Principal Firmware Engineer
Principal Embedded Software Engineer / Embedded Software Manager
Salary: Up to £100,000 + Bonus + 7.5% Pension + Free Daily Lunch
Location: Maidstone (Full-time Onsite)
Sector: Advanced Electronic Systems / Real-Time Imaging Technology
A highly innovative engineering company developing complex embedded electronic systems used in precision imaging and high-performance data environments is seeking a Principal Embedded Software Engineer / Embedded Software Manager to join their growing R&D team.
This is a hands-on technical leadership role where you will work close to the hardware, leading embedded software development for sophisticated real-time systems involving high-speed data and video processing.
The position offers the opportunity to influence architecture, mentor engineers, and contribute directly to next-generation technology platforms.
The Role
You will take a lead role in embedded software development, contributing to both architecture and hands-on coding while guiding a small team of engineers.
Typical responsibilities include:
- Designing and developing embedded software in C/C++
- Working with ARM / NXP microprocessors
- Developing software for real-time operating systems (FreeRTOS, Zephyr or similar)
- Working closely with electronics engineers on complex hardware platforms
- Supporting high-speed data transfer and real-time video/image processing
- Integrating multimedia interfaces including HDMI, MIPI, USB and DisplayPort
- Reviewing schematics, analysing PCB layouts and debugging at bare-metal or RTOS level
- Providing technical leadership and mentoring to embedded engineers
This is a highly collaborative engineering environment where software engineers work closely with hardware, systems and product teams.
Technical Environment
- Microprocessors: ARM, NXP
- RTOS: FreeRTOS (Zephyr or similar also considered)
- Languages: C, C++
- Interfaces: HDMI, MIPI, USB, DisplayPort
- Focus: High-speed data systems & real-time video/image processing
About You
We are looking for engineers who enjoy working close to the hardware and solving complex technical challenges.
You will likely have:
- Strong embedded C/C++ development experience
- Experience with RTOS systems (FreeRTOS, Zephyr, or similar)
- Confidence working at low level with hardware
- Experience with high-speed data or multimedia interfaces
- Ability to debug systems using schematics and PCB layouts
- Previous technical leadership or mentoring experience
- A passion for building high-performance embedded systems
Experience within regulated engineering environments such as medical, automotive or aerospace is beneficial but not essential.
What’s on Offer
- Salary up to £100,000
- Annual performance bonus
- 7.5% employer pension contribution
- Free lunch provided every day
- Work on technically challenging real-world products
- Opportunity to influence architecture and technology direction
- Collaborative team of highly experienced engineers
Location
This role is full-time onsite in Surrey, working closely with hardware and product teams in a modern R&D environment.
Apply
If you are an experienced embedded engineer looking for a hands-on leadership role developing advanced embedded systems, we would love to hear from you.
Apply now to discuss the opportunity in confidence.