Embedded Software Engineer

PA Consulting; Melbourn; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private healthcare

25 days leave + extra day Christmas E‑

Job summary

PA Consulting is seeking an embedded software engineer to develop products from concept through mass production. The role spans consumer-focused development and potential work in medical, life sciences and defence sectors.

You will join a team of experts in electronics, software, mechanical engineering and applied science, delivering solutions across the full development lifecycle and guiding projects to deployment with real impact.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in embedded software development across lifecycle.
• Strong proficiency in C/C++/Rust and Python.
• Experience with RTOS/embedded Linux and multiple microcontrollers.
• Familiar with testing methods (TDD) and CI/CD workflows.
• Experience with communications protocols (I2C, SPI, UART, USB, Bluetooth, WiFi).
• Ability to generate software design documentation.

Responsibilities

• Develop products from concept through mass production.
• Work across electronics, software, and systems engineering teams.
• Deliver across the full development lifecycle and deployment.
• Explain complex engineering concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Skills

Embedded software

C/C++/Rust

Python

RTOS/embedded Linux

TDD/Testing

CI/CD

Protocols (I2C/SPI/UART/USB/Bluetooth)

Software design docs

Hardware basics

Education

Degree in Electronic Engineering or related field

Tools

Zephyr OS

Embedded Linux

CI/CD tools (Git/Jenkins etc)

Job description

Company Description

We believe in the power of ingenuity to build a positive human future.

As strategies, technologies, and innovation collide, we create opportunity from complexity. Our teams of interdisciplinary experts combine innovative thinking and breakthrough technologies to progress further, faster. Our clients adapt and transform, and together we achieve enduring results. We are over 4,000 strategists, innovators, designers, consultants, digital experts, scientists, engineers, and technologists. And we have deep expertise in consumer and manufacturing, defence and security, energy and utilities, financial services, government and public services, health and life sciences, and transport. Our teams operate globally from offices across the UK, Ireland, US, Nordics, and Netherlands.

PA. Bringing Ingenuity to Life.

Job Description

We are looking for an embedded software engineer with full lifecycle development experience in modern embedded software systems. You will be called upon to develop products from concept through to mass production. This role will include consumer product development as its focus, you will also have the opportunity to work within other sectors such as medical, life sciences and defence. Sharing ideas across sectors is embedded within our way of working.

Become part of the team

At PA, you will be working within one of the most successful UK organisations in technology and product development, with a team who have an exceptional reputation for innovation and delivery across government and the private sector. Our team includes industry-leading experts in electronics, software development, mechanical engineering and applied science. We offer all our engineering professionals career progression and tailored training to equip them with the tools they need to tackle complex and challenging projects through their careers. You will be trusted to work across the whole development lifecycle for clients, offering a rare opportunity to gain broad experiences from concept to delivery. This is a great opportunity to not only work on some of the most challenging problems in the industry but also to see your solution through to deployment where it has a positive impact. PA offers a career in consulting, not just a job; a stake in our firm; and an environment where individuals and ideas matter.

Role Specifics

An example of some recent embedded work has included Zephyr OS, bare-metal embedded Linux projects but clients often approach us with unique challenges that require a creative outlook and an adaptable skill set.

• A proven track record of developing and implementing software for embedded systems using modern professional workflows.
• Expert C/C++/Rust programmer and good experience with Python (Other language experience beneficial)
• Practitioner in a range of embedded platforms - these could include RTOS (Zephyr OS), embedded Linux and bare-metal, on a range of different hardware microcontrollers and multi-core SoCs.
• Practitioner of Test Driven Development methodologies and experienced with both automated and manual testing techniques
• Experience with CI/CD methodologies is beneficial
• Well versed in a breadth of communications protocols: I2C, SPI, UART, USB, Bluetooth, WiFi etc etc
• Demonstrable experience generating software design documentation
• Comfortable using device datasheets and an understanding of digital electronics and schematics.
• Experienced with full product lifecycle development from concept generation through to product launch and in-field maintenance/improvement.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and be comfortable explaining complex engineering concepts to both a technical and non-technical audience.

• Someone not afraid to be ‘Hands-on’ and work with the team to work through challenges
• Energy and enthusiasm to take on unfamiliar challenges, coupled with the ability to innovate and think freely.
• Enthusiasm to help build the careers of our less experienced engineers.

Qualifications

• Degree qualified – a good degree in electronic engineering or a related subject from a leading university
• The ability to gain UK SC security clearance if not already acquired (in practice, this requires sole UK nationality)

Life at PA

Life At PA encompasses our peoples' experience at PA. It's about how we enrich peoples’ working lives by giving them access to unique people and growth opportunities and purpose led meaningful work. Our purpose guides how we work with our clients and our teams, and support our communities, to deliver insight and impact, solving the world’s most complex challenges. We're focused on building a workplace that values human difference and diverse mindsets, and a culture of inclusion and equality that unlocks the potential in our people so everyone can be their best self. Find out more about Life at PA here.

We are dedicated to supporting the physical, emotional, social and financial well-being of our people. Check out some of our extensive benefits:

• Health and lifestyle perks accompanying private healthcare for you and your family
• 25 days annual leave (plus a bonus half day on Christmas Eve) with the opportunity to buy 5 additional days
• Generous company pension scheme
• Opportunity to get involved with community and charity-based initiatives
• Annual performance-based bonus
• PA share ownership
• Tax efficient benefits (cycle to work, give as you earn)

We’re committed to advancing equality. We recruit, retain, reward and develop our people based solely on their abilities and contributions and without reference to their age, background, disability, genetic information, parental or family status, religion or belief, race, ethnicity, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity (or expression), political belief, veteran status, any other range of human difference brought about by identity and experience. We welcome applications from underrepresented groups.

Adjustments or accommodations - Should you need any adjustments or accommodations to the recruitment process, at either application or interview, please contact us on [e-mail]