Principal Software Engineer
We are seeking an experienced Principal Software Engineer to lead the development of advanced scientific instrumentation within a multidisciplinary R&D environment.
This is a hands-on technical leadership role requiring deep expertise in software architecture, embedded systems, and a strong foundation in physics. You will translate physical principles and user requirements into robust, production-ready systems spanning firmware, hardware integration, and high-level applications.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead architecture across embedded firmware (C/C++) and application software (C#/.NET).
* Provide technical leadership and mentorship to Software, Firmware, and Electronics Engineers.
* Develop physics-based algorithms for signal processing, instrument control, and data interpretation.
* Integrate software with complex opto-electronic and hardware systems.
* Define development standards, drive Agile practices, and implement CI/CD pipelines.
* Contribute to next-generation product innovation in thermal analysis and materials characterisation.
Requirements
* Honours degree in Physics, Mathematics, or Engineering (with strong Physics basis).
* 10+ years' commercial software development experience.
* Expert in C#/.NET; strong C/C++ for embedded systems.
* Experience with hardware communication protocols (I2C, SPI, USB, Ethernet).
* Proven leadership within multidisciplinary engineering teams.
* Background in scientific instrumentation, industrial automation, or similar hardware-integrated environments.
Desirable
* Signal processing (FFT, digital filtering) or image processing
* MATLAB or Python for prototyping
* Cloud/IoT connectivity (Azure/AWS)
* Experience leading multi-discipline teams
This is a high-impact role for a technically strong leader with a "first principles" mindset who can bridge physics and software to deliver innovative, market-leading products.
Principal Software Engineer, Software Architecture, Embedded Systems, Firmware, C#, C/C++, Physics-Based Algorithms, Signal Processing, Opto-Electronics, Instrument Control, R&D, Multidisciplinary Team, Technical Leadership, Scientific Instrumentation, Industrial Automation, Hardware Integration, CI/CD, Agile, MATLAB, Python, IoT, Cloud Connectivity, Thermal Analysis, Materials Characterisation, Electronics Engineering, Mentorship, High-Level Applications, High Wycombe, Oxford, Swinton, Reading, Slough, London, VRS9380MP.