Principal Engineer

X4 Technology; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A boutique medical product development company is seeking a Principal Embedded Software Engineer to lead firmware development. This role involves working closely with hardware and overseeing a small team while remaining hands-on. The ideal candidate has strong experience in embedded systems, C++, and real-time operating systems. The position offers a competitive salary of £100,000+ and opportunities for career progression in a mission-driven environment. The office is located at the Maidstone Innovation Centre, providing modern on-site facilities.

Benefits

Autonomy and ownership in projects

Clear progression path

Modern on-site facilities

Qualifications

• Strong Embedded and C++ experience in an embedded environment.
• Proven experience with FreeRTOS/Zephyr or similar RTOS platforms.
• Comfortable working close to hardware (bare metal and RTOS).

Responsibilities

• Take technical ownership of the embedded software platform.
• Oversight of firmware development and direct reporting to the Managing Director.
• Shape the direction of new and existing product development.

Skills

Embedded systems

C++

FreeRTOS

Team leadership

Multimedia interfaces

Tools

Microprocessors (ARM, NXP)

HDMI

USB

DisplayPort

Job description

Principal Engineer – Life saving Oncology business (no previous medical experience required)

Location: Maidstone Innovation Centre (Onsite)

Salary: £100,000+ (there is flexibility on this for the right person)+ Benefits

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

We’re partnering with a well-established, boutique medical product development company that specialises in working on life saving medical equipment. Their technology interfaces with precision hardware used in state of the art medical equipment including cancer treatment and radiation therapy – making a real difference in the field of oncology.

What You’ll Be Doing:

As the Principal Embedded Software Engineer, you’ll take technical ownership of the embedded software platform, working with cross discipline engineers, teams and product designers to bring innovative imaging solutions to life. You’ll have responsibility for the firmware development in the company and report directly to the Managing Director. This is a unique opportunity to play a strategic role as part of the senior leadership team whilst remaining hands on with the software, this is a 90% hands on role. Being a small company they can offer you exposure to hardware development and other areas of development. The company are well established but small so the majority of the leadership responsibilities are overseeing the high level software decisions more than dealing with personal management. Despite this you will need to be comfortable as the technical authority and be overseeing two developers (one of which senior). there is potential that overtime this position could transition into a CTO position.

This is a hands‑on technical leadership role where your input will shape the direction of new and existing product development.

Tech Environment:

• Microprocessors: ARM, NXP
• OS: FreeRTOS
• Language: C++, C
• Interfaces & Protocols: HDMI, MIPI, USB, DisplayPort
• Other: The client use complex circuitry so an ability to work at a lower level, reading schematics and being comfortable working with PCBs/hardware/schematic developmentsl. Any experience with High-speed data transfer, real-time video/image processing (there is scope to work with machine vision but this is not essential).
• Experience in regulated industries (e.g., medical, automotive, aerospace) is beneficial, but medical experience is not required.

About You:

• Strong Embedded and C++ experience in an embedded environment
• Proven experience with FreeRTOS/ Zephyr or similar RTOS platforms
• Comfortable working close to hardware (bare metal and RTOS)
• Familiarity with multimedia interfaces (HDMI, USB, DisplayPort) and high-speed data
• Previous team leadership experience or mentoring responsibilities
• You thrive in a collaborative, innovative and mission-driven environment

What’s on Offer:

• Be part of a business whose products are used in real‑world clinical settings around the globe
• Autonomy, ownership, and a clear progression path to expand your team and impact
• Work alongside a passionate, cross‑functional team of engineers and scientists
• Modern on‑site facilities at the Maidstone Innovation Centre
• Competitive salary of £100,000+, depending on experience

If you’re ready to lead meaningful projects at the intersection of embedded systems and life‑changing medical technology, we’d love to hear from you.

• 📩 To apply, please send your up‑to‑date CV today.