Principal Embedded Software Engineer

Breath HR; Coventry; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Breath HR is looking for an Embedded Software Engineer for their Coventry office. This role focuses on designing low-level software for electrification systems like battery management and electric vehicle control. The ideal candidate will lead software development and ensure compliance with industry standards.

You will be involved in all aspects of embedded software design, from architecture to testing, and collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to deliver effective solutions.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of relevant industry experience.
• Deep experience in embedded software design.
• Experience writing system and software specifications, requirements & test documents.

Responsibilities

• Support design, implementation, and testing of embedded software.
• Development of low-level and application-level software components.
• Lead root-cause analysis and resolution of complex software issues.

Skills

Embedded software design

C/C++ programming

Real-time systems

Software debugging

Communication protocols (CAN, LIN, etc.)

Version control (BitBucket)

Documentation (UML)

Tools

BitBucket

Jenkins

GitLab CI

INCA/CANape

CANalyzer

Job description

Role Purpose

We require a skilled Embedded Software Engineer to design low level embedded software for our wide range of customer applications focussed on electrification, including battery management, power conversion and electric vehicle control systems. The successful candidate will be a key member of the software and controls team. They will develop software solutions, drive processes and tools as well as quality standards. They will work with the wider multi-disciplinary engineering team to support the delivery of effective engineering solutions. This is a hands‑on role for an engineer who enjoys designing and implementing embedded software, as well as the creative problem solving, and testing required to ensure that the software modules function as intended.

Key Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership Support the design, implementation and test of embedded software platforms for real‑time systems. Lead development of low-level and application-level software components for a microcontroller application. Drive modular, scalable, and reusable software component design.
• Software Development Design and implement embedded software using C/C++, assembly for microcontroller platforms. Develop and configure device drivers, communication stacks (CAN, LIN, SPI, I2C, UART, Ethernet), and hardware abstraction layers. Integrate middleware and bootloaders; manage firmware update mechanisms (OTA or manual). Ensure compliance with MISRA‑C, CERT C, or other relevant coding standards.
• Requirements and Design Translate system‑level requirements into embedded software requirements and specifications. Collaborate with systems engineers and hardware designers to define software‑hardware interfaces. Create and maintain software architecture and design documentation (e.g., using UML).
• Verification, Validation & Quality Assurance Execute unit, integration, and system‑level software test plans. Use static and dynamic analysis tools as necessary to ensure software quality. Support Software FMEA, safety analysis, and compliance to standards such as:
  • Automotive: ISO 26262, ASPICE
• Continuous Integration & Configuration Management Maintain software version control using BitBucket. Use CI/CD pipelines for embedded software builds and automated testing (e.g., Jenkins, GitLab CI). Implement software configuration, change control, and traceability for releases.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration Interface with electrical, mechanical, systems, validation, and manufacturing teams to ensure seamless software integration. Support bring‑up, integration, and debug on hardware prototypes and production units. Act as technical liaison with suppliers, customers, or certification authorities for embedded software matters.
• Program Support and Delivery Provide accurate estimates for software development tasks and manage resource allocation. Ensure timely delivery of embedded software in line with project milestones and quality targets. Lead root‑cause analysis and resolution of complex software issues in both development and field environments.

Qualifications, Experience and Skills Required

• A minimum of 5 years relevant industry experience.
• Deep experience in embedded software design.
• Detailed low level software design, implementation, and validation experience.
• Hands‑on experience of software debugging tools and using them to develop hard real‑time software components.
• Experience in writing system and software specifications, requirements & test documents.
• Experience with software version control tools, requirements management, software change request (SCR) management.
• Familiar with electrical debugging on systems, e.g. LV harnessing, continuity checking, isolation checking, etc.
• Familiar with system level attributes/trade‑offs.
• Proven track record in the effective delivery of technical objectives to quality and time targets.
• Comfortable working closely with clients, often on‑site at client locations.
• Enthusiastic about learning new disciplines and expanding current technical and project knowledge.

Preferred

• Experience of working in a relevant industry developing high integrity systems (such as automotive, marine, energy storage, aerospace)
• Experience of battery systems and their control.
• Experience of power conversion systems (AC/DC, DC/AC and DC/DC) and their control.

System or Knowledge

• Advanced capabilities in Microsoft Office and applications.
• Extensive knowledge of programming in C/C++, Assembler for embedded platforms.
• Experience with CCP & CAN based tools, e.g. INCA/CANape and CANalyzer.
• Experience and knowledge of applications involving complex electrical systems (high and low voltage).
• Direct knowledge of application of functional safety and cyber security to high integrity control systems.
• Understanding and application of industry and legal standards relating to control systems.

Personal Attributes

• Quality‑focused and process‑oriented with an attention to detail.
• Excellent problem solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication skills – including report writing and presentation.
• Self‑motivated and enjoys working within a team environment.
• Willingness to accept responsibility and challenges required to achieve objectives.
• Commitment to professional development and continuous learning.

Location and Travel

• You must be eligible to work in the UK or CZ and have no restrictions for world‑wide travel.
• This role is based at our Head Office in Coventry, UK, or our Engineering Office In Prague, Czechia, with flexibility for remote working.
• Standard working hours are 0900 to 1700, 5 days a week, however some travel may be required, and flexible working patterns are essential to the role.