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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Senior Firmware Engineer - **Company:** Smartbox Assistive Technology - **Location:** Gloucester, UK - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Testing (Software), Board Bringup, Algorithm Design, Application Layers, Arduino, Automation of Tests, Bash Shell, C Sharp (Programming Language), C++ (Programming Language), Software Quality, Continuous Integration, Data Structures, Software Debugging, Linux, Linux on Embedded Systems, Embedded Software, Fault Tolerance, Firmware, Java GUIs, Python (Programming Language), Real-Time Operating Systems, Mockito, Big O, Software Engineering, Verification and Validation (Software), System Testing, Strategies of Testing, Information Technology, Api Design, Pyramid - **Published:** May 13, 2026 - **Apply:** https://find.jobs/jobs-near-me/senior-firmware-engineer-bristol-gloucestershire/2767159796-2/ ## About the Role * Degree or equivalent experience in an engineering subject (Electronics, Computer Science, Software), Physics, Mathematics, or another scientific subject. * 8+ years of experience in embedded software development in C. * A strong knowledge of Computer Science fundamentals in data structures, algorithm design, problem-solving, and complexity analysis. * A strong grounding in embedded software architecture, with a focus on maintainability, modularity, fault-tolerance and testability. * Confident and experienced with automated testing, including unit, integration and system tests, mocking and automation frameworks. * A strong understanding of API design and the creation of clear, stable abstractions for hardware / firmware interaction. * Skilled at debugging in constrained environments and using hardware / software debugging tools. * A proven track record of innovation and quality software development throughout the entire software product lifecycle. * Ability to solve complex technical problems in elegant and maintainable ways, demonstrating systems thinking across hardware, firmware and application layers. * Experience with embedded platforms (for example: Embedded Linux, Arduino, STM32, Nordic, Zephyr RTOS). * A passion and drive for excellence in software craftsmanship. * Linux, Bash / shell, CI (Continuous integration) experience. * Ability to read electronics schematics and collaborate effectively with Hardware Engineers during bring-up and debugging. * Technical leadership through influence able to guide architecture and standards, mentor others, and improve team-wide practices. * Practical, proactive mindset comfortable taking initiative and working through ambiguity in a fast-moving team. * Proven experience in people or team management, with the ability to lead, motivate, and develop others. * Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive working relationships at all levels. * Proven ability to foster high performing, engaged, and collaborative teams. ## Description Are you a passionate Firmware Engineer wanting to make a real impact by giving a voice to those without speech Smartbox is looking for a dedicated individual to help improve the lives of people with disabilities., * Technical Project Delivery: Deliver multi disciplinary projects, meeting scope, time, budget and quality requirements, and coordinating others as needed. * Firmware Architecture and Lifecycle: Develop reliable, portable firmware with a long-life cycle. * Firmware Development: Design, develop and maintain embedded firmware in C for Zephyr RTOS and Embedded Linux, including board bring up, drivers and HALs. * Code Quality and Standards: Set and uphold coding, documentation and review standards, ensuring best practices in architecture, modularity, fault tolerance and testability. * Test strategy and Automation: Apply strong automated testing practices following the Test Pyramid, including unit, component, contract and hardware in the loop tests, with CI automation to prevent regressions. * Test Software and Tooling: Build and maintain automated test harnesses, GUIs and utility tools (e.g. Python, C#) to support development, validation and manufacturing. * Libraries and Developer Experience: Create libraries and demo applications in C compatible languages (C#, C++) to support subsystem validation and cross team integration. * Verification and Validation: EAD verification through lab testing, user trials and real world use, ensuring documentation supports regulatory compliance. * Quality Assurance: Analyse and resolve quality issues promptly, feeding insights back into designs and processes to drive continuous improvement. * Technical Strategy: Contribute to strategy for reliable, mission critical firmware, clearly communicating trade offs and enabling strong decision making. * Mentoring and Leadership: Mentor Engineers, provide coaching and support, and help foster a positive, collaborative team culture. ## Related Videos - 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