Software Engineer

Kinneir Dufort; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A consultancy specializing in health innovation is seeking a Software Engineer to contribute to client solutions. The role requires expertise in embedded software development, design principles, and communication protocols. Candidates should enjoy fast-paced environments and possess a strong collaborative spirit. Offering a salary range of £40,800 to £50,000 in Bristol, with flexible working options.

Benefits

Performance-related bonus

Flexible hybrid working

Private healthcare

Enhanced parental leave

Contributory pension scheme

25 days annual leave

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work scheme

Death in service benefit

Training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven track record of software development in a professional environment.
• Solid understanding of common wired and wireless communications protocols.
• Ability to write structured, compliant documentation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver software solutions for client projects.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to discuss objectives and challenges.
• Present work confidently to clients and team members.

Skills

Embedded software development (C/C++)

Software engineering best practices

Understanding of communications protocols

Ability to work in a consultancy environment

Experience with Git, Jira, Confluence

Tools

STM32

FreeRTOS

Zephyr

Python

Qt

Job description

Kinneir Dufort (KD) is a world-class user-centred innovation and product development consultancy, specialising in the medical and consumer health sectors. As part of the SteriPack Group, we collaborate globally with contract manufacturing facilities in Europe, the USA, and Asia, alongside additional design and product development teams in New Jersey and Colorado.

We are currently seeking a Software Engineer with demonstrable professional experience to join our talented team and contribute to delivering exceptional solutions for our clients.

About you

You will have a strong foundation in embedded systems and the versatility to work higher up the stack. You will be a team-player, passionate about engineering, science and technology. You’ll enjoy problem-solving and working in a fast-paced, varied consultancy environment. We need you to feel comfortable when discussing project objectives and challenges with all stakeholders, including clients.

Your skills and experience

Essential:

· Proven track record of software development in a professional environment

· An understanding of software engineering best practices and design principles

· Embedded software development skills (C/C++)

· Exposure to embedded systems, preferably STM32, CubeMX etc.

· Experience working with embedded operating systems, e.g. FreeRTOS, Zephyr, Embassy and/or application-level software

· A solid understanding of common wired and wireless communications protocols including I2C, UART, SPI, Bluetooth LE

· Confidence and authority when presenting work to clients or others in your team

· Ability to write structured, compliant documentation and communicate clearly

· The ability to communicate your ideas and collaborate in broad project teams

Desirable:

· Experience of working in a consultancy environment

· Medical device development experience including developing safety critical software to EN 62034 and the related ISO 14971 standards

· Some experience with higher level languages such as Python, Javascript, HTML, Objective C/Swift, Java or C#

· Experience with GUI frameworks e.g. Qt, TouchGFX, Crank

· Experience with Git, Jira, Confluence, or equivalent tools

· Comfort working across multiple layers of the stack, from hardware to application logic

This is a full-time role based in our beautiful Bristol City Centre HQ, however a proportion of the work can be conducted while working from home. The role may also involve some travel to client sites for sales and project activity.

The salary band for this role is £40,800 to £50,000, depending on skills and experience. You will be asked to confirm your salary expectations as part of your application.

Why work with us?

KD offers interesting and varied work combined with a supportive team culture to provide a stimulating environment where you will have the opportunity to develop and learn from others. We offer flexible working policies where working patterns are agreed with our line managers, taking into account the role, needs of the individual and the team.

We recognise that we are only as good as our people and we know how important it is to support our team.

We offer:

• Performance-related company-wide bonus.

• Flexible hybrid working in line with our core hours (Mon–Thu, 9:30am–12:00pm & 2:00pm–4:00pm; Fri, 9:30am–12:00pm).

• Private healthcare for you and your family.

• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave.

• Matched contributory pension scheme.

• 25 days of annual leave, plus the option to purchase up to one working week and additional days for length of service.

• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme and digital wellbeing platform.

• Cycle to Work & Electric Vehicle Lease schemes.

• Death in service (x4 gross salary).

• Training and development opportunities, including dedicated learning days and regular knowledge-sharing sessions.

• A free lunch the first Monday of every month alongside our company-wide meeting.

• Free breakfast every Wednesday and plenty of opportunities to socialise, including team-organized activities, summer and Christmas parties, and more.

About us

KD is based in an iconic Grade II listed building in the heart of Bristol. Our vibrant workspace houses state-of-the-art labs, a design studio, usability suites, and collaborative meeting spaces. Nestled in a lively neighbourhood with independent shops, we’re just a short walk from Park Street, the Harbourside, and St. Nick’s Markets.

We are proud of our values:

• Find a way: we work as one team, combining our knowledge and experience to unite around a shared goal. We trust each other and do what’s needed to get things done and exceed expectations.

• Pull together: we believe anything is possible. When faced with challenges we take the initiative, using our creative spirit and determination to find bold solutions and deliver results that move us forward.

• Care: We act with integrity, take pride in our work, and support each other. We play our part to make a positive impact for our customers, our colleagues, and our planet.

Our diverse, multidisciplinary team spans research, design, human factors, engineering, prototyping, manufacturing, and beyond. Together, we deliver cutting-edge solutions for clients ranging from global leaders to innovative start-ups, with a particular focus on medical devices, drug delivery, orthopaedics, and diagnostics.

Do we sound like a good match for you?

If you’d like to apply or discuss the role, we’d love to hear from you. If you think you might be the right person for us but want an informal chat first then get in touch [e-mail].

We plan to shortlist applications as they are submitted, so if you are interested please don’t wait. We look forward to hearing from you!

At KD we believe that designing for people means including all people, starting with the team behind the work. Our human-centred design ethos is rooted in empathy, and our values – pull together, find a way, and care – guide us in building a team that reflects the diversity of the world we design for.

We know that different perspectives lead to better ideas, stronger collaboration, and more meaningful outcomes. If you meet the skills and experience for this role, we welcome your application – whatever your background, identity, or path into design. What matters to us is that you share our belief in purposeful, people-first design.