Senior Embedded Software Engineer

TECHNE; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

TECHNE is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer to join a fast-growing defence technology company in Cambridge. You will own real-time embedded software that drives advanced propulsion hardware and collaborates closely with electronics, controls, and systems teams.

Role involves board bring-up, processor-level development and embedded architecture, with C++ at the application layer. Experience with STM32, TriCore, i.MX8 or similar processors is desirable.

Qualifications

• Strong Embedded C/C++ experience across the full stack from application to hardware.
• Board bring-up experience and real-time embedded systems know-how.
• Experience with microcontrollers and processors and hardware debugging.

Responsibilities

• Develop real-time embedded software in C/C++ for propulsion hardware.
• Support board bring-up and hardware validation activities.
• Work with STM32, TriCore, i.MX8 or similar processors.
• Develop low-level software and embedded architecture for control systems.
• Debug processor, board and hardware/software interaction issues.
• Support control software for complex propulsion hardware across teams.
• Collaborate with electronics, controls, hardware and systems teams.

Skills

Embedded C/C++

Board bring-up

RTOS development

MCU/Processors

Hardware debugging

Tools

STM32

i.MX8

TriCore

Job description

TECHNE is supporting a rapidly growing European defence technology company developing advanced propulsion systems for next-generation aerospace and autonomous platforms.

The business is investing heavily in compact, high-performance propulsion technology and is building a specialist engineering team around this capability.

They are now looking for an Embedded Software Engineer who enjoys working close to the hardware and wants real ownership of how complex propulsion systems are brought to life.

Role: Embedded Software Engineer, Propulsion Systems

Location: Cambridge, UK

Type: Full-Time, Permanent

The Role:

You will develop real-time embedded software responsible for controlling demanding aerospace hardware.

The role spans board bring-up, processor-level development, embedded architecture, hardware debugging and real-time control, alongside C++ development at the application software layer.

You will work directly with the hardware and help define the software foundations behind a new generation of propulsion technology.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop real-time embedded software in C/C++.
• Develop C++ at the application software layer.
• Support board bring-up and hardware validation.
• Work with STM32, TriCore, i.MX8 or similar processors.
• Develop low-level software and embedded architecture.
• Debug processor, board and hardware/software interaction issues.
• Support control software for complex propulsion hardware.
• Work closely with electronics, controls, hardware and systems teams.

Experience Required:

• Strong Embedded C/C++ experience. (Experience across the full stack Application to hardware)
• Board bring-up experience.
• Real-time embedded systems development.
• Experience with microcontrollers and processors.
• Strong hardware debugging and validation skills.
• Comfortable working at the lowest levels of the software stack.

Nice to Have:

• Low-power RTOS experience, including FreeRTOS, Zephyr or Micrium.
• Rust development experience.
• Engine controls, powertrain controls, propulsion systems, rotating machinery, electric motor or inverter control experience.

Relevant backgrounds include aerospace propulsion, automotive powertrain, defence, robotics and other high-performance embedded environments.

Why this opportunity:

• Work on propulsion technology in a rapidly growing area of aerospace and defence.
• Bring new hardware to life rather than maintain mature legacy platforms.
• Influence embedded architecture and technical direction.
• Work across software, electronics, controls and physical hardware.
• Join while the propulsion capability and wider technology roadmap are still being defined.

Further information on the company, programme, package and confidential technology roadmap is available directly.