Principal Embedded Software Engineer

Northumberland + Hybrid WFH

-70,000 to -80,000 plus benefits

Our client designs, develops and manufactures advanced robotics, automation and electro mechanical machines for some of the most ambitious technology businesses in the world. They''re the people global brands ring when they have an idea that''s never been built before and need it to work, then need it built in volume. The work runs from first concept to the shop floor, all under one roof in the North East. If you enjoy the full picture, that''s rare and very satisfying.

They''re properly busy too. Work has taken a marked upturn, new programmes are coming on stream and they''re growing the engineering team and the manufacturing floor alike. This role exists purely because of that growth.

The role

This is the top technical seat in the engineering team. You''ll be the person engineers turn to when a problem is genuinely knotty, and the person customers trust when they ask how something will work. You''ll define and champion good engineering practice and shape technical direction across product development. You''ll support bids and concept work by spotting opportunities and risks early, and coach and mentor engineers, technicians and apprentices.

I''ll be straight with you though: this is not a role for someone who stopped writing code five years ago and now lives in spreadsheets. Our client needs a principal who''s still very much hands on, who can sit at the bench with a debugger and a scope one day, then stand in front of a client''s engineering director the next and talk with real authority. There''s no line management or HR admin attached, but the team will look to you as their technical leader.

What they''re looking for

• A senior embedded software engineer working at principal or lead level, still writing and reviewing production firmware in C and C++
• Strong grounding in real time embedded systems, RTOS, microcontrollers and hardware interfaces, plus comfort working closely alongside electronics and mechanical colleagues
• A history of technically leading complex products from concept through to delivery
• Experience across more than one industry or technology, which is a big plus
• Commercial awareness, and the confidence to challenge assumptions and make sound calls
• Chartered status (CEng), or a genuine intent to get there
• Presence and personality: you can explain a technical decision to a non technical stakeholder without either of you nodding off

The package

-70,000 to -80,000 depending on experience, plus a solid benefits package. The standard pattern is three days on site and two from home. Start and finish times are flexible, and people who start early can be away by 3pm, which is a rare treat in this line of work.

Apply today with an up to date CV or contact Laurence or Andrew at KO2 Embedded Recruitment today for a confidential conversation.