At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop embedded software for innovative audio products.
- Company: Join Blackstar, a leading brand in the Musical Instrument and Audio markets.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, mental health support, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Flexible role with opportunities to collaborate across departments.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team creating next-gen audio technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in embedded C, Git, and hardware debugging required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 € per year.
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
- Design, implement and optimise novel DSP algorithms on hardware products.
- Port existing DSP algorithms between codebases and languages.
- Support with the development of desktop applications.
Qualifications
- Proven knowledge and working experience with:
- Embedded C
- Git and the command line
- Hardware debugging using logic analyzers, 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 practices 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.
About Blackstar
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.
Location and Work Hours
Primarily office‑based in Northampton, UK, with some opportunity for hybrid working. Full time 8.00 – 17.00, Monday – Friday.
Compensation and Benefits
Competitive salary based on experience. Excellent career progression and learning opportunities. Workplace pension. Private mental health support.
Embedded Audio Engineer in Northampton employer: Blackstar Amplification
At Blackstar Amplification, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters creativity and innovation in the audio industry. Our team enjoys competitive salaries, excellent career progression opportunities, and a supportive environment with private mental health resources, all while working in the vibrant city of Northampton. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to redefining musical instrument technology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Embedded Audio Engineer in Northampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the audio engineering scene, especially those who work at Blackstar or similar companies. Attend industry events or join online forums to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your embedded software projects, especially any related to audio products. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can do and set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and problem-solving skills. Be ready to discuss your experience with embedded C, DSP algorithms, and any relevant tools like Git. Practice common interview questions to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Blackstar team!
We think you need these skills to ace Embedded Audio Engineer in Northampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Embedded Audio Engineer role. Highlight your experience with embedded C, DSP algorithms, and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills match up with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about audio technology and how you can contribute to our team. Keep it engaging and personal – we love seeing your enthusiasm!
Show Off Your Projects:If you've got any projects that showcase your coding skills or audio engineering experience, don’t hesitate to include them. Whether it's a GitHub repo or a personal project, we want to see what you've been up to!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you'll be directly in our system, making it easier for us to review your application. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blackstar Amplification
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your embedded C skills and any relevant DSP algorithms. Be ready to discuss your previous projects and how you've tackled challenges in embedded systems. This will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
✨Show Your Passion for Audio
Since this role is all about audio products, it’s crucial to express your enthusiasm for music technology. If you play an instrument or have a keen interest in audio engineering, share that during the interview. It’ll help you connect with the team and demonstrate that you’re genuinely invested in the industry.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions related to hardware debugging and version control with Git. Practise explaining your thought process when solving problems, as this will highlight your analytical skills and ability to work under pressure.
✨Be a Team Player
Blackstar values collaboration, so be prepared to discuss how you’ve worked in teams before. Share examples of how you’ve contributed to peer reviews or helped improve codebases. This will show that you can communicate effectively and are willing to support your colleagues.