Principal Firmware Engineer
Principal Engineer – Life saving Oncology business (no previous medical experience required)
Location: Near Rochester (Onsite)
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
We are working in partnership with a well-established, specialist medical technology company developing life-saving equipment used in advanced oncology and radiation therapy systems. Their technology integrates with highly precise hardware platforms deployed in clinical environments worldwide, contributing directly to improved patient outcomes.
The Role
As Principal Embedded Software Engineer, you will take technical ownership of the company’s embedded software platform. Working closely with cross-disciplinary engineers and product designers, you will lead the firmware strategy and remain heavily involved in hands-on development (approximately 90% technical, 10% leadership).
Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will act as the senior technical authority for embedded software, guiding architectural decisions and overseeing two developers (including one senior engineer). In this small but established organisation, leadership is focused on high-level technical direction rather than line management administration.
This role offers genuine influence over both new and existing product development, with the opportunity to shape long-term technical strategy. There is also potential for the position to evolve further as the company grows.
Technical Environment
- Microprocessors: ARM, NXP
- RTOS: FreeRTOS (experience with Zephyr or similar also considered)
- Languages: C, C++
- Interfaces: HDMI, MIPI, USB, DisplayPort
- Additional Scope: High-speed data transfer, real-time video/image processing
The systems involve complex circuitry, so confidence working close to hardware is essential — including reading schematics, understanding PCB layouts, and operating at bare-metal or RTOS level when required.
Experience within regulated industries such as medical, automotive, or aerospace is advantageous, though prior medical experience is not required.
About You
- Strong embedded C/C++ development experience
- Proven RTOS experience (FreeRTOS, Zephyr or similar)
- Comfortable working at low level with hardware
- Familiar with multimedia interfaces and high-speed data systems
- Previous technical leadership or mentoring experience
- Motivated by collaborative, purpose-driven engineering
What’s on Offer
- The opportunity to work on technology deployed in real-world clinical settings globally
- Significant autonomy and technical ownership
- 7.5% employer contribution and annual bonus
- A clear progression pathway as the business continues to grow
- Modern on-site facilities near Rochester
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Free Lunch each day!
If you are looking to lead technically challenging projects at the intersection of embedded systems and life-changing medical technology, we would be pleased to hear from you.
To apply, please send your up-to-date CV for consideration.