At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and development of software for innovative medical devices.
- Company: Join Ensera Design, a top consultancy in medical and consumer health sectors.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, private healthcare, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Work in a vibrant Bristol office with state-of-the-art facilities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare technology while collaborating with a diverse team.
- Qualifications: Experience in medical software development and a passion for teamwork.
The predicted salary is between 56000 - 79000 £ per year.
Ensera Design is a world-class user-centred innovation and product development consultancy, specializing in the medical and consumer health sectors with offices in Bristol, Colorado and New Jersey. We are currently seeking an experienced Medical Software Engineer to join our growing team on a fixed-term basis (initially 18-months).
The role will be responsible for:
- Leading the design, development, verification and delivery of software for regulated medical devices, including IEC 62304 Class C safety-critical software.
- Providing technical direction across the full software lifecycle, ensuring regulatory compliance, robust architecture, and high quality execution whilst communicating with internal stakeholders, clients and regulatory bodies.
About you:
You’ll have demonstrable experience of medical software development, spanning everything from planning to submission. You’ll have proven experience of delivering Class C safety critical software to market and be comfortable developing for embedded environments i.e. Medical Device Software built on Linux, QNX, SafeRTOS etc. Collaboration plays a vital part in what we do so you’ll be a natural team player, eager to work and learn with others across expertise areas.
Your skills and experience:
- Experience developing software requirements specifications (SRS).
- Experience shaping the architecture of medium to large scale medical software systems.
- Be comfortable enough to oversee technical decision making including technology selection, architecture trade-offs, risk reduction strategies, and cyber security considerations.
- Be able to review and approve detailed design, code, verification plans, and safety-related artefacts.
- Demonstrable experience of guiding integration of software with digital design, electronics, firmware, mechanical and HF teams.
Desirable skills:
- Cybersecurity for medical devices (FDA pre/post-market guidance, UL 2900, IEC 81001 etc.).
- Development of automated test frameworks, simulators, or hardware-in-the-loop setups.
- Experience integrating with hospital systems (EHRs, DICOM, HL7 protocols etc.).
- Experience working in client-facing and consultancy roles.
The salary for this role is in line with the middle to top-end of our Principal salary banding, £70,000 to £89,000. We ask you to confirm your salary expectations as part of your application and we further ask you to really consider where you feel your experience sits within that band.
Why work with us?
Ensera Design offers interesting and varied work combined with a supportive team culture to provide a stimulating environment where you will have the opportunity to develop and learn from others. We offer flexible working policies where working patterns are agreed with our line managers, taking into account the role, needs of the individual, and the team.
We offer:
- Performance-related company-wide bonus.
- Flexible hybrid working in line with our core hours (Mon–Thu, 9:30am–12:00pm & 2:00pm–4:00pm; Fri, 9:30am–12:00pm).
- Private healthcare for you and your family.
- Enhanced maternity and paternity leave.
- Salary exchange pension scheme.
- 25 days of annual leave, plus the option to purchase up to one working week and additional days for length of service.
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme and digital wellbeing platform.
- Cycle to Work & Electric Vehicle Lease schemes.
- Death in service (x4 gross salary).
- Training and development opportunities, including dedicated learning days and regular knowledge-sharing sessions.
- A free lunch the first Monday of every month alongside our company-wide meeting.
- Free breakfast every Wednesday, and plenty of opportunities to socialise, including team-organised activities, summer and Christmas parties, and more.
About us:
We are based in an iconic Grade II listed building in the heart of Bristol. Our vibrant workspace houses state-of-the-art labs, a design studio, usability suites, and collaborative meeting spaces. We are proud of our values:
- Find a way: We work as one team, combining our knowledge and experience to unite around a shared goal.
- Pull together: We believe anything is possible. When faced with challenges we take the initiative, using our creative spirit and determination to find bold solutions and deliver results that move us forward.
- Care: We act with integrity, take pride in our work, and support each other.
Our diverse, multidisciplinary team spans research, design, human factors, engineering, prototyping, manufacturing, and beyond. Together, we deliver cutting‑edge solutions for clients ranging from global leaders to innovative start‑ups, with a particular focus on medical devices, drug delivery, orthopaedics, and diagnostics.
If you’d like to discuss the role or would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments you may need to make your application, we’d love to hear from you. If you think you might be the right person for us but want an informal chat first then get in touch. Please note we reserve the right to close the vacancy earlier if we have a high level of applications. We look forward to hearing from you!
No agencies please. At Ensera Design we believe that designing for people means including all people, starting with the team behind the work. Our human‑centred design ethos is rooted in empathy, and our values – pull together, find a way, and care – guide us in building a team that reflects the diversity of the world we design for. We know that different perspectives lead to better ideas, stronger collaboration, and more meaningful outcomes. If you meet the skills and experience for this role, we welcome your application – whatever your background, identity, or path into design. What matters to us is that you share our belief in purposeful, people‑first design.
Principal Medical Software Engineer in Bristol employer: Ensera Design
Ensera Design is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, particularly for Senior Mechanical Design Engineers. Located in the vibrant heart of Bristol, we offer flexible working arrangements, comprehensive benefits including private healthcare and performance-related bonuses, and ample opportunities for professional growth through training and mentorship. Our commitment to a supportive environment ensures that every team member can thrive while contributing to meaningful projects in the medical device sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Medical Software Engineer in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the medical software field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role at Ensera or elsewhere.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your technical skills and understanding of IEC 62304. Be ready to discuss your experience with Class C safety-critical software and how you’ve tackled challenges in past projects.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your collaborative spirit! During interviews, share examples of how you've worked with cross-functional teams. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders, as this is key in a consultancy role like the one at Ensera.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Ensera.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Medical Software Engineer in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in medical software development. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Experience:Don’t just list your skills; provide examples of your past projects, especially those involving Class C safety-critical software. We want to see how you've tackled challenges and delivered results in similar roles.
Be Clear About Your Salary Expectations:When applying, be upfront about your salary expectations. Think carefully about where you fit within our salary banding, as this helps us align on expectations right from the start.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people and shows your enthusiasm for joining our team at Ensera Design.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ensera Design
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of IEC 62304 and Class C safety-critical software. Be ready to discuss your experience with medical software development, especially in embedded environments like Linux or QNX. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
✨Showcase Collaboration Skills
Since collaboration is key at Ensera, prepare examples of how you've worked effectively in teams. Think about times when you’ve guided integration with other disciplines like firmware or mechanical teams. Highlighting your teamwork will resonate well with their values.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about technical decision-making, such as technology selection and risk reduction strategies. Be ready to explain your thought process and how you approach these challenges. This will demonstrate your ability to lead and make informed decisions.
✨Align with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with Ensera's core values: Find a way, Pull together, and Care. Think of examples from your past experiences that reflect these values. Showing that you align with their ethos will help you stand out as a candidate who fits into their culture.