Principal Systems Engineer (Firmware / Embedded Software)

Talentedge; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Talentedge is partnering with an innovative engineering-led business in Cambridge to hire a Principal Software Systems Engineer for embedded C/C++ firmware. This senior role combines systems thinking, leadership and hands-on engineering to define software architecture for premium embedded audio products, from concept to production and launch.

You will work with software, electronics, mechanical and tests teams, translating complex requirements into robust solutions, driving delivery across

Qualifications

• Strong experience within embedded software or systems engineering.
• Commercial experience in the Audio space.
• Strong C/C++ background with hands-on capability.
• Experience delivering embedded products from concept to launch.
• Understanding of RTOS and embedded systems development.
• Experience with SPI, I2C, USB and UART/RS-232.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Systems-level mindset balancing technical and commercial priorities.
• Experience with consumer electronics, connected devices or IoT.
• Linux-based embedded systems knowledge.
• Bluetooth, Wi‑Fi and networking knowledge.
• Automated testing and CI/CD environments.
• Audio, streaming or media product experience is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Defining software requirements, architecture and development plans for embedded products.
• Driving software delivery across multiple concurrent projects.
• Collaborating with internal engineering teams and external partners.
• Leading technical reviews and system design discussions.
• Supporting product development from concept through to production.
• Reviewing, troubleshooting and contributing to embedded software as needed.
• Championing engineering best practices and quality standards.

Skills

Embedded software

C/C++

RTOS

System design

Audio products

Linux-based systems

CI/CD

Tools

Git

Jenkins

CI/CD pipelines

Job description

Principal Software Systems Engineer (Embedded C/C++ / Firmware)

Cambridge | Hybrid (3 Days Onsite)

Do you have a passion for embedded systems and world-class consumer products?

We're partnering with an innovative engineering-led business whose products are recognised globally for delivering exceptional user experiences and market-leading performance. Their multidisciplinary teams are responsible for designing and developing premium connected hardware used by customers around the world.

As part of continued investment in new product development, they're looking for a Senior Software Systems Engineer to play a key role in defining, delivering and evolving the software architecture behind a range of sophisticated embedded Audio products.

The Opportunity

This is a senior technical position combining systems thinking, technical leadership and hands‑on engineering. You'll work closely with software, electronics, mechanical and test teams, helping shape products from early concept through to production and launch.

You'll be responsible for translating complex product requirements into robust software solutions, managing technical delivery across multiple projects, and ensuring products meet the highest standards of quality and performance.

What You'll Be Doing

• Defining software requirements, architecture and development plans for embedded products


• Driving software delivery across multiple concurrent projects


• Collaborating with internal engineering teams and external development partners


• Leading technical reviews and system design discussions


• Supporting product development from concept through to production


• Reviewing, troubleshooting and contributing to embedded software where required


• Championing engineering best practices, quality standards and continuous improvement

What We're Looking For

• Strong experience within embedded software or systems engineering


• Commercial experience in the Audio space


• Strong C/C++ background with the ability to remain technically hands‑on when needed


• Experience delivering complex embedded products from concept to launch
  
• Strong understanding of RTOS and embedded systems development
  
• Experience working with protocols such as SPI, I2C, USB and UART/RS-232
  
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
  
• A systems-level mindset with the ability to balance technical and commercial priorities
  
• Consumer electronics, connected devices or IoT products
  
• Linux-based embedded systems
  
• Bluetooth, Wi‑Fi and networking technologies
  
• Automated testing and CI/CD environments
  
• Audio, streaming or media-related products are HIGHLY advantageous