Hardware & Embedded Software Engineer in London

Hardware & Embedded Software Engineer in London

London Freelance 50 - 55 £ / hour (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Design and develop cutting-edge wearable technology with embedded systems and sensors.
  • Company: Innovative tech business revolutionising wearable products for real-time performance coaching.
  • Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, hybrid work, and significant technical ownership.
  • Other info: Collaborative culture with exposure to AI and data-driven product development.
  • Why this job: Join a dynamic team shaping the future of intelligent wearable technology.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Electronics Engineering or similar, with embedded hardware/software experience.

The predicted salary is between 50 - 55 £ per hour.

Location: London (Hybrid)

Rate: £50-55 per hour + VAT

IR35 Status: Outside IR35

About the Opportunity

We're supporting an innovative technology business developing cutting-edge wearable products that combine hardware, embedded systems, AI, and data analytics to deliver real-time performance coaching. The business has grown from an early-stage concept into a globally recognised technology platform, leveraging large-scale real-world data and intelligent sensing to create industry-leading products. We're seeking a Hardware & Embedded Software Engineer to help develop the next generation of wearable technology.

The Role

This is a highly varied engineering position sitting at the intersection of hardware, embedded software, sensors, and product development. You'll work closely with product, AI, mobile, and data teams to develop wearable electronics that deliver accurate real-time performance feedback in demanding environments. This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys owning products from concept through to manufacture and wants to see their work used by thousands of customers worldwide.

Responsibilities

  • Design and develop embedded electronic systems for wearable technology products
  • Select sensors, microcontrollers, wireless modules, batteries, and supporting components
  • Design schematics and support PCB development activities
  • Develop embedded firmware in C/C++
  • Integrate IMUs, pressure sensors, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and other sensing technologies
  • Develop and optimise real-time data acquisition and processing systems
  • Prototype and test new product concepts
  • Perform hardware validation, debugging, and performance optimisation
  • Support manufacturing, certification, and production readiness activities
  • Work closely with software, mobile, and machine learning teams to ensure seamless hardware-software integration
  • Contribute to future product roadmaps and technology strategy

Required Skills & Experience

  • Degree in Electronics Engineering, Embedded Systems, Computer Engineering, or similar
  • Experience developing embedded hardware and software products
  • Strong schematic design and component selection experience
  • Embedded C/C++ programming experience
  • Experience with ARM Cortex-M microcontrollers or similar embedded platforms
  • Experience working with sensors such as IMUs, pressure sensors, accelerometers, or motion tracking devices
  • Understanding of low-power design techniques for battery-operated products
  • Experience with wireless communication technologies, particularly Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
  • Familiarity with laboratory debugging tools including oscilloscopes, logic analysers, and protocol analysers
  • Strong problem-solving skills and hands-on engineering mindset

Desirable Experience

  • Wearable technology development
  • Sports technology products
  • Signal processing
  • Sensor fusion algorithms
  • Python for test automation or data analysis
  • PCB design experience using Altium, KiCad, or similar ECAD tools
  • Manufacturing and product certification experience
  • Experience working in start-up or scale-up environments

What's on Offer

  • Opportunity to work on innovative consumer technology products
  • Significant technical ownership and influence over product direction
  • Exposure to hardware, software, AI, and data-driven product development
  • Outside IR35 contract
  • Hybrid working environment
  • Collaborative and highly technical engineering culture
  • Opportunity to help shape the future of intelligent wearable technology

If you're excited by sensors, embedded systems, real-world data, and building products that genuinely improve user performance, we'd love to hear from you.

Please note we cannot offer sponsorship for this current role.

Hardware & Embedded Software Engineer in London employer: Zenovo

Join a pioneering technology firm in London that is at the forefront of wearable technology innovation. With a collaborative and highly technical engineering culture, employees enjoy significant ownership over product development, hybrid working arrangements, and the opportunity to shape the future of intelligent performance coaching products. This role not only offers competitive rates but also provides a unique chance to work with cutting-edge technology in a dynamic environment that fosters growth and creativity.

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Contact Details:

Zenovo Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Hardware & Embedded Software Engineer in London

Join Engineering Forums

We're talking about places like GitHub or Stack Overflow where engineers hang out. Contribute to discussions, showcase your skills, and you might just catch the eye of someone looking for freelance talent. Plus, getting involved in these communities can lead to potential gigs and collaborations!

Create a Public Portfolio

As a freelancer, a strong portfolio is your best mate. Make sure it highlights your engineering projects, especially those that demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Host it on a platform like GitHub Pages or your own website—this way, potential clients from Zenovo can see your expertise right away.

Attend Industry Meetups

Look for local engineering meetups or workshops where you can connect with other professionals and potential clients. It’s all about getting your name out there! These casual settings can lead to freelance opportunities that aren’t always advertised online.

Utilise Freelance Platforms Wisely

Don’t just jump on any site—focus on platforms known for engineering gigs, like Upwork or Toptal. Tailor your profile to highlight your freelance skills and ensure you're showcasing your best work, so when opportunities at Zenovo arise, you’re ready to pounce!

We think you need these skills to ace Hardware & Embedded Software Engineer in London

Embedded Systems Development
C/C++ Programming
Schematic Design
Component Selection
ARM Cortex-M Microcontrollers
Sensor Integration
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Projects:As an engineer, having a solid portfolio is key. Make sure to include detailed descriptions of past projects you've worked on, highlighting the problem-solving skills and technical expertise you brought to the table. Keep it relevant to the role you’re targeting at Zenovo.

List Your Tools and Techniques:Freelance engineering often involves a variety of tools and techniques, so don’t shy away from showcasing them. In your CV, explicitly mention the software and hardware you're familiar with and any relevant certifications. This gives us a clear idea of your technical proficiency when considering your application for Hardware & Embedded Software Engineer.

Be Clear on Your Availability:When applying for a freelance gig, it's essential to make your availability clear in your application. Let us know how many hours you can commit each week and if you have any preferred working times, as this helps us see if you fit with our project timelines at Zenovo.

Tailor Your Application to Each Project:Freelancing means you'll be applying to multiple opportunities, so it's important to tailor each application. Refer back to the specific requirements outlined in the job listing for Hardware & Embedded Software Engineer at Zenovo and make sure to align your experience with what they’re looking for. Personalised applications stand out!

How to prepare for a job interview at Zenovo

Showcase Your Technical Proficiency

As a freelance engineer, you’ll often be asked to demonstrate your technical skills upfront. Be ready to showcase specific projects or problems you've solved in the past. Prepare a portfolio of your work that highlights your achievements and the tools you've used, such as CAD software or simulations.

Be Prepared for Problem-Solving Questions

Expect the interviewers to throw some technical challenges your way. They may ask how you'd approach a particular engineering scenario. Brush up on common engineering principles and methodologies. Think through how you’d communicate your thought process clearly and concisely.

Highlight Your Flexibility and Communication Skills

Freelance roles often require us to work with different teams and clients. Emphasise how you handle varying demands and communicate effectively with stakeholders. Share examples of projects where you had to adapt quickly to client feedback or changes in project scope.

Discuss Your Rate and Availability Honestly

Freelancing involves not just skills but also the business side of things. Be upfront about your rates and availability. Be prepared to explain how you value your services based on previous experience and the quality you bring, as this can sometimes be a deal-breaker for potential clients like Zenovo.