At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead verification strategies and develop high-integrity embedded software.
- Company: Respected engineering SME specialising in safety-critical embedded systems.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, private healthcare, and flexible working hours.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with strong career growth and ongoing professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in safety-critical software while mentoring future engineers.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering or Computer Science and experience in embedded software verification.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Shape how safety-critical software is verified at the highest level. We're partnering with a growing, highly respected engineering SME specialising in safety-critical embedded systems. They are looking for a Principal Software Engineer to play a key role in developing and assuring high-integrity embedded software, including a safety-certified real-time operating system.
This is a hands-on software engineering role within the verification team, combining technical leadership with deep involvement in verification, validation, and certification activities.
The Role
You’ll operate as a senior technical authority while remaining close to the code. Responsibilities include:
- Leading verification strategy and approach for embedded software systems
- Designing, developing, and maintaining test frameworks, tools, and automation
- Performing low-level software verification across multiple architectures
- Contributing directly to code-level activities (primarily C / embedded environments)
- Driving verification activities across the full software lifecycle
- Supporting certification to standards such as IEC 61508, DO-178C, ISO 26262
- Mentoring engineers and setting best practices within the verification team
- Working closely with customers to provide technical guidance and support
What We’re Looking For
Essential:
- Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Maths or similar
- Experience with Real-Time Operating Systems (e.g. FreeRTOS, SafeRTOS or similar)
- Strong background in embedded software engineering (C)
- Significant experience in software verification / validation
- Experience developing test tools, frameworks, or automation
- Understanding of low-level / hardware-near software behaviour
- Experience working in a controlled or safety-critical environment
- Strong communication skills and ability to engage with stakeholders
Highly Desirable:
- Knowledge of safety standards (IEC 61508, DO-178C, ISO 26262, IEC 62304)
- Experience with ARM architectures (Cortex M / A) or similar
- Understanding of debugging at processor level
- Knowledge of software lifecycle, requirements, and configuration management
- Exposure to networking, multicore systems, or embedded security
Working Environment
Bristol-based
Hybrid working (minimum 3 days onsite; more during onboarding)
Collaborative, engineering-led environment with strong technical depth
Package & Benefits
Competitive salary with annual review
Performance-related bonus
Generous pension contribution
Private healthcare, income protection & life assurance
25+ days holiday (increasing with service)
Flexible working hours
Ongoing professional development and training
Principal Embedded Software Engineer employer: IO Associates
Join a dynamic and innovative engineering SME in Bristol, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping safety-critical software verification. With a collaborative work culture that prioritises technical excellence, you will benefit from competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and ongoing professional development opportunities, all while working in a hybrid environment that promotes work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Embedded Software Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the embedded software field, especially those who work with safety-critical systems. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or a GitHub repository showcasing your projects, especially those involving C and real-time operating systems. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can do beyond your CV.
✨Tip Number 3
Ace the interview by brushing up on your technical knowledge! Be ready to discuss verification strategies and safety standards like IEC 61508 or DO-178C. We want to see your passion for embedded systems shine through!
✨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 are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Embedded Software Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Principal Embedded Software Engineer. Highlight your experience with real-time operating systems and embedded software engineering, as well as any relevant safety standards you've worked with.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In your application, don’t shy away from showcasing your technical skills. Mention specific projects where you’ve led verification strategies or developed test frameworks, especially in safety-critical environments.
Engage with the Job Description:Use the language from the job description in your application. This shows us that you understand the role and can communicate effectively with stakeholders, which is key for this position.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at IO Associates
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of embedded systems and safety-critical software. Be ready to discuss your experience with Real-Time Operating Systems like FreeRTOS or SafeRTOS, and how you've applied them in past projects.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Software Engineer, you'll be expected to lead verification strategies. Prepare examples of how you've mentored others or led teams in previous roles. Highlight your ability to set best practices and drive verification activities.
✨Get Technical
Be prepared to dive deep into technical discussions. Brush up on low-level software verification and be ready to talk about your experience with C programming in embedded environments. Familiarise yourself with the standards like IEC 61508 and DO-178C, as they may come up.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Strong communication skills are key. Think of examples where you've successfully engaged with customers or stakeholders to provide technical guidance. Show that you can translate complex technical concepts into understandable terms for non-technical audiences.
