Principal Software Engineer

Platform Recruitment; Filton; Hybrid; GBP 72,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working (3 days onsite)

Bonus

Enhanced pension

Job summary

Platform Recruitment seeks a Principal Embedded Software Engineer in Bristol for a hybrid role leading a team delivering safety-critical RTOS-based real-time software. You will shape architecture, mentor engineers, and drive delivery across complex regulated environments.

The ideal candidate has strong embedded C expertise, hands-on leadership, and a track record with DO-178C/ISO 26262 or IEC 61508 compliance. This role provides high impact, collaboration, and career growth.

Qualifications

• Experience in embedded software development within safety-critical environments.
• Proficiency in RTOS such as FreeRTOS.
• Strong C programming skills, low-level development preferred.
• Proven leadership or team management experience.
• Knowledge of DO-178C, ISO 26262, or IEC 61508 is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Leading, mentoring, and growing a team of embedded software engineers.
• Overseeing full software lifecycle: design, development, testing, and deployment.
• Driving best practices in embedded C development and code quality.
• Managing multiple projects, ensuring delivery to high safety and quality standards.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders.

Skills

Embedded software development

RTOS

C programming

Leadership

Safety-critical standards

Tools

FreeRTOS

Job description

Principal Embedded Software Engineer

Bristol (Hybrid)

Salary: Up to £80,000

I’m currently recruiting on behalf of a highly innovative technology business working at the forefront of embedded safety-critical systems. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Senior Principal Embedded Software Engineer to lead the development of cutting‑edge real‑time software used in complex regulated environments.

The Role

You’ll take ownership of a team developing a safety-critical Real-Time Operating System (RTOS) used across advanced engineering sectors. This is a leadership role combining hands‑on technical expertise with team management and project delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading, mentoring, and growing a team of embedded software engineers
• Overseeing full software lifecycle: design, development, testing, and deployment
• Driving best practices in embedded C development and code quality
• Managing multiple projects, ensuring delivery to high safety and quality standards
• Collaborating with cross‑functional teams and external stakeholders

About You

• Strong experience in embedded software development within safety‑critical environments
• Expertise in RTOS (e.g. FreeRTOS or similar)
• Proficiency in C (and ideally low‑level/processor‑level development)
• Proven leadership or team management experience
• Knowledge of standards such as DO‑178C, ISO 26262, or IEC 61508 (highly desirable)

What’s on Offer

• Salary up to £80,000
• Hybrid working (3 days onsite)
• Bonus + enhanced pension
• Strong career progression and exposure to cutting‑edge technology
• Supportive, collaborative engineering culture

If you’re looking to step into a senior leadership role while staying close to the technology, this is a fantastic opportunity to make a real impact.