Principal Embedded Systems Engineer

ZipRecruiter; Kettering; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading design consultancy in Kettering seeks a Principal Embedded Systems Engineer to lead innovative projects within an employee-owned trust environment. This role encompasses hands-on development and technical leadership, collaborating with a close-knit team on a diverse range of embedded systems solutions. Candidates should possess strong C/C++ skills and experience in systems design, with a flexible approach to new technologies and problem-solving.

Benefits

Employee Ownership Trust bonus

Hybrid working model

Collaborative team environment

Qualifications

• Proven experience in embedded systems design and development.
• Strong skills in C/C++ for microcontrollers.
• Ability to bridge hardware and software.

Responsibilities

• Lead multi-disciplinary engineering projects.
• Develop and debug embedded systems applications.
• Direct client interaction and project oversight.

Skills

C/C++

Embedded systems design

Project leadership

Collaboration with electronics engineers

Adaptability to new technologies

Job description

Job Description

Principal Embedded Systems Engineer

Location: Kettering (Flexible Hybrid WFH)
Package: £65,000 - £75,000 + £3,600 Tax-Free Bonus (EOT)

KO2's client, a well-established and highly respected design consultancy based in Kettering, is seeking a principal embedded systems engineer to join their close-knit, multi-disciplinary team. This is a rare opportunity to work in an employee-owned trust (EOT) business, offering long-term stability, variety, and a genuine say in how the company is run.

The company's projects span a huge range of industries, from specialist electronics to complex, full-system solutions. You'll be part of an 8-person core engineering team, collaborating across hardware, software, firmware, and mechanical disciplines. As principal embedded systems engineer, you'll play a pivotal role-balancing hands-on development with technical leadership, project oversight, and direct client interaction.

You'll work on everything from bare-metal C on STM32 MCUs, through to Linux-based embedded applications, Raspberry Pi projects, PCB bring-up, and system integration. The right person will have the gravitas to lead multi-disciplinary teams, while still rolling up their sleeves to write code, debug hardware, and solve real-world engineering challenges.

Why join?

• £65,000 - £75,000 salary for the ideal hire (lower for those developing into the role)




• £3,600 per year tax-free bonus through the Employee Ownership Trust




• Hybrid working - typically 2 days per week on-site in Kettering (more initially while learning the ropes)




• Exposure to a wide variety of embedded systems projects - no two are the same




• A small, collaborative, and flexible team environment

What you'll bring:

• Proven experience in embedded systems design and development




• Strong C/C++ skills for microcontrollers, with the ability to work at low level




• Ability to bridge hardware and software, collaborating effectively with electronics engineers




• Confidence in leading projects and mentoring others, without losing your hands-on edge




• Flexible, adaptable approach to work-happy to pick up new tools, technologies, and problem domains

This is the perfect role for a seasoned principal embedded systems engineer who thrives on variety, values teamwork, and enjoys both the leadership and technical sides of product development.

If you're ready to join a stable, employee-owned business and help shape its future, apply today to KO2's client for this exciting principal embedded systems engineer position