Experienced Embedded Software Engineer – Industrial Control & Automation: Join the engineering team and play a key role in designing and delivering high-quality embedded software for industrial control and automation applications.
This position focuses on real-time control, industrial communications, and functional safety (IEC 61508 / IEC 62061). You will develop robust solutions used in demanding environments such as power generation, manufacturing, utilities, and process industries.
You’ll contribute across the full product lifecycle, from requirements and architecture through to implementation, verification, certification, and field support.
Embedded Software Engineer Key Requirements:
- Strong expertise in C/C++ for microcontroller development
- Experience with functional safety standards (IEC 61508 and/or IEC 62061), including SIL, SFF, PFH, safety planning, and verification
- Understanding of industrial automation principles, including:
- Control theory basics (e.g., PID)
- Sensors, actuators, transducers, and signal conditioning
- Solid grounding in electrical principles
- Familiarity with stage-gated and/or agile development methodologies
- Comfortable collaborating with electronics engineers on embedded systems
- Commitment to high-quality engineering standards
- Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
- Ability to break down tasks, estimate effort, and plan work effectively
- Experience translating requirements into technical specifications
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment
- Positive, proactive, and team-oriented mindset
- Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS)
- Experience developing unit-tested C code (e.g., using Jenkins or similar CI tools)
- Familiarity with build tools, bug tracking systems, and source control (e.g., Git)
- Degree (BEng or higher) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering or related field
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- Design and develop embedded C/C++ software for industrial control devices (bare-metal and RTOS)
- Implement real-time control algorithms (e.g., PID, state-based control)
- Define work breakdown structures and manage tasks using tools such as Jira
- Integrate systems with PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA platforms
- Develop and validate industrial communication protocols, including:
- Modbus (RTU/TCP), CAN/CANopen/J1939
- Ethernet/IP, PROFINET, OPC UA
- RS232/RS485
- Apply functional safety processes, including:
- SIL determination
- Safety Requirements Specifications (SRS)
- HARA, FTA, FMEA
Verification and validation evidence:
- Ensure software quality through coding standards (e.g., MISRA C/C++), static analysis, code reviews, and testing
- Develop and execute test plans for product verification and validation
- Produce and maintain technical documentation (architecture, design, interfaces, safety artefacts, etc.)
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including electronics, testing, cybersecurity, and product management
- Support system integration, commissioning, and troubleshooting (UK and international travel required)
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of processes, toolchains, and CI/CD workflows
- Mentor junior engineers and support knowledge sharing
- Maintain and enhance existing products, including bug fixes and feature updates
Benefits:
- 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays
- Flexible holiday scheme
- Bupa healthcare package
- Life insurance
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
- 5% pension contribution
- Company-wide performance-based bonus
Additional benefits include:
- Company events
- Cycle to work scheme
- Free on-site parking
- Work-from-home options
Application Questions:
- How many years of experience do you have with embedded systems?
- How many years of experience do you have with C++?
- What experience do you have with PLCs?
- Are you able to commute to the job location?
- Are you comfortable working on-site?
- Do you have experience with functional safety standards (IEC 61508 / IEC 62061)?
- Do you understand industrial automation principles (PID, sensors, actuators, etc.)?
Additional Information:
Work authorisation: United Kingdom - Work location: On-site
Position: Embedded Software Engineer - Job Type: Full-Time - Salary: £35,000 to £60,000 per year