Principal Embedded Software Engineer

Bristol / Hybrid | Competitive Salary DOE + Bonus & Benefits

Our client, a market-leading SME within the Embedded Safety & Security industry, is entering an exciting new phase of growth across their Bristol office. With a global presence across the UK and Europe and over 500 employees, they develop some of the most innovative custom embedded software solutions used by world-renowned organisations.

Following the retirement of a senior leader, they are now seeking a Principal Embedded Software Engineer to take a key leadership role within their Aerospace team. This is a priority hire and a critical position within the business, offering both technical authority and people leadership responsibility.

The Role

As a Principal Embedded Software Engineer, you will act as a technical leader and mentor within a high-performing team of 20 embedded engineers, playing a pivotal role in shaping the direction of aerospace projects and customer engagements.

You will work closely with internal stakeholders and external aerospace customers, leading development on a safety-critical RTOS product, ensuring compliance with stringent industry standards, and providing technical governance across multiple projects.

This role offers a genuine balance between hands-on technical work, leadership, and customer interaction, making it ideal for an experienced engineer ready to step into a senior, influential position.

Key Responsibilities

• Hands-on development in C and Assembler on ARM architectures
• Development, porting and optimisation of RTOS solutions
• Ownership of software design, verification and validation activities
• Ensuring compliance with Aerospace safety standards (e.g. DO-178)
• Mentoring and supporting engineers from mid to senior level
• Acting as a technical point of contact for customers, managing relationships and expectations
• Reviewing architecture, code, design and test documentation
• Supporting continuous improvement of processes, tools and standards

Required Experience

• Extensive embedded software development experience in C & Assembler
• Strong experience with ARM-based architectures
• Deep understanding of RTOS development
• Proven experience working within controlled / safety-critical environments
• Aerospace industry experience with a solid understanding of relevant standards
• Demonstrable technical leadership or team leadership experience
• Ability to engage confidently with customers and stakeholders

What’s on Offer

This is a business that genuinely empowers its engineers, offering autonomy, flexibility and long-term career development.

• Competitive base salary (DOE)
• Annual salary reviews
• Competitive annual bonus
• 8% employer pension contribution
• Full sick pay
• Income protection insurance
• Life assurance (7x salary)
• 25 days annual leave (increasing with length of service)
• Flexible start and finish times
• True hybrid working model
• Significant investment in learning & development and upskilling