Embedded Tech Lead (IC Bring Up/Pre-Tapeout Validation)

Embedded Tech Lead (IC Bring Up/Pre-Tapeout Validation)

Full-Time 80000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a team in developing cutting-edge embedded software for advanced sensing products.
  • Company: Join a high-growth semiconductor company at the forefront of connectivity technology.
  • Benefits: Earn up to £80,000 plus a 10% bonus, private healthcare, and flexible working hours.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on innovative projects while leading a talented engineering team.
  • Qualifications: 2+ years in leadership, strong embedded software skills, and experience with IC Bring Up.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 80000 £ per year.

You'll be joining the European HQ of a high-growth, innovation-led semiconductor business operating at the forefront of next-gen connectivity technology. The company is pushing technical boundaries, with significant investment into R&D and a clear vision to lead across firmware and software.

This is a hands-on Technical Lead position sitting within a specialist embedded software team, where you will take ownership of a small sub-team of engineers while remaining deeply involved in engineering delivery. You will be responsible for driving the design, development and delivery of low-level embedded software and firmware for advanced capacitive sensing products, working across the full software lifecycle from concept through to production.

A key part of the role is technical ownership. This is not a position for someone who has only contributed as an individual contributor. You will bring prior experience leading projects or mentoring engineers, with accountability for delivery, technical direction and quality. While overall team allocation sits with the Software Manager, you'll be the technical authority for your sub-team, guiding architecture decisions, overseeing delivery and supporting engineers day-to-day.

From a technical perspective, this is a true embedded role. You will be working close to the hardware, developing low-level software on boards in a pre-RTOS environment. Strong experience in bare metal development is essential, alongside a solid understanding of IC interaction and Digital Signal Processing concepts. The work combines firmware development in C with higher-level modelling and algorithm development using Python, giving a strong blend of low-level engineering and system-level thinking.

The environment is collaborative with a strong engineering culture where people are trusted to take ownership and make a tangible impact on product direction. Despite its growth trajectory, there remains a close-knit feel across teams, with a real emphasis on knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.

You will already be operating at Senior/Lead level with 2+ years leadership experience (either mentoring others or leading projects). We are looking for Semiconductor lifecycle experience, specifically deep knowledge of IC Bring Up / Pre-Tapeout Validation. You will bring strong experience in embedded software and firmware development using C, alongside practical experience working at a low level on embedded targets. A background in Bare Metal development is critical, as is familiarity with working directly with hardware, interfaces and ICs. You will ideally have exposure to DSP or similar signal processing concepts, alongside experience using Python or similar tools for modelling, simulation or data analysis.

Beyond technical capability, you will be someone who enjoys leading from the front, able to guide engineers, make decisions and take responsibility for outcomes within a fast-moving product environment.

In return, you'll be joining a business where engineering excellence sits at the core of its success, offering the chance to work on genuinely cutting-edge technology in a role that blends leadership with hands-on development. The package includes a salary of up to £80,000, a 10% annual bonus, private healthcare and a strong range of wellbeing support. The working environment is collaborative and engaging, with modern offices and flexible working hours available.

Embedded Tech Lead (IC Bring Up/Pre-Tapeout Validation) employer: Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited

Join a high-growth, innovation-led semiconductor business at the forefront of next-gen connectivity technology in Whiteley, Fareham. With a strong emphasis on engineering excellence and a collaborative work culture, you'll have the opportunity to lead a dedicated team while working on cutting-edge projects that make a tangible impact. The company offers competitive salaries, a 10% bonus, private healthcare, and a supportive environment that prioritises employee wellbeing and continuous growth.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited

Contact Details:

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Embedded Tech Lead (IC Bring Up/Pre-Tapeout Validation)

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the semiconductor industry and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. A personal recommendation can go a long way in landing that dream role.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your technical skills. Since this role involves low-level embedded software, make sure you can confidently discuss your experience with C programming and bare metal development.

Tip Number 3

Showcase your leadership experience! Be ready to share examples of how you've mentored engineers or led projects. This will demonstrate that you’re not just a tech whiz but also a great team player.

Tip Number 4

Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.

We think you need these skills to ace Embedded Tech Lead (IC Bring Up/Pre-Tapeout Validation)

Embedded Software Development
Firmware Development in C
Bare Metal Development
IC Bring Up
Pre-Tapeout Validation
Digital Signal Processing (DSP)
Python for Modelling and Simulation

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience in embedded software and leadership roles. We want to see how your skills align with the job description, especially your hands-on experience with low-level development and IC Bring-Up.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Embedded Tech Lead role. Share specific examples of your past projects and how you've led teams to success.

Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to emphasise your technical expertise in C programming, bare metal development, and DSP concepts. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so make sure these skills are front and centre!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates about your application status!

How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited

Know Your Tech Inside Out

Make sure you brush up on your embedded software and firmware development skills, especially in C. Be ready to discuss your experience with bare metal development and how you've interacted with hardware in previous projects.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples of how you've led teams or mentored engineers in the past. Highlight specific projects where you took ownership and drove technical decisions, as this role requires a strong leadership presence.

Understand the Semiconductor Lifecycle

Familiarise yourself with the IC Bring Up and Pre-Tapeout Validation processes. Be prepared to discuss your experience in these areas and how it relates to the role, as this knowledge is crucial for success.

Be Ready for Technical Questions

Expect in-depth technical questions related to digital signal processing and low-level software development. Brush up on relevant concepts and be ready to demonstrate your problem-solving skills through practical examples.