send to: [email protected]
Alternatively if you would prefer, you are able to apply in writing with your Covering Letter, CV and your Blackstar Application Document to our mailing address: Blackstar Amplification Ltd, Suite 2, Hawes Business Centre, Sandfield Close, Moulton Park, Northampton, NN3 6AB
Position: Embedded Audio Engineer
Department: Research and Development
Reporting to: Software Team Lead
Location: Northampton, UK
The Company
Blackstar Amplification launched from Northampton, England in 2007 and has an award-winning R&D team of engineers. Driven by a passion for designing innovative amplification products that redefine players expectations, Blackstar today distributes products to over 50 countries worldwide and is a major international brand in the Musical Instrument and Audio markets.
Learn more about Blackstar
The Role
Purpose of the role:
- To develop Blackstar’s proprietary embedded software within our ever-expanding product range.
- Hold responsibility for Release firmware: from Design Brief to product release and beyond.
- Be part of the next-generation of audio products in an exciting team and dynamic industry.
Main Activities and Tasks:
- Design, develop and maintain embedded control systems.
- Assist in the implementation of new and evolving hardware platforms.
- Support in specifying new user-focused products for the Musical Instrument market.
- Build, test and release code for cutting-edge new products.
- Work within the Software Team to expand and improve our multi-platform software ecosystem.
- Collaborate with the wider team to peer review, bug fix, and generally improve the large Blackstar codebase.
- Devise, control and carry out pre-release test procedures for both hardware and software products.
- Integrate new peripheral subsystems (USB, SPI, I2C etc.).
Additional Desirable Activities Based on Applicant:
- Design, implement and optimise novel DSP algorithms on hardware products.
- Porting existing DSP algorithms between code bases and languages.
- Support with the development of desktop applications
The Person
Essential
- Proven knowledge and working experience with:
- Embedded C
- Git and the command line
- Hardware debugging using logic analysers, scopes etc.
- Writing technical documentation
- Some Combination of:
- Advanced DSP implementation and design for audio
- Professional experience with C++ and the JUCE framework
- Professional experience with embedded Linux systems
- Professional experience with real time audio
- Minimum 2 years’ experience in a commercial software development environment
- Ability to produce clean, accurate and reusable code
Desirable
- Experience with:
- A fast prototyping language (MATLAB, Python, C# etc.)
- CI/CD
- Unit Testing
- Agile development practises and associated software (Jira, Confluence etc.)
- Plugin Architectures (AU, VST3, AAX, LV2).
- Guitar player or an active interest in music technology
- An understanding of:
- Audio and low-voltage control electronics
- PCB design
- The wider Musical Instruments industry
- Qualified to degree level or above in Computer Science or related field
Personality
- Strong team player.
- Excellent communication skills, both technical and personal.
- Enthusiastic, with a can-do attitude.
- Able to work to deadlines, with exceptional time management.
- Methodical approach, and able to work independently on large projects.
- We’re a small team in a small company; you should have a flexible approach to your role and be willing to assist in various departments and activities when required.
The Offer
- Primarily office-based in Northampton, UK, with some opportunity for hybrid working.
- Full time 8.00 – 17.00, Monday – Friday.
- Competitive salary based on experience.
- Excellent career progression and learning opportunities.
- Workplace pension.
- Private mental health support.
