Lead Embedded Software Engineer
Computer Futures - Burgess Hill, England
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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 TPBN1_UKTJ
Created: 2026-03-19