> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2871164-senior-principal-firmware-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2871164-senior-principal-firmware-engineer). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Senior Principal Firmware Engineer - **Company:** Paignton - **Location:** Paignton, UK - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** C++ (Programming Language), Configuration Management, Content Management Interoperability Services, Code Review, Computer Engineering, Software Debugging, Device Drivers, Embedded Software, Ethernet, Firmware, Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), Hardware Design, Hardware Interface Design, Networking Hardware, Joint Test Action (IEEE Standards), Linux Kernel, Network Protocols, Real-Time Operating Systems, Strategies of Testing, Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter, Serial Peripheral Interface, PIC Microcontroller, Application Specific Integrated Circuits, Git, Software Version Control - **Published:** September 13, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.apply4u.co.uk/jobs/senior-principal-firmware-engineer/47105710 ## About the Role maintainability. Required Qualifications: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or related field. Proficiency in C/C++ for embedded systems. 15 years+ experience with microcontrollers, SoCs, and real-time operating systems (RTOS). Familiarity with hardware interfaces such as SPI, I2C, UART and Ethernet. Strong debugging skills and experience with embedded development tools. Understanding of version control systems (e.g., Git) Strong communication skills to present complex ideas Preferred Qualifications: Experience with networking protocols and packet processing. Familiarity of pluggable optical transceiver MSA / CMIS specifications Knowledge of FPGA or ASIC development workflows. Familiarity with Linux kernel and device drivers. Exposure to CI/CD pipelines for embedded development. #J-18808-Ljbffr ## Description We are seeking an experienced Firmware Engineer to join our hardware development team. You will be responsible for designing, implementing and testing embedded firmware for custom networking hardware. This role involves close collaboration with hardware engineers, software developers and QA teams to ensure seamless integration and optimal system performance. Key Responsibilities: Develop and maintain embedded firmware for optical transceiver control. Collaborate with hardware engineers to define firmware requirements and interfaces. Optimize firmware for performance, reliability, and power efficiency. Debug and troubleshoot firmware issues using tools such as oscilloscopes, logic analysers and JTAG interfaces Write and maintain technical documentation, including design specs and test plans. Guide and support the development of robust firmware development methodologies, including code reviews, testing strategies, configuration management and automation to ensure product quality and long-term ## Related Videos - [How a Small Team Shrank a Microsoft Monorepo by 94%](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1236-how-a-small-team-shrank-a-microsoft-monorepo-by-94) - [The Gashlycrumb Tinies of AI Networking You Must Know (or Languish!)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2067-the-gashlycrumb-tinies-of-ai-networking-you-must-know-or-languish) - [Playing Pong on a shoulder press machine](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100140-playing-pong-on-a-shoulder-press-machine) - [More efficient software for more efficient microchips](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1164-more-efficient-software-for-more-efficient-microchips) - [Building a hypercar from scratch](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/607-building-a-hypercar-from-scratch) - [Git for Code Reviews](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/429-git-for-code-reviews) ## Related Articles - [Is Software Engineering Hard?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/448-is-software-engineering-hard) - [Where to Find Entry-Level Software Engineering Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/397-where-to-find-entry-level-software-engineering-jobs) - [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again) - [The 12 Best Jobs for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/401-the-12-best-jobs-for-software-engineers) - [The Ultimate Software Engineer Career Path Guide for 2023](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/146-the-ultimate-software-engineer-career-path-guide-for-2023) - [Top-Paying Tech Jobs (with Salaries)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/372-top-paying-tech-jobs-with-salaries)