Lead Embedded Systems Engineer in Nottingham

Nottingham, UK (Fully onsite initially / Hybrid 3+ days onsite weekly long term). We are seeking a Lead Embedded Systems Engineer to join an established AI‑native engineering team within a leading UK technology group. This role sits at the intersection of hardware and software and will take ownership of next‑generation edge computing platforms used in real‑world environments. The company develops intelligent systems for public transport and emergency services, combining embedded systems engineering with AI‑driven computer vision.

This role is responsible for designing, integrating, and taking full technical ownership of embedded edge platforms that operate in live, safety‑critical environments.

• Own the design and delivery of embedded edge computing systems.
• Translate product requirements into robust hardware and software architectures.
• Work across embedded Linux (Yocto / Buildroot), system bring‑up, and platform integration.
• Collaborate closely with hardware partners on compute platforms, cameras, and peripherals.
• Read and interpret PCB schematics to support system debugging and validation.
• Integrate GPUs, power systems, sensors, and networking components into complete products.
• Support hardware bring‑up and lab‑based debugging (oscilloscopes, logic analysers where needed).
• Manage system services, boot processes, and device behaviour (systemd).
• Develop tooling and automation using Python and shell scripting.
• Support networking, CAN bus, and secure remote deployment across fleets.
• Act as technical lead and escalation point for embedded systems issues.

• Strong experience in embedded systems engineering with Linux‑based platforms.
• Embedded Linux experience (Yocto / Buildroot / system bring‑up).
• Ability to read and interpret PCB schematics and support hardware debugging.
• Strong understanding of hardware/software integration at system level.
• Experience working in lab or field environments with hardware systems.
• Proficiency in Python and shell scripting.
• Networking fundamentals (routing, VPNs, firewalling).
• Experience with headless Linux systems (SSH, UART, serial consoles).
• Ability to work independently and take technical ownership.

• Technical ownership of a flagship AI edge computing platform.
• Genuine influence across both hardware and software design decisions.
• Opportunity to build systems deployed in real‑world transport environments.
• Small, senior engineering team with high autonomy.
• Strong long‑term technical impact within an AI‑native organisation.

We are looking for a senior engineer who is equally comfortable across embedded Linux and electronics. This is not a pure software role – the successful candidate will be close to the hardware, involved in system‑level integration, and expected to understand PCB‑level concepts alongside embedded Linux development. Strong candidates are likely to come from embedded systems, industrial electronics, automotive ECUs, or similar environments where they have taken products from concept through to production.