Embedded Software Engineer-1564

Thorlabs; Ely; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading optical technologies company in Ely is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer to develop and maintain firmware for Motion Control products. The position offers hybrid working, a collaborative team environment, and extensive benefits including a competitive salary, pension, and health care. Candidates should have a relevant degree and experience in embedded C development.

Benefits

Free onsite parking

Competitive salary

Group Life Cover

Private Health Care

Group Income Protection

Qualifications

• Proven experience of firmware development in embedded C.
• Experience with automated testing of embedded C code.
• Strong understanding of microcontroller architecture and embedded systems.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, optimise and test embedded firmware in C.
• Collaborate with engineers to ensure firmware compatibility.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation for firmware designs.

Skills

Firmware development in embedded C

Automated testing of embedded C code

Microcontroller architecture (ARM Cortex-M)

Hardware debugging tools

Communication protocols (SPI, I2C, UART)

Collaborative team environment

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electronic/Electrical Engineering or Computer Science

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Logic analyzers

Job description

What is the job?

As an Embedded Software Engineer, you’ll play a crucial role in the development, design, and maintenance of embedded firmware for our Motion Control products. You will work closely with cross‑functional teams to ensure the seamless integration of firmware with hardware, as well as contribute to the overall success of product releases.

Working Hours

Monday to Friday 8.00 am – 4.30 pm (Hybrid working available)

Department

Engineering

Interview Process

2 stage process following shortlisting – First stage: 1 hour Teams interview; Second stage: Onsite 3 hour interview.

Who we are?

Thorlabs is a global, industry‑leading optical technologies company. We are experts in the design and manufacture of a range of innovative photonics products. We use these products in manufacturing and research, from fibre optics to piezo motors. We are the gold standard with optics laboratories worldwide. There are now 22 facilities across the world in 9 countries. Here in Ely, we are responsible for the Motion Control and Optical Tables product line.

Where you will be working?

It’s a hybrid role, working in our new purpose‑built facility in Witchford, Ely as well as your home. Our purpose‑built facility is just 12 miles from Cambridge, within the beautiful mediaeval city of Ely. There are train and bus links to Ely from Kings Cross and Liverpool Street London, and our site is within distance of Ely train station and Ely Bus station.

What is essential to us…

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electronic/Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Proven experience of firmware development in embedded C.
• Experience with automated testing of embedded C code.
• Strong understanding of microcontroller architecture (especially ARM Cortex‑M) and embedded systems including some basic electronic theory.
• Familiarity with hardware debugging tools such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and other common test equipment.
• Experience with communication protocols such as SPI, I2C, UART, USB and industrial Ethernet protocols.
• Ability to work in a collaborative team environment and communicate technical ideas effectively.
• Motion control algorithm knowledge and understanding would be advantageous.
• Experience with real‑time operating systems (RTOS) would be advantageous.

What we would like you to do/ to see…

• Design, implement, optimise and test embedded firmware in C for various electronic devices and systems.
• Debug and resolve issues in existing firmware.
• Collaborate with electronic design engineers, embedded and PC software engineers and mechanical engineers to ensure firmware compatibility and integration with the target hardware platform.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation for firmware designs, code, and development processes.
• Perform code reviews and develop and execute firmware test plans to ensure robustness under various operating conditions.
• Look to unify code across products where applicable by abstracting to libraries.
• Continually improve development best practices and codebase quality.
• Ensure that firmware complies with industry standards, safety regulations, and quality standards.
• Provide technical support to cross‑functional teams, including troubleshooting and debugging firmware‑related issues.
• Work collaboratively with other departments to ensure complete knowledge transfer of products into production is effective.
• Stay up to date with new development technologies and tools for the role.

What will you get?

At Thorlabs there are lots of opportunities for in‑house customised training and development that accelerates your career progression. We have free onsite parking, free refreshments, as well as an entertainment area in our large canteen for your enjoyment.

And the benefits are?

Competitive Salary to attract the best, plus an excellent benefits package including pension, health care, 25 days holiday plus public holidays.

Job Reference: THOR-VC-1452

This is a rolling campaign, so we will actively interview applicants. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

We welcome applications from persons who are over 18 years old.

*This is a legal requirement, further information is here School leaving age - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

All offers of employment are subject to eligibility to work in the UK.

We would encourage all internal applicants to inform their line managers of their interest in this position.

• Contributed Pension Scheme
• Group Life Cover
• Private Health Care
• Group Income Protection & more.

Please apply through the Apply for this job button or send a copy of your CV along with a covering letter and your salary expectations to: Human Resources at Thorlabs Ltd, 204 Lancaster Way Business Park, Ely, Cambs, CB6 3NX or e‑mail [e-mail].

We are Disability Confident Committed.

In line with the requirements of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, all applicants must have a valid permission to enter or remain in the UK with no condition that prevents them from working in the UK. Documented evidence of such permission will be required from candidates as part of the recruitment process.