Senior Embedded Systems Engineer

Catalyst; North East; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Catalyst is seeking a Senior Embedded Systems Engineer in County Durham to lead the design of advanced embedded hardware and software. You will drive the full lifecycle from requirements to verification and production support in a fast-paced R&D environment.

You will mentor engineers, collaborate with hardware teams, and ensure robust architectures, security, and performance across devices with MCU/FPGA platforms and IoT connectivity.

Qualifications

• Experience in embedded software development and hardware integration.
• Strong knowledge of ARM-based MCUs and peripherals.
• Proficient in C/C++ for embedded systems with real-time constraints.
• Experience with RTOS and embedded Linux environments.
• Familiarity with communication protocols (SPI, I2C, UART, CAN, Ethernet, USB).
• Experience with version control (Git) and software lifecycle processes.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity for embedded systems and functional safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of advanced embedded hardware/software.
• Define architectures and supervise system implementation.
• Mentor junior and senior engineers.
• Conduct design/code reviews and risk assessments.
• Develop software for microcontrollers, processors, and FPGA-based systems.
• Implement real-time software with RTOS platforms and IoT integration.
• Collaborate with hardware engineers on PCB bring-up and integration.
• Ensure quality, documentation, and regulatory compliance.

Skills

C/C++ for embedded

ARM Cortex / STM32 / NXP

RTOS (FreeRTOS/Zephyr/QNX/Embedded-Li

Networking protocols (SPI/I2C/UART/CAN

Git version control

Cybersecurity for embedded systems

FPGA development (VHDL/Verilog)

Education

Degree in electronics/embedded systems

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

CI/CD tooling

VHDL/Verilog tools

Job description

My client is a County Durham based, market-leading designer and manufacturer of electronics; specialising in instrumentation products utilised across the industrial, engineering and manufacturing sectors. Reporting to the R&D Director, my client seeks a Senior Embedded Systems Engineer to join their R&D function.

The Senior Embedded Systems Engineer will be primarily responsible for playing an integral role in providing key technical leadership in the development of complex embedded hardware and software solutions. You will be responsible for the full product lifecycle, from requirements capture and system architecture through to implementation, verification, and production support.

Main Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of advanced embedded systems for new and existing products.
• Define embedded software and hardware architectures aligned with customer and business requirements.
• Provide technical mentorship and support to junior and senior engineers.
• Conduct design reviews, code reviews, and technical risk assessments.
• Support project planning, estimation, and resource allocation activities.
• Design, develop, and maintain embedded software using C, C++, and Python.
• Develop software for microcontrollers, processors, and FPGA-based systems.
• Implement real-time software solutions using RTOS platforms.
• Develop low-level drivers, middleware, communication stacks, and application software.
• Optimise software for performance, reliability, security, and power consumption.
• Translate system requirements into robust engineering specifications.
• Develop system architectures, interface definitions, and design documentation.
• Perform requirements analysis, integration, and verification activities.
• Support systems-level testing and validation.
• Collaborate with electronics engineers on PCB design, schematic reviews, and hardware bring-up.
• Support integration of embedded software with sensors, actuators, displays, and communication modules.
• Troubleshoot complex system-level issues involving hardware and software interactions.
• Develop and execute test strategies and automated test frameworks.
• Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Support product certification activities where applicable.
• Maintain design documentation in accordance with quality management processes.
• Work closely with customers, suppliers, manufacturing teams, and project managers.
• Participate in technical discussions, customer meetings, and design presentations.
• Contribute to technology roadmaps and continuous improvement initiatives.

About You

To be considered for the role, it is essential that you possess considerable demonstrable embedded systems development, coupled with experience gained at a senior/leadership level. You will be educated to Degree level in an appropriate discipline.

Key Selection Criteria

• - Extensive experience programming in C and C++ for embedded platforms.
• - Strong understanding of ARM Cortex, STM32, NXP, Microchip, TI, or similar microcontroller families.
• - Experience with RTOS environments such as FreeRTOS, Zephyr, QNX, or Embedded Linux.
• - Proven experience with communication protocols including: SPI, I C, UART, CAN/CAN-FD, Ethernet, USB, MQTT or TCP/IP
• - Experience using debugging and test equipment including oscilloscopes, logic analysers, and protocol analysers.
• - Strong knowledge of software architecture, design patterns, and embedded software lifecycle processes.
• - Experience with version control systems such as Git.
• - Embedded Linux development.
• - FPGA development (VHDL or Verilog).
• - Cybersecurity for embedded systems.
• - Wireless technologies such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, LoRaWAN, or cellular communications.
• - Functional safety standards (IEC 61508, ISO 26262, DO-178C, IEC 62304).
• - CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices.
• - Model-Based Design tools such as MATLAB/Simulink.
• - Experience with cloud-connected IoT devices.
• - Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• - Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• - Ability to lead technical teams and influence engineering decisions.
• - High attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• - Proactive, innovative, and results-driven mindset.
• - Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing business that is part of a larger European group, with ambitious growth plans to double in size.