At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and maintain embedded firmware for cutting-edge robotic systems in chemistry.
- Company: Join Chemify, a pioneering tech company revolutionising chemistry with AI and robotics.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team at the forefront of innovation in chemistry.
- Why this job: Make a tangible impact by turning code into real-world chemistry experiments.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in embedded systems, strong C/C++ skills, and experience with robotics.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
About Chemify
Chemify is revolutionising chemistry.
We are creating a future where the synthesis of previously unimaginable molecules, drugs, and materials is instantly accessible.
By combining AI, robotics, and the world’s largest continually expanding database of chemical programs, we are accelerating chemical discovery to improve quality of life and extend the reach of humanity.
The Role
We are seeking a Senior Firmware Engineer to own the embedded firmware that drives the robotic modules at the heart of our platform — the pumps, valves, sensors, and motion systems that physically carry out chemistry.
You will take firmware from architecture through to robust, production-grade code running across our fleet of robotic systems, working closely with electronics, mechanical, and platform-software engineers.
What sets this role apart is how close to the chemistry you will be: the firmware you write is the layer where code becomes physical motion and real reactions — and as a senior engineer you will shape how that layer is built.
If owning embedded firmware on a platform that makes molecules sounds like the right shape of job for you, we’d love to welcome you to our team.
Key Responsibilities
- Architect, develop, test, and maintain embedded firmware for instrument and robotics modules.
- Own firmware for subsystems end to end — from requirements and design through bring-up, validation, and production.
- Work close to the metal: microcontrollers, motion control, sensors, actuators, and communication buses.
- Partner with electronics engineers on board bring-up and hardware/firmware interfaces, and with platform-software on higher-level control.
- Drive firmware quality: testing, code review, CI for embedded, and robust real-time behaviour.
- Mentor junior firmware engineers and help set the team’s embedded standards and practices.
About You
You are an experienced embedded engineer who likes owning firmware from architecture to hardware on the bench.
You care about robustness in the real world — where a missed edge case means a stalled robot, not just a failed test — and you raise the bar for the people around you.
We expect you to bring
- 5+ years developing embedded/firmware for electromechanical or robotic systems, including production-grade work.
- Strong C/C++ (and ideally [Python] for tooling/test), with solid embedded fundamentals.
- Deep understanding of microcontrollers, real-time behaviour, interrupts, timers, and communication buses (I²C, SPI, UART, CAN).
- Hands-on bring-up and debugging across the firmware/hardware boundary (oscilloscope, logic analyser), with a methodical approach to root cause.
- STM32 experience.
- Experience owning firmware subsystems end to end and lifting the people around you.
- Beneficial Skills
- Motion control, closed-loop control, or RTOS experience.
- Familiarity with hardware design and reading schematics, and close collaboration with electronics engineers.
- Exposure to robotics, lab instrumentation, or other precision electromechanical systems.
- Embedded CI/test infrastructure and firmware-update/bootloader design.
Why Join Chemify?
Impact. Your firmware is where digital instructions become physical chemistry — the robotic modules you bring to life run real experiments in the Chemifarm.
Autonomy. You will own firmware subsystems across the platform and shape how we build embedded software.
Ambition.
We are a Series B deep-tech company at the frontier of chemistry, robotics, and AI — with the resources and mandate to build embedded systems for a platform unlike anything else.
Senior Firmware Engineer in Glasgow employer: Chemify
At Chemify, we are not just pushing the boundaries of chemistry; we are creating a vibrant work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. As a Senior Firmware Engineer in our Glasgow office, you will have the unique opportunity to directly impact the synthesis of groundbreaking molecules while enjoying a hybrid work environment that promotes work-life balance. With a strong focus on employee growth, mentorship, and cutting-edge technology, Chemify is an excellent employer for those looking to make a meaningful contribution in a rapidly evolving field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Firmware Engineer in Glasgow
✨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 Chemify 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 Chemify.
✨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 Chemify.
✨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 Chemify 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 Senior Firmware Engineer in Glasgow
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 Chemify.
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at Chemify 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 Chemify
✨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 Chemify 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.
