Embedded Firmware Engineer

Octopus Energy Group; Greater London; Remote; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Octopus Energy Group is seeking an Embedded Firmware Engineer specializing in IoT to shape software for next‑generation Smart Home Wi‑Fi devices. You’ll work with a cross‑functional hardware team, guiding firmware from requirements through hands‑on development to field deployment.

The role is mostly remote with occasional travel to London and Slough. You’ll own IoT features, write robust code, review work, and collaborate across teams to deliver high‑quality products.

Qualifications

• C programming for real-time on constrained MCUs with vendor APIs.
• RTOS experience (FreeRTOS) for embedded systems.
• Scripting with Python or Bash and Git.
• Ability to read schematics and datasheets for debugging.
• Knowledge of SPI, I2C, UART, and network basics.
• IoT security: TLS, secure boot, encrypted flash.
• Board bring-up, validation, and debugging with JTAG/SWD.
• Degree: B.S. in CS or Electronic Engineering or related field.

Responsibilities

• Write well-structured, testable firmware for Octopus’ connected devices.
• Work in a cross‑functional team on key IoT products.
• Own IoT products and features; deliver high quality modular code.
• Manage tickets with hardware and software teams.
• Collaborate with customer-facing teams to fix bugs and add features.
• Participate in code reviews and uphold high standards.
• Work across projects to meet deadlines.
• Willingness to learn new technologies.

Skills

C programming

RTOS (FreeRTOS)

Python

Git

Schematic reading

Networking basics

IoT security concepts

JTAG/SWD debugging

Board bring-up

ESP32/ESP-IDF

OTA firmware updates

Cloud IoT (AWS IoT)

Education

B.S. in Computer Science, Electronic Engineering, or related field

Tools

ESP-IDF

JTAG/SWD

Oscilloscope

Multimeter

Logic analyzers

SPI/I2C/UART

Job description

Octopus are pioneering new smart home technology and we are looking to continue to grow our highly passionate team.

We’re looking for a skilled Embedded Firmware Engineer specialising in IoT products to shape the software driving our next generation of Smart Home Wi‑Fi connected products. Working within our multi‑talented hardware team, you’ll help build innovative, energy‑saving smart devices that keep homes warm and lower energy bills.

Collaborating across platform and app engineering teams, you will drive the firmware lifecycle from taking initial requirements to hands‑on development and ongoing field deployment.

This role can be majority remote with occasional travel to London and Slough!

If you want to be a part of the next big thing - keep reading!

What you’ll do

• Write well structured, testable, efficient and maintainable software for Octopus’ connected devices
• Work within a dedicated cross‑functional team on key products for our customers or our internal teams.
• Take ownership of our IoT products and features, ensuring delivery of high quality code that is modular and maintainable
• Manage tickets and development efforts with the hardware and software teams
• Work closely with other customer facing and software teams to investigate and resolve bugs and implement new features
• Participate in code reviews and ensure code is meets a high standard
• Work flexibly across projects to meet challenging, customer‑driven deadlines
• Willingness to learn new technologies and skills as require

What you’ll need

• Proficiency in C for real‑time operation on highly constrained microcontrollers and custom hardware using official vendor APIs
• Hands‑on experience with Real‑Time Operating Systems (RTOS), such as FreeRTOS
• Fluency in scripting languages (e.g., Python, Bash) and version control using Git
• Ability to read schematics and data sheets for hardware and software debugging
• Practical knowledge of common serial protocols (e.g., SPI, I2C, UART, RS232, Modbus) and networking fundamentals (e.g., MAC, IP, TCP, TLS, DHCP)
• Familiarity with IoT security technologies, such as secure boot, encrypted flash, TLS, and public key cryptography
• Hands‑on experience with board bring‑up, design validation, code optimization, and debugging via JTAG/SWD or test equipment (e.g., oscilloscopes, multimeters, logic analyzers)
• B.S. in Computer Science, Electronic Engineering, or a related field

Nice to haves

• Hands‑on experience with the ESP32 family and ESP‑IDF
• Background building IoT products with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS IoT)
• Experience implementing OTA firmware updates within automated build environments
• Exposure to short‑range wireless protocols including BLE, Wi‑Fi, or Zigbee
• Proven experience delivering connected IoT devices within complex, multi‑system ecosystems

Why else you’ll love it here

• Wondering what the salary for this role is? Just ask us! On a call with one of our recruiters it’s something we always cover as we genuinely want to match your experience with the correct salary. The reason why we don’t advertise is because we honestly have a degree of flexibility and would never want salary to be a reason why someone doesn’t apply to Octopus - what’s more important to us is finding the right octofit!
• Octopus Energy Group is a unique culture. An organisation where people learn, decide, and build quicker. Where people work with autonomy, alongside a wide range of amazing co‑owners, on projects that break new ground. We want your hard work to be rewarded with perks you actually care about! We were named the UK's top company to work for in 2025, and we ranked in the top ten in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026. Our Group CEO, Greg has recorded a podcast about our culture and how we empower our people. We’ve also been placed in the top 10 companies for senior leadership
• Visit our UK perks hub - Octopus Employee Benefits

Are you ready for a career with us? We want to ensure you have all the tools and environment you need to unleash your potential.Need any specific accommodations?Whether you require specific accommodations or have a unique preference, let us know, and we’ll do what we can to customise your interview process for comfort and maximum magic!

Studies have shown that some groups of people, like women, are less likely to apply to a role unless they meet 100% of the job requirements. Whoever you are, if you like one of our jobs, we encourage you to apply as you might just be the candidate we hire. Across Octopus, we’re looking for genuinely decent people who are honest and empathetic. Our people are our strongest asset and the unique skills and perspectives people bring to the team are the driving force of our success. As an equal opportunity employer, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected attribute. Our commitment is to provide equal opportunities, an inclusive work environment, and fairness for everyone.