Principal Embedded Software Engineer

EnSilica Plc; Abingdon; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private Medical healthcare

Pension scheme (salary sacrifice)

26 days annual leave

Life assurance

Discretionary annual bonus

Share option scheme

Hybrid and flexible working

Job summary

EnSilica Plc is seeking an experienced Embedded Software Technical Lead to provide technical leadership and hands-on expertise for complex embedded software projects at Milton Park (Abingdon). You will lead software design and development, mentor engineers, and collaborate with ASIC and hardware teams on system-level solutions.

The role demands 10+ years in embedded software, deep knowledge of ARM Cortex-A/R/M and DSP, RTOS, bare-metal and Linux environments, and strong debugging/validation

Qualifications

• Strong embedded C/C++ programming on ARM Cortex-A/R/M and DSP architectures.
• Experience with RTOS, bare-metal development, device drivers and silicon validation.
• Proficient with GNU ARM Embedded Toolchain and binary tools.
• Extensive experience with CMake/GNU Make and SVN or Git.
• Proven capability in silicon validation and complex system debugging.
• 10+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Degree in Electronics, Physics, CS or related discipline from a leading university.

Responsibilities

• Lead embedded software architecture, design and implementation on ARM Cortex-A/R/M and DSP platforms.
• Provide technical direction for bare-metal, RTOS and embedded Linux development.
• Drive debugging and bring-up activities using Arm trace and debug techniques.
• Mentor junior engineers and promote best practices in software development.
• Collaborate on multi-disciplinary projects with ASIC/FPGA hardware and software co-design.

Skills

Embedded C/C++

RTOS

Bare-metal development

Device drivers

Silicon validation

System debugging

GNU ARM Toolchain

CMake

GNU Make

SVN

Git

10+ years experience

Degree in Electronics/Physics/CS

Education

Degree (1st or 2.1) in Electronics, Physics, Computer Science, or related discipline

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Model-based design

I2C

SPI

MODBUS

IEC 61508/DO-178C

Job description

This role is based at our Milton Park (Abingdon) office. The expectation is at least 3 days per week in the office.

Applicants must have the right to live and work in the UK.

Your Role

We are seeking an Embedded Software Technical Lead to provide technical leadership and hands-on expertise for complex embedded software projects. You will lead software design and development, mentor engineers, and collaborate closely with ASIC and hardware teams on system-level solutions.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Lead embedded software architecture, design, and implementation on ARM Cortex-A/R/M and DSP platforms.
• Provide technical direction for bare-metal, RTOS, and embedded Linux development.
• Drive debugging and bring-up activities, including complex system analysis using Arm trace and debug techniques.
• Mentor junior engineers and foster best practices in software development.
• Collaborate on multi-disciplinary projects involving ASIC/FPGA hardware and software co-design.

Your Key Skills and Experience

Essential

• Strong embedded C/C++ programming skills on Arm Cortex-A/R/M and DSP architectures.
• Expertise in RTOS, bare-metal software development, device drivers, and silicon validation.
• Expert-level use of GNU ARM Embedded Toolchain and binary tools.
• Extensive experience with build systems (CMake and GNU Make) and version control systems (SVN or Git).
• Proven capability in silicon validation and complex system debugging.
• Minimum 10+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Degree (1st or 2.1) in Electronics, Physics, Computer Science, or related discipline from a leading university.

Desirable

• Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, or model-based design tools for prototyping and validation.
• Knowledge of beamforming techniques, Digital Predistortion (DPD) algorithms, and communication standards such as 3GPP or DVB-S.
• Exposure to formal software development processes (IEC 61508, DO-178C).
• Experience with communication protocols (I2C, SPI, MODBUS).

Personal Skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration within international teams.
• Problem-solving mindset with a proactive and adaptable approach.
• Strong leadership skills to inspire, coach, and develop team members.
• Results-driven, accountable, and able to thrive in dynamic project environments.

What can you expect from us?

Private Medical healthcare, salary sacrifice pension scheme (matched up to 5%), 26 days annual leave, life assurance, discretionary annual bonus, share option scheme, hybrid and flexible working.

Position Specifics

This role is hybrid, our guideline is for a minimum of 3 days in the office.

Some occasional travel may be required to another UK site.

Applicants must have the right to live and work in UK.