At a Glance
- Tasks: Build firmware and control software for groundbreaking AI accelerator technology.
- Company: Join Lumai, a pioneering UK startup redefining computing with light-based technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, share options, private health insurance, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Dynamic startup culture with excellent career growth and learning opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a team pushing the boundaries of technology and making a real impact.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in embedded C/C++ and experience with RTOS in production.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
The Opportunity
Lumai is redefining how the world computes. We are an ambitious, venture-backed UK startup pioneering a breakthrough AI accelerator for data centers which uses 3D optical compute. Our radical technology uses light to perform computation at orders of magnitude faster speeds and at far greater scales than ever before, all whilst consuming far less energy than traditional approaches. Lumai is unlocking performance and efficiency gains that could transform the economics of AI and compute infrastructure and reshape how intelligence scales globally.
If you are passionate about bringing groundbreaking technology to market, and want to be part of a team pushing the boundaries of what is physically possible, Lumai is where you can make it happen.
About Lumai
Founded in 2022, Lumai is a University of Oxford spinout using optical processing to accelerate large language models (LLMs) and other transformer-based AI systems. The team combines expertise in optical computing, machine learning, and physics. Lumai has already secured over $15 million in investment from leading deep-tech investors and is scaling rapidly to deploy the fastest optical compute currently available globally.
The Role
Lumai's hardware needs software that runs reliably at the lowest levels of the stack. As our Junior Embedded Engineer, you will build the firmware, drivers, and RTOS-based control software that bring our AI accelerator to life — from initial power-on through to stable, performant operation in production systems.
What You'll Do
- Implement and integrate RTOS tasks and inter-process communication mechanisms for accelerator management software
- Contribute to BSP bring-up activities: validating peripheral drivers, configuring boot loaders, and supporting first-boot debugging sessions
- Write unit and integration tests for firmware modules; maintain embedded CI pipelines
- Support hardware debug sessions using JTAG, GDB, and benchtop instrumentation
- Document firmware interfaces, register maps, and bring-up procedures for internal use
- Collaborate with the Senior Embedded Engineer and HW teams on new hardware revision planning
What We're Looking For
Must-Have
- 3+ years of embedded C/C++ experience in a hardware product environment
- Working knowledge of at least one RTOS (FreeRTOS, Zephyr, or similar) in a production context
- Experience with BSP or board bring-up activities, including boot loader configuration
- Comfort with hardware debugging tools (JTAG, oscilloscopes, serial consoles)
- Familiarity with Linux kernel concepts and basic driver development
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or equivalent
Strong Preference For
- Experience with DMA controllers or cache coherency management
- Background in safety-critical or automotive embedded software (MISRA C, ISO 26262)
- Exposure to Python-based test automation for hardware-in-the-loop testing
Compensation & Benefits
- Highly Competitive Salary
- Share Option Scheme
- Pension Scheme
- Private Health Insurance
- Cycle to Work
- L&D Allowance
- Subsidised On-site Lunches
- Holidays: 25 days paid holiday (plus bank holidays) per year
- Socials: Be part of an inclusive community enjoying occasional all-company off-sites, lunches and socials
Interview Process
Our process is four stages. An initial conversation with our HR team to understand what you want from the role and what we want from it. Two technical sessions with various members of our engineering team. Finally, an HR-team session covering scope, terms, and any final questions. We aim to move fast on candidates we are excited about; expect roughly three to four weeks end to end.
Lumai is an equal opportunity employer. We make hiring decisions on merit, scope-fit, and the strength of the working relationship we expect to build with each hire. Applications welcome from candidates of any background. If you are not sure whether you are a fit, send a note anyway.
Junior Embedded Engineer (RTOS) in Oxford employer: Lumai
At Lumai, we are not just redefining computing; we are creating a vibrant and inclusive work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. As a Junior Embedded Engineer, you will have access to competitive salaries, a share option scheme, and a generous learning and development allowance, all while working in a dynamic startup environment that encourages personal and professional growth. Join us in Oxford, where your contributions will directly impact groundbreaking technology and be part of a team that values your well-being and success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Embedded Engineer (RTOS) in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those technical interviews! Brush up on your embedded C/C++ skills and get comfy with RTOS concepts. Practising coding challenges can really help you stand out during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for the tech! When you get the chance to chat with the team, share your excitement about optical computing and AI. Let them see how keen you are to be part of their groundbreaking journey.
✨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 being part of Lumai!
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Embedded Engineer (RTOS) in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Junior Embedded Engineer role. Highlight your embedded C/C++ experience and any work with RTOS. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Projects:Include any relevant projects or experiences that demonstrate your ability to work with hardware and software integration. We love seeing practical examples of your work, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make sure your passion for technology shines through without unnecessary fluff.
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. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lumai
✨Know Your RTOS Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of real-time operating systems, especially FreeRTOS or Zephyr. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented RTOS tasks in past projects and any challenges you faced during integration.
✨Show Off Your Debugging Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience with hardware debugging tools like JTAG and oscilloscopes. Have specific examples ready where you successfully diagnosed and resolved issues during the bring-up process.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Lumai values collaboration, so be prepared to share experiences where you worked closely with hardware teams or other engineers. Highlight how you contributed to planning new hardware revisions and supported your colleagues.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of your interview, don’t forget to ask questions that show your interest in Lumai's technology and future projects. Inquire about their approach to scaling optical computing or how they envision the role of a Junior Embedded Engineer evolving.
