Embedded Software Engineer – Contract
Bristol (Onsite)
***Urgent Requirement - must be able to start in January 2026
£350–£450 per day (Outside IR35)
6 months - possible option for permanent
We’re supporting an innovative hardware start-up building a product that has the scope of changing the lives of 1000s of individuals.
They’re looking for an experienced Embedded Software Engineer to play a key role in helping them move towards market launch in 2026, by developing and validate firmware that directly impacts real-world system behaviour.
This is a hands-on, lab-based role combining embedded software, control systems, and electronics.
What you’ll be doing
* Developing embedded firmware in C/C++ on ARM-based MCUs
* Implementing and tuning control loops (PID, motion control)
* Working with IMUs and sensor data (basic sensor fusion)
* Developing detailed documentation based on prototype behaviour, with compliance and safety at the forefront, to guide systems development.
* Testing and validation on bench and real hardware.
* Adding safety and reliability features (fault handling, watchdogs)
* Working closely with electrical and mechanical engineers
What we’re looking for
* Ideally multiyear experience in embedded software / mechatronics / controls
* Strong C/C++ experience (bare-metal or RTOS)
* Hands-on control tuning on real hardware
* Comfortable with lab tools and debugging embedded systems
* Experienced at agile, rapid delivery; launching mechanical products to market.
* Able to work independently and take ownership
Nice to have
* FreeRTOS or similar
* Robotics, automotive, or electromechanical product experience
* Exposure to HIL / simulation or functional safety concepts
Practical bits
* On-site presence required (hardware access)
* UK right-to-work required
* Full-time preferred
If you’re a contractor who enjoys working close to physical products and seeing your code come to life on real hardware, this one’s worth a conversation.