Lead Embedded Systems Engineer

European Tech Recruit; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

European Tech Recruit is seeking a Lead Embedded Systems Engineer to join an AI-native engineering team in the UK. You will own embedded edge platforms, bridging hardware and software in real-world environments.

Based in Nottingham, the role is fully onsite initially with a long-term hybrid pattern (3 days onsite weekly). You’ll drive system bring-up, PCB-level debugging, and cross-functional integration with hardware partners.

Qualifications

• Proven embedded Linux experience with real-time concerns.
• Ability to read and interpret PCB schematics and support hardware debugging.
• Strong system-level integration of hardware and software components.

Responsibilities

• Own the design and delivery of embedded edge computing systems.
• Translate product requirements into robust hardware/software architectures.
• Lead bring-up, platform integration, and debugging.
• Collaborate with hardware partners on compute platforms, cameras, and peripherals.
• Develop tooling and automation using Python and shell scripting.
• Provide technical leadership and escalation for embedded system issues.

Skills

Embedded Linux

PCB schematics reading

Python

Shell scripting

Networking fundamentals

System-level integration

Independent work / ownership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering

Tools

Yocto

Buildroot

Git

Job description

Nottingham, UK (Fully onsite initially / Hybrid 3 days onsite weekly long term)

We are seeking a Lead Embedded Systems Engineer to join an established AI-native engineering team within a leading UK technology group. This Lead Embedded Systems Engineer role sits at the intersection of hardware and software and will take ownership of next-generation edge computing platforms used in real-world environments.

The company develops intelligent systems for public transport and emergency services, combining embedded systems engineering with AI-driven computer vision. This Lead Embedded Systems Engineer role is responsible for designing, integrating, and taking full technical ownership of embedded edge platforms that operate in live, safety-critical environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the design and delivery of embedded edge computing systems
• Translate product requirements into robust hardware and software architectures
• Work across embedded Linux (Yocto / Buildroot), system bring-up, and platform integration
• Collaborate closely with hardware partners on compute platforms, cameras, and peripherals
• Read and interpret PCB schematics to support system debugging and validation
• Integrate GPUs, power systems, sensors, and networking components into complete products
• Support hardware bring-up and lab-based debugging (oscilloscopes, logic analysers where needed)
• Manage system services, boot processes, and device behaviour (systemd)
• Develop tooling and automation using Python and shell scripting
• Support networking, CAN bus, and secure remote deployment across fleets
• Act as technical lead and escalation point for embedded systems issues

Required Experience & Skills

• Strong experience in embedded systems engineering with Linux-based platforms
• Embedded Linux experience (Yocto / Buildroot / system bring-up)
• Ability to read and interpret PCB schematics and support hardware debugging
• Strong understanding of hardware/software integration at system level
• Experience working in lab or field environments with hardware systemsProficiency in Python and shell scripting
• Networking fundamentals (routing, VPNs, firewalling)
• Experience with headless Linux systems (SSH, UART, serial consoles)
• Ability to work independently and take technical ownership

Why Apply?

• Technical ownership of a flagship AI edge computing platform
• Genuine influence across both hardware and software design decisions
• Opportunity to build systems deployed in real-world transport environments
• Small, senior engineering team with high autonomy
• Strong long-term technical impact within an AI-native organisation

We are looking for a senior engineer who is equally comfortable across embedded Linux and electronics. This is not a pure software role - the successful candidate will be close to the hardware, involved in system-level integration, and expected to understand PCB-level concepts alongside embedded Linux development.

Strong candidates are likely to come from embedded systems, industrial electronics, automotive ECUs, or similar environments where they have taken products from concept through to production.

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