Senior Firmware Engineer
Senior Firmware Engineer — AI & Robotics
Location: London, UK
(If you like the sound of this role and want to relocate - the Client is willing to help facilitate this move!)
Role: Senior Firmware Engineer ( Permanent Opportunity)
Industry: AI & Robotics | Humanoid Robotics | Automation
A pioneering UK-based AI and robotics company is building the world's most advanced, commercially scalable and safety-focused humanoid robots. Their first platform is a next-generation labour automation unit designed to operate across industrial, construction and logistics environments — tackling global labour shortages while improving human safety and wellbeing.
This is an opportunity to work at the cutting edge of robotics, embedded systems and real-time control, helping shape the future of human-machine collaboration.
The Opportunity
As a Senior Firmware Engineer within the Core Platform team in London, you'll play a critical role in building the low-level firmware that powers next-generation humanoid robots. You'll work at the intersection of robotics, embedded systems and real-time control — developing the software that enables advanced motion, balance and interaction with complex real-world environments.
You'll collaborate closely with hardware, robotics and systems teams to integrate microcontrollers, sensors and actuators while designing robust, high-performance real-time firmware.
What You'll Do
- Develop and debug firmware for humanoid robots, focusing on:
- Motion control & stabilisation
- Sensor integration
- Ethernet-based communication
- Design and implement drivers for motors, sensors and communication protocols
- Integrate microcontrollers and peripherals with hardware teams
- Optimise firmware for performance, reliability and power efficiency
- Build real-time control algorithms for robotic movement and balance
- Lead and mentor junior engineers, conducting code reviews and promoting best practices
- Implement security and fail-safe mechanisms in embedded systems
- Maintain technical documentation and manage version control
What We're Looking For
- 6+ years' experience in embedded systems development (robotics preferred)
- Strong C/C++ skills for microcontrollers
- Experience with RTOS (FreeRTOS, Zephyr) and bare-metal systems
- Hands-on experience with ARM Cortex, STM32 or similar platforms
- Strong understanding of:
- Control systems
- Kinematics
- Motion algorithms
- Experience with UART, SPI, I2C, CAN and Ethernet
- Confident using oscilloscopes and logic analysers
- Experience with Git, CI/CD and Agile development
- Bonus: ROS / ROS2, ML or computer vision
- Bonus: Interest in Rust for embedded systems
What's On Offer
- Competitive salary + stock options
- If you need to relocate, the Client can help assist with this
- Generous paid holiday (aligned with local labour laws)
- Travel opportunities to North America
- Free breakfasts, lunches and snacks
- Regular team events & socials
- Real ownership of core product initiatives
- Work alongside world-class engineers and robotics researchers
- Fast-moving startup culture with minimal bureaucracy
If you are interested - please apply directly!