Lead Embedded Software Engineer - Video Systems

Audio Visual Recruitment Ltd; Slough; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Audio Visual Recruitment Ltd is seeking an experienced Embedded Software Engineer to own a video systems platform, lead architecture, and collaborate with hardware engineers to deliver production-ready systems. You will develop low-level C/C++ for video processing, integrate codecs and vendor SDKs, and implement interfaces such as I2C, SPI, UART, CAN and Ethernet, optimizing real-time performance.

The role includes automated tests, repeatable builds, documentation, and support for bench and

Qualifications

• Strong C/C++ development for embedded systems.
• Experience with Embedded Linux and drivers.
• Hands-on hardware debugging across software/hardware.
• Knowledge of video pipelines and real-time constraints.

Responsibilities

• Own embedded software architecture and platform selection.
• Develop low-level C/C++ for video processing and hardware control.
• Integrate codecs, drivers and vendor SDKs.
• Implement interfaces (I2C, SPI, UART, CAN, Ethernet).
• Optimize real-time video transport and pipelines.
• Support hardware bring-up and field trials.

Skills

Embedded C/C++

Debugging on hardware

Embedded Linux

Video processing

Network protocols

FPGA/SoC basics

Tools

GStreamer

Verilog

VHDL

Vendor SDKs

Job description

We are seeking an experienced, hands-on embedded software engineer to take technical ownership of a video systems platform. You will lead embedded software architecture, evaluate components and platforms, develop working prototypes, and deliver reliable production-ready systems. You will collaborate closely with hardware engineers and external specialists, translating technical requirements into robust, measurable solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the embedded software architecture and contribute to system design and platform selection.
• Develop and maintain low-level C/C++ software for video processing, hardware control and network communication.
• Evaluate and integrate hardware codecs, vendor SDKs, drivers and supporting software.
• Implement and debug interfaces and protocols including I2C, SPI, UART, CAN and Ethernet.
• Integrate and optimise real-time video transport, including configuration, encryption, monitoring and recovery behaviour.
• Build and optimise video pipelines for latency, image quality, bitrate and audio synchronisation.
• Develop networking and control functions that handle packet loss, interruptions and recovery.
• Support board bring-up, hardware integration and system debugging.
• Define FPGA requirements and coordinate specialist support where needed.
• Create automated tests, diagnostics, logging and repeatable performance measurements.
• Establish reproducible builds, firmware update and recovery processes, and clear technical documentation.
• Support bench and field trials, converting test feedback into improvements.

Essential Requirements

• Strong embedded C/C++ development skills, including debugging on physical hardware.
• Experience delivering hardware-based video encoding, decoding or comparable real-time systems.
• Embedded Linux development experience, including vendor SDKs, drivers and hardware interfaces.
• Understanding of video pipelines, buffering, memory movement and end-to-end latency.
• Experience with Ethernet/IP networking and real-time video transport.
• Ability to diagnose issues across software, hardware and system boundaries.
• Experience progressing embedded systems from development hardware to dependable operational use.
• Ability to assess technical trade-offs, work independently and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.

Desirable Experience

• SRT encoder/decoder development or integration.
• Low-latency H.265/HEVC or H.264 implementation.
• FPGA/SoC platforms and associated development tools.
• FPGA integration, AXI, DMA, Verilog or VHDL.
• SDI video, 4K60, 10-bit processing, embedded audio, genlock or timecode.
• GStreamer or comparable embedded media frameworks.
• Experience with camera-control protocols, telemetry or constrained wireless links