Lead Embedded Software Engineer

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, I²C, 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

Computer Futures, a trading division of SThree Partnership LLP is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy | Registered office | 8 Bishopsgate, London, EC2N 4BQ, United Kingdom | Partnership Number | OC(phone number removed) England and Wales