Software Engineer – Embedded & PC Applications

Sagentia Defence; Harston; On-site; GBP 64,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

EAP (Employee Assistance Program)

Private medical care

Free lunch

Job summary

Sagentia Innovation in Cambridge seeks a Software Engineer to move between embedded software and PC applications, delivering robust software for medical, industrial, and scientific tech.

You will shape software across hardware interfaces and desktop apps, collaborating with electronics, mechanical, and systems specialists. This role blends hands-on coding with architecture planning in a fast-paced R&D setting.

Qualifications

• Professional software development across embedded systems, PC apps, or both.
• Strong C/C++ skills for embedded; experience with C#/.NET or Python for PC apps.
• Know-how on microcontrollers, embedded Linux, RTOS, and interfaces like UART, SPI, I2C, USB, Ethernet, Bluetooth, CAN.
• Ability to work independently within a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Develop software for embedded devices, hardware interfaces, and Windows/Linux PC applications.
• Collaborate with electronics, mechanical and systems teams to integrate software.
• Contribute to software architecture, debugging, verification, and documentation.
• Take ownership of technical tasks and deliver high-quality solutions.
• Support design reviews, testing activities, and continuous improvement.

Skills

Embedded systems

PC applications

C/C++

C#

.NET

Python

Microcontrollers

Embedded Linux

RTOS

Interfaces UART SPI I2C USB Ethernet

Debugging & integration

Independent work

Education

Bachelor/Master in CS/Software Engineering

Tools

Visual Studio

Git

Linux

Job description

Software Engineer – Embedded & PC Applications

Department: Software

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Cambridge

Description

Sagentia Innovation is a science and engineering company providing product advisory and development services across sectors including medical, food and beverage, consumer, defence, industrial systems, chemicals, and energy.

We partner with clients from leading global brands to start-ups to identify growth opportunities through innovative solutions, taking pride in their success.

Our projects span surgical robots for minimally invasive surgery, non-invasive prenatal testing, precision agricultural machinery, and mobile apps for implantable devices, among others.

Role Overview

We are looking for a versatile Software Engineer who can move confidently between embedded software and PC application development.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys solving complex engineering problems, working close to hardware, and building robust software that helps bring innovative products to life.

You will work across cutting-edge medical, industrial, and scientific technology projects, collaborating with electronics, mechanical, systems, and human factors specialists to deliver safe, effective, and innovative software solutions for our clients.

A Day in the Life

While you will be hands-on with code, you will also have the opportunity to influence solution architecture, define technical approaches, prototype new ideas, and help shape the engineering direction of client projects.

Projects range from focused proof-of-concept developments through to multi-year product development programmes. You will work as part of talented, collaborative, cross-disciplinary teams, gaining exposure to best practice in software, electronics, mechanical engineering, systems engineering, and product development.

Your work will be based at Sagentia Innovation's R&D centre located in Harston, Cambridge with opportunities for short travel to client sites in Europe or USA.

You will enjoy a fast-paced, varied environment where no two projects are the same, and where your ability to bridge embedded systems, PC software, and real-world engineering challenges will make a visible impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop software across embedded devices, hardware interfaces, and Windows or Linux PC applications.
• Work with multidisciplinary teams to integrate software with electronics, sensors, instruments, robotics, and automated systems.
• Contribute to software architecture, implementation, debugging, verification, and technical documentation throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Take ownership of technical tasks and deliver high-quality solutions with appropriate guidance and collaboration.
• Support design reviews, testing activities, and continuous improvement of engineering practices.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Required Skills & Experience

• Professional software development experience spanning embedded systems, PC applications, or ideally both.
• Strong C/C++ skills for embedded development, alongside experience with technologies such as C#, .NET, Python, or modern C++ for PC applications.
• Practical knowledge of microcontrollers, embedded Linux, RTOS or bare-metal systems, and communication interfaces such as UART, SPI, I2C, USB, Ethernet, Bluetooth, or CAN.
• Experience debugging and integrating software across hardware, systems, and user-facing applications.
• Ability to contribute independently to technical work while collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Exposure to regulated, safety‑critical, or high‑integrity development environments would be advantageous.

What We're Looking For

You may be the right fit if you are naturally curious, hands‑on, and comfortable working across different layers of a system, from low-level device drivers and hardware interfaces through to desktop applications, user workflows, and test tools.

We value engineers who:

• Enjoy learning new technologies and applying them to real‑world challenges.
• Can quickly understand complex systems and identify practical solutions.
• Communicate clearly with both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Are adaptable and thrive in project environments that require a breadth of engineering skills.
• Are ready to take increasing ownership of technical challenges while continuing to develop their expertise.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated professional experience developing software in a commercial engineering environment.
• The technical confidence to contribute independently, balanced with a willingness to learn from experienced colleagues and continue growing professionally.

Benefits

Alongside a stimulating work environment we offer a competitive salary and benefits package that includes, bonus, EAP, private medical care and free lunch.