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

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

Southampton Full-Time 80000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Hays

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a team in developing low-level 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 wellbeing support.
  • Other info: Enjoy a collaborative environment with flexible working hours and modern offices.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on cutting-edge technology while leading a passionate 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.

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 (IC Bring Up/Pre-Tapeout Validation) in Southampton employer: Hays

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 prioritises employee wellbeing and continuous improvement.

Hays

Contact Details:

Hays Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

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

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. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your technical skills. Since this role is all about embedded software and firmware, make sure you can confidently discuss your experience with C programming and low-level development. Practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms!

Tip Number 3

Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've mentored engineers or led projects in the past. This will demonstrate that you’re not just a tech whiz but also someone who can guide a team towards success.

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 serious about joining a company that values innovation and collaboration.

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

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 reflects the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant projects you've led, especially in embedded software and firmware development.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for embedded technology and how your background aligns with our focus on innovation and R&D in the semiconductor space.

Showcase Technical Skills:Don’t forget to emphasise your technical expertise in bare metal development, IC Bring Up, and DSP concepts. We want to see how your hands-on experience can contribute to our team’s success.

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’re considered for this exciting opportunity at StudySmarter!

How to prepare for a job interview at Hays

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 tackled IC Bring Up and Pre-Tapeout Validation in past projects.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples of how you've led teams or mentored engineers. Highlight specific instances where your technical direction made a difference in project outcomes, as this role requires someone who can guide and support their sub-team effectively.

Understand the Company Culture

Research the company’s focus on innovation and collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their engineering culture and share your thoughts on continuous improvement and knowledge sharing within teams.

Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect questions that dive deep into your understanding of Digital Signal Processing and low-level software development. Brush up on relevant concepts and be prepared to solve problems on the spot, demonstrating your system-level thinking and hands-on approach.