At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop embedded software for cutting-edge lab automation instruments.
- Company: Join Asahi Glassplant UK, a leader in premium chemical processing equipment.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, hybrid working, and private health insurance.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities to expand your skills and career.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in scientific discovery with innovative technology.
- Qualifications: Degree in Electronics Engineering or Computer Science; 5+ years in embedded software development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Asahi Glassplant UK Ltd. (AGI UK) is a subsidiary of Asahi Glassplant Inc (AGI), Japan. AGI specialises in providing premium quality chemical processing equipment from laboratory scale to manufacturing scale. Our wide range of products serve all chemistry sectors but especially the pharmaceutical industry. AGI was founded in 1950, is the market leader in Japan and now employs over 700 people. AGI UK's head office and electromechanical assembly facilities are based in Royston, Hertfordshire and we have a glass fabrication facility in Sutton, near Ely, Cambridgeshire. AGI UK is responsible for sales within the EMEA region but manufactures scientific instruments and scientific glassware that is sold globally via the AGI group.
A Bit About The Role
In this role, you'll design, develop, and test the firmware and embedded software that power our next-generation laboratory automation products. You'll work closely with mechanical, electronics, and software engineers to bring complex instruments to life—ensuring seamless integration, reliability, and performance in real-world lab environments. This is a unique opportunity to apply your embedded software development expertise in a fast-paced, technology-driven setting—where your code directly drives the tools that enable modern scientific discovery. You'll collaborate with a multidisciplinary team at the forefront of science, engineering, and innovation, helping to shape the future of lab automation. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and maintain embedded software for lab automation instruments and control systems
- Implement firmware to interface with sensors, actuators, pumps, temperature controllers, and communication peripherals
- Collaborate with electronics, mechanical, and software engineers to ensure seamless hardware/software integration
- Conduct debugging, validation, and performance optimisation on target hardware
- Participate in design reviews, code reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives
- Manage and maintain test tools and equipment to ensure they are in good working condition for testing and development activity
Requirements
- Degree in Electronics Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline
- 5+ years of experience in embedded software development for real-time systems
- Proficiency in both C++ and C
- Solid understanding of Object-Oriented Programming
- Strong understanding of RTOS, interrupt‐driven programming, and low‐level hardware interfacing
- Experience with microcontrollers, ideally STM32
- Experience with communication protocols (SPI, I2C, UART, USB, Modbus, Ethernet, etc.)
- Familiarity with debugging tools (JTAG, microcontroller debuggers, oscilloscopes, etc.)
Some non-essential but desirable experiences include:
- Experience with any additional software development languages, like C# or Python
- Experience with Linux OS
- Experience with building custom Linux distributions using Yocto project
- Experience designing and implementing closed-loop control (e.g. PID)
- Experience writing bootloaders
- Experience implementing secure boot on ARM platform (AHAB)
- Ability to read and understand schematic diagrams
Benefits
- 25 days holiday per year (not including bank holidays)
- Hybrid working (only 2 days a week in the office)
- Pension scheme
- Private health insurance (AXA)
- Death in service benefit
- Employee health and wellbeing support (EAP)
Ultimately, you will help AGI UK grow by designing and developing new exciting products and getting them to market. You will also be expected to thrive whilst upholding and promoting the AGI mission and values. We offer a dynamic working environment where your skill set will be highly valued and encouraged to expand and explore your capabilities. We look forward to hearing from you!
Embedded Software Engineer - C++ in Royston employer: AGI Group
Asahi Glassplant UK Ltd. offers an exceptional working environment for Embedded Software Engineers, combining a dynamic culture with opportunities for professional growth in the heart of Royston, Hertfordshire. With a commitment to innovation in laboratory automation, employees benefit from a hybrid working model, generous holiday allowance, and comprehensive health support, all while contributing to cutting-edge scientific advancements. Join a multidisciplinary team where your expertise will be valued and your career can flourish.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Embedded Software Engineer - C++ in Royston
✨Join Local Tech Meetups
Get out there and mingle with fellow developers by joining local tech meetups. It’s a fantastic way to meet people who might be working at AGI Group or know someone who does. Plus, you can pick up some trendy tech skills and trends while you're at it!
✨Contribute to Open Source Projects
Show off your coding chops by jumping into open-source projects. Not only does this give you practical experience, but it also gets you noticed in the dev community. You'll create a killer portfolio that speaks volumes about your skills to AGI Group.
✨Tap into Online Developer Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online developer communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and even Reddit. Participate in discussions, share your projects, and build your visibility. We can often find opportunities through these channels that can lead to a full-time gig at companies like AGI Group.
✨Explore Job Boards Specifically for Tech Roles
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards that focus on tech roles. Sites like TechCareers or Stack Overflow Jobs can often have listings for companies like AGI Group that might not show up on broader job sites. Make it a habit to check these regularly, and don’t hesitate to apply directly through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Embedded Software Engineer - C++ in Royston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your coding skills:When applying for a software engineering role, it's super important to showcase your coding skills. Make sure your CV includes your tech stack, any relevant programming languages you’re comfortable with, and examples of projects you've worked on. If you have a GitHub profile, link it up! We love to see code in action.
Tailor your portfolio:For a full-time role, we’d expect to see some solid examples of your work in your portfolio. Make sure to include at least two or three projects that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with different technologies. Focus on the projects that are most relevant to the position at AGI Group.
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at AGI Group and how your skills align with the role. Show us your passion for software development. We dig enthusiastic candidates who understand the value of collaboration and continuous learning!
Be clear and concise:When it comes to writing your CV and cover letter, clarity is key. Avoid jargon that could confuse us and stick to simple, direct language. Highlight your achievements with quantifiable results where possible, and keep everything easy to read. A well-organised application goes a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at AGI Group
✨Brush Up on Your Coding Skills
For a full-time software engineering role, it's crucial that we stay sharp with our coding abilities. Expect technical questions that might involve solving problems on the spot or discussing algorithms. Practise on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to get comfortable with the types of questions that often come up.
✨Know Your Tools and Frameworks
Make sure we’re well-acquainted with the tools and technologies listed in the job description. Familiarise ourselves with any specific frameworks or programming languages mentioned. If AGI Group uses React or Node.js, for instance, be ready to discuss how we’ve used them in previous projects or coursework.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Bring along a portfolio that highlights our best work. This could be code samples, GitHub repositories, or any side projects we’ve built. Make sure we can talk through our thought process for each project, especially the challenges we faced and how we solved them—this shows our problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
While technical skills are key, full-time positions also require cultural fit. Be ready to discuss our previous experiences and how we handle teamwork, conflict, and deadlines. Brush up on the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to clearly articulate our past experiences when discussing how we've contributed to a team.
