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- 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 technical depth and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on safety-critical software while mentoring future engineers.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering or Computer Science and experience in embedded software verification.
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
- 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 Software Engineer - Verification in Bristol employer: IO
Contact Detail:
IO Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Software Engineer - Verification in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend meetups, and engage in online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Principal Software Engineer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your previous projects, especially those related to embedded systems and software verification. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your C programming and real-time operating systems knowledge. Practice coding challenges and be ready to discuss your experience with safety-critical environments.
✨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 Software Engineer - Verification in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your experience with embedded software and safety-critical environments, as this is key for us.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about verification in embedded systems. Share specific examples of your past work that align with our needs, especially around safety standards.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t shy away from diving into the technical details! We want to see your expertise in C programming and real-time operating systems. Mention any relevant projects or tools you've developed.
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 the role without any hiccups!
How to prepare for a job interview at IO
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of safety-critical software and the specific standards like IEC 61508 and DO-178C. Be ready to discuss your experience with real-time operating systems and embedded software engineering, especially in C. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the concepts but can also apply them.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Software Engineer, you'll be expected to lead verification strategies. Prepare examples from your past where you've successfully led a team or project. Highlight how you mentored others and set best practices, as this will demonstrate your capability to take charge in a collaborative environment.
✨Get Hands-On with Code
Since this role involves direct coding, be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience with low-level software verification. You might even want to bring along some code samples or projects you've worked on that showcase your skills in developing test frameworks and automation tools.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Strong communication skills are key for this role. Think about times when you've had to engage with customers or stakeholders to provide technical guidance. Be ready to share how you navigated those conversations and ensured everyone was on the same page, as this will highlight your ability to connect with others in a technical context.