Embedded Tech Lead (Software/Firmware/Pre-Tapeout Validation)

Embedded Software Tech Lead (IC Bring-Up, Pre-Tapeout Validation)Whiteley, Fareham (3 days per week onsite)£80,000 + 10% Bonus This role cannot offer Visa Sponsorship. Your new companyYou’ll be joining the European HQ of a high-growth, innovation-led semiconductor business operating at the forefront of next-gen connectivity technology. The company is pushing technical boundaries, with significant investment into R&D and a clear vision to lead across firmware and software. The role is hybrid and you’ll be required to work 3 days onsite in Whiteley. Your new roleThis is a hands-on Technical Lead position sitting within a specialist embedded software team, where you will take ownership of a small sub-team of engineers while remaining deeply involved in engineering delivery. You will be responsible for driving the design, development and delivery of low-level embedded software and firmware for advanced capacitive sensing products, working across the full software lifecycle from concept through to production. A key part of the role is technical ownership. This is not a position for someone who has only contributed as an individual contributor. You will bring prior experience leading projects or mentoring engineers, with accountability for delivery, technical direction and quality. While overall team allocation sits with the Software Manager, you’ll be the technical authority for your sub-team, guiding architecture decisions, overseeing delivery and supporting engineers day-to-day. From a technical perspective, this is a true embedded role. You will be working close to the hardware, developing low-level software on boards in a pre-RTOS environment. Strong experience in bare metal development is essential, alongside a solid understanding of IC interaction and Digital Signal Processing concepts. The work combines firmware development in C with higher-level modelling and algorithm development using Python, giving a strong blend of low-level engineering and system-level thinking. The environment is collaborative with a strong engineering culture where people are trusted to take ownership and make a tangible impact on product direction. Despite its growth trajectory, there remains a close-knit feel across teams, with a real emphasis on knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.

What you’ll need to succeedYou will already be operating at Senior/Lead level with 2+ years leadership experience (either mentoring others or leading projects). We are looking for Semiconductor lifecycle experience, specifically deep knowledge of IC Bring Up / Pre-Tapeout Validation. You will bring strong experience in embedded software and firmware development using C, alongside practical experience working at a low level on embedded targets. A background in Bare Metal development is critical, as is familiarity with working directly with hardware, interfaces and ICs. You will ideally have exposure to DSP or similar signal processing concepts, alongside experience using Python or similar tools for modelling, simulation or data analysis. Beyond technical capability, you will be someone who enjoys leading from the front, able to guide engineers, make decisions and take responsibility for outcomes within a fast-moving product environment.

What you’ll get in returnIn return, you’ll be joining a business where engineering excellence sits at the core of its success, offering the chance to work on genuinely cutting-edge technology in a role that blends leadership with hands-on development. The package includes a salary of up to £80,000, a 10% annual bonus, private healthcare and a strong range of wellbeing support. The working environment is collaborative and engaging, with modern offices and flexible working hours available. What you need to do nowTo find out more or to be considered, please apply directly or get in touch for a confidential discussion with Max Wilcock, Senior Business Director, 03330105724. At Hays Technology, we’re shaping the future of recruitment. As demand for specialist engineering talent continues to grow, we work closely with organisations and individuals to create opportunities where people can make a real impact.