Overview
We are seeking a highly skilled Lead Embedded Software Engineer to take technical ownership of embedded software architecture and development within a high-performance engineering environment. The role involves designing real-time embedded systems for complex electro-mechanical products used globally in industrial and advanced manufacturing applications.
You will act as the technical authority for embedded software, mentoring engineers, shaping architecture, and ensuring robust, high-quality firmware delivery.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Leadership & Architecture
* Own and define the embedded software architecture across multiple product lines.
* Lead technical decision-making, balancing hardware, firmware, and system constraints.
* Drive best practices in embedded development: architecture design, coding standards, documentation, testing.
* Collaborate closely with hardware, electronics, controls, and systems teams.
Embedded Development
* Hands-on design and development of firmware in C/C++ for ARM-based MCUs (e.g., STM32).
* Design and implementation of real-time systems using RTOS or bare-metal environments.
* Develop robust firmware for sensors, motor control, communication buses, timing, and control loops.
* Implement and debug communication protocols (SPI, IC, UART, CAN, Modbus, EtherCAT, etc.).
Quality, Testing & Compliance
* Ensure software meets safety, reliability, and performance requirements.
* Champion unit testing, integration testing, hardware-in-the-loop verification.
* Familiarity with MISRA or similar embedded best-practice frameworks is beneficial.
Team Contribution
* Mentor and guide senior and mid-level engineers.
* Lead code reviews and enforce high engineering standards.
* Contribute to long-term technology roadmaps and product evolution.
Skills & Experience Required
Essential
* Strong expertise developing real-time embedded software in C/C++.
* Proven experience designing embedded system architectures end-to-end.
* Deep understanding of microcontroller platforms (preferably ARM Cortex-M / STM32).
* Strong knowledge of hardware-software interfacing, electronics fundamentals, and debugging (oscilloscopes, logic analysers, JTAG, etc.).
* Experience working with communication protocols in industrial/embedded environments.
* Ability to lead projects, influence design decisions, and guide engineering teams.
* Experience in structured development processes, version control (Git), CI/CD for embedded systems.
Desirable
* Experience in industrial control, robotics, machinery, pumps, motor control, sensors, or similar environments.
* Exposure to safety-critical or high-reliability systems.
* Python or scripting experience for tools/testing automation.
* Knowledge of DSP, control algorithms, or system modelling.
* Familiarity with IEC or ISO engineering standards.
?? What Their CV Must Show (Non-Negotiables)
Here's what you specifically want to screen for when sourcing:
? Solid technical foundations
* Strong embedded C/C++ development history.
* Real-time systems experience (bare-metal and/or RTOS).
* Experience with ARM Cortex-M / STM32 or equivalent MCUs.
? Architecture capability (key for this lead role)
* Evidence of owning software architecture, not just implementing requirements.
* System-level thinking: bootloaders, task scheduling, memory management, scalability.
* Designs involving multiple peripherals, communication buses, and complex hardware interaction.
? Communication protocols
* Examples of designing or implementing protocols (SPI, I2C, CAN, UART, Modbus, EtherCAT etc.).
? Debugging / hardware interaction
* Real-world experience debugging embedded systems using oscilloscopes, logic analysers, JTAG/SWD.
? SDLC / Quality
* Unit testing, code review, version control, requirement traceability.
* Mention of MISRA or other structured coding practices is ideal.
? Leadership traits
* Leading small engineering groups or mentoring juniors.
* Running design reviews or being the 'go-to' person for system design issues.
? Industrial/product background
Prefer candidates from:
* Industrial tech
* Robotics
* Mechatronics
* Pumps/valves/motors
* Semiconductor or high-vacuum systems
* Instrumentation
* Automation equipment
To find out more about Computer Futures please visit
JBRP1_UKTJ