Principal Embedded Software Engineer

We’re partnering with an established technology engineering organisation seeking a Principal Embedded Software Engineer to lead software architecture, technical delivery, and development strategy across advanced embedded systems. This is a senior, hands-on role combining system architecture, embedded software development, and project ownership. A key aspect of this position is applying electrical power systems knowledge and protection function theory within embedded control environments. If you’re a senior embedded engineer looking to influence architecture, lead delivery, and work on complex real-time systems, we want to hear from you!

About the Role

• Define and own embedded software architecture and technical direction
• Lead delivery of complex embedded projects to time and quality targets
• Develop and maintain robust C/C++ embedded codebases
• Translate system requirements into structured deliverables
• Guide design decisions and review implementation approaches
• Oversee testing strategy, documentation, and release quality
• Identify technical risks and implement mitigation strategies
• Drive Agile processes and continuous improvement practices
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering and project stakeholders

• Degree (or equivalent experience) in Computer Science, Electronics, or similar
• Advanced C/C++ embedded development experience
• Strong background in embedded systems design
• Experience working with real-time operating systems (e.g., FreeRTOS)
• Solid understanding of multithreading and concurrency
• Networking knowledge including TCP/IP, UDP and secure communications
• Experience with embedded Linux or RTOS environments
• Knowledge of electrical power systems and protection function theory
• Experience delivering commercial embedded products end-to-end
• Peripheral interfacing experience (SPI, I2C, memory interfaces)
• Debugging complex real-time or multithreaded systems

Desirable Experience

• Linux-based embedded platforms or containerised environments
• Python or scripting languages
• CI/CD pipelines and DevOps tooling
• Industrial communication protocols or automation systems
• Cybersecurity concepts within embedded environments
• Cloud or enterprise platform integration
• Wireless communications (WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee)