Embedded Software Engineer

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.