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: Enjoy a close-knit culture with opportunities for continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while working on innovative technology in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: 2+ years of leadership experience in embedded software development and IC validation.
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 role is hybrid and you'll be required to work 3 days onsite in Whiteley.
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.
What you'll need to succeed:
- 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.
What you'll get in return:
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.
To find out more or to be considered, please apply directly or get in touch for a confidential discussion.
Embedded Tech Lead (Software/Firmware/Pre-Tapeout Validation) in Hampshire 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 technology. The company offers competitive salaries, a 10% bonus, private healthcare, and a supportive environment that fosters employee growth and knowledge sharing.
Contact Details:
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Embedded Tech Lead (Software/Firmware/Pre-Tapeout Validation) in Hampshire
✨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 Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited 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
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✨Tap into Online Developer Communities
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✨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 Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited 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 Tech Lead (Software/Firmware/Pre-Tapeout Validation) in Hampshire
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 Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited.
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited 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 Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited
✨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 Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited 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.
