Embedded Software Engineer

Asahi Glassplant UK Ltd; Royston; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Royston seeks an Embedded Software Engineer to design and develop firmware for lab automation instruments. You'll collaborate closely with mechanical and electronics engineers, ensuring seamless integration of software and hardware. Ideal candidates have strong experience with embedded software, real-time systems, and proficiency in C/C++. The role offers competitive benefits including a pension scheme and private health insurance.

Benefits

25 days holiday per year

Pension scheme

Private health insurance

Death in service benefit

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in embedded software development for real-time systems.
• Strong understanding of interrupt-driven programming and low-level hardware interfacing.
• Familiarity with debugging tools (JTAG, oscilloscopes).

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain embedded software for lab automation instruments.
• Implement firmware to interface with sensors and pumps.
• Collaborate with engineers to ensure hardware/software integration.

Skills

C/C++

RTOS

Embedded software development

Debugging tools

Linux OS

Communication protocols

Education

Degree in Electronics Engineering or Computer Science

Tools

Microcontrollers

Job description

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain embedded software for lab automation instruments and control systems.
• Implement firmware to interface with sensors, actuators, pumps, temperature controllers, and communication peripherals.
• Collaborate with electronics, mechanical, and software engineers to ensure seamless hardware/software integration.
• Conduct debugging, validation, and performance optimisation on target hardware.
• Participate in design reviews, code reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage and maintain test tools and equipment to ensure they are in good working condition for testing and development activity.

Qualifications

• Degree in Electronics Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline.
• 3+ years of experience in embedded software development for real-time systems.
• Proficiency in C/C++.
• Strong understanding of RTOS, interrupt-driven programming, and low-level hardware interfacing.
• Experience with Linux OS.
• Experience with microcontrollers, ideally STM32.
• Experience with communication protocols (SPI, I²C, UART, USB, Modbus, Ethernet, etc.).
• Familiarity with debugging tools (JTAG, microcontroller debuggers, oscilloscopes, etc.).

Desired Experience

• Experience with any additional software development languages, like C# or Python.
• Experience with building custom Linux distributions using Yocto project.
• Experience designing and implementing closed-loop control (e.g. PID).
• Experience writing bootloaders.
• Experience implementing secure boot on ARM platform (AHAB).
• Ability to read and understand schematic diagrams.

Benefits

• 25 days holiday per year (not including bank holidays).
• Pension scheme.
• Private health insurance (AXA).
• Death in service benefit.

Company

Asahi Glassplant UK Ltd. (AGI UK) is a subsidiary of Asahi Glassplant Inc (AGI), Japan. AGI specialises in providing premium quality chemical processing equipment from laboratory scale to manufacturing scale. Our wide range of products serve all chemistry sectors but especially the pharmaceutical industry. AGI was founded in 1950, is the market leader in Japan and now employs over 700 people. AGI UK's head office and electromechanical assembly facilities are based in Royston, Hertfordshire and we have a glass fabrication facility in Sutton, near Ely, Cambridgeshire. AGI UK is responsible for sales within the EMEA region but manufactures scientific instruments and scientific glassware that is sold globally via the AGI group.

Role Overview

We're looking for an Embedded Software Engineer to bridge the gap between hardware innovation and intelligent control systems. In this role, you'll design, develop, and test the firmware and embedded software that power our next‑generation laboratory automation products. You'll work closely with mechanical, electronics, and software engineers to bring complex instruments to life—ensuring seamless integration, reliability, and performance in real‑world lab environments. This is a unique opportunity to apply your embedded software development expertise in a fast‑paced, technology‑driven setting—where your code directly drives the tools that enable modern scientific discovery. You'll collaborate with a multidisciplinary team at the forefront of science, engineering, and innovation, helping to shape the future of lab automation.

Application

Ultimately, you will help AGI UK grow by designing and developing new exciting products and getting them to market. You will also be expected to thrive whilst upholding and promoting the AGI mission and values. We offer a dynamic working environment where your skill set will be highly valued and encouraged to expand and explore your capabilities. We look forward to hearing from you! Asahi Glassplant UK Ltd.