At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and maintain embedded firmware for security-critical systems worldwide.
- Company: Join a leading tech company focused on innovative security products.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborate with a talented team and grow your technical expertise.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the world of embedded systems and security.
- Qualifications: Experience in embedded firmware development and strong programming skills in C.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Firmware Engineer to join our engineering team and contribute to the development of embedded firmware used in security‑critical systems deployed worldwide. In this role, you’ll work on real‑world embedded products, collaborating closely with hardware, software, and systems engineers. You’ll be involved throughout the product lifecycle—from development and debugging to supporting production and continuous improvement. This is a hands‑on, technical position suited to an engineer who enjoys practical problem‑solving and building reliable, well‑engineered embedded solutions.
Embedded Firmware Development
- Design, develop, and maintain firmware for embedded systems, primarily in RTOS‑based environments
- Implement and debug multithreaded firmware, using RTOS primitives such as semaphores, queues, and signals
- Develop finite state machines to ensure predictable and robust device behaviour
- Interface firmware with MCU peripherals and internal communication protocols including SPI and I²C
- Apply secure coding practices and contribute to firmware developed with security considerations in mind
Networking & Security
- Contribute to embedded networking functionality using standard concepts such as TCP/IP and client/server communication
- Work with existing secure communication technologies (e.g. TLS) and common cryptographic algorithms
- Support integration with access‑control communication standards such as OSDP
Smart Card & RFID
- Support firmware interacting with smart‑card and RFID technologies
- Work with industry standards such as ISO 14443 and ISO 15693
- Assist with maintaining compatibility with existing and customer‑specific card technologies
Hardware Interaction & Debugging
- Work alongside hardware engineers using schematics and system diagrams
- Debug hardware/firmware interactions using oscilloscopes, logic analysers, and other diagnostic tools
- Interface with common embedded hardware including RS485, Ethernet, NFC, and digital I/O
Problem Solving & Collaboration
- Investigate and resolve issues across firmware and hardware components
- Participate in root‑cause analysis and contribute to practical, low‑risk solutions
- Take part in code reviews and team discussions to support continuous improvement
What we look for
Essential
- Right to work in the UK
- Willingness to work on‑site three days per week
- Commercial experience developing embedded firmware, ideally in real‑time or resource‑constrained environments
- Strong programming skills in C; exposure to C++ or Java is beneficial
- Experience with embedded development tools and version control (Git)
- Understanding of microcontrollers, embedded peripherals, and hardware fundamentals
- Exposure to networked embedded systems and secure communication concepts
- Confident debugging skills using standard hardware and software tools
- Ability to work independently on assigned tasks while collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary team
Desirable
- Experience with embedded Linux or Android‑based systems
- Exposure to smart‑card, RFID, or access‑control systems
- Experience working in regulated, security‑focused, or safety‑critical environments
- Familiarity with industrial systems or PLC‑integrated environments
What we offer
- Work on innovative, industry-leading security products used worldwide.
- Join an experienced engineering team with strong technical depth.
- Opportunities for technical leadership, architecture influence, and career progression.
- Competitive salary, benefits, and flexible working options.
Firmware Engineer (mid-level) in Carnlough employer: Johnson Controls
Join a forward-thinking company that values innovation and collaboration, where as a Firmware Engineer, you will work on cutting-edge security products that make a global impact. Our supportive work culture fosters continuous learning and offers ample opportunities for career progression, while our competitive salary and flexible working options ensure a healthy work-life balance. Experience the thrill of solving real-world challenges alongside a talented engineering team dedicated to excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Firmware Engineer (mid-level) in Carnlough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend meetups, and engage with online communities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your embedded firmware projects. Whether it's a GitHub repository or a personal website, having tangible examples of your work can really set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and problem-solving skills. Practice coding challenges and be ready to discuss your past projects in detail. We want to see how you think and tackle real-world problems!
✨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 genuinely interested in joining our team at StudySmarter.
We think you need these skills to ace Firmware Engineer (mid-level) in Carnlough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience with embedded firmware and relevant programming skills. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your projects and achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about firmware engineering and how you can contribute to our team. Keep it concise but engaging – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, mention specific examples where you’ve tackled technical challenges. We’re looking for engineers who enjoy practical problem-solving, so let us know how you’ve made a difference in past projects.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Johnson Controls
✨Know Your Firmware Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your embedded firmware knowledge, especially in RTOS environments. Be ready to discuss your experience with multithreaded firmware and how you've implemented secure coding practices in past projects.
✨Show Off Your Debugging Skills
Prepare to talk about specific instances where you've debugged hardware/firmware interactions. Bring examples of tools you've used, like oscilloscopes or logic analysers, and be ready to explain your problem-solving approach.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Networking Concepts
Since the role involves networking and security, make sure you understand TCP/IP and secure communication technologies like TLS. Be prepared to discuss how you've integrated these concepts into your previous work.
✨Collaborate and Communicate
This position requires teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked closely with hardware engineers or participated in code reviews. Highlight your ability to contribute to team discussions and continuous improvement efforts.
