Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Bracknell
2 hours ago
Create job alert

Senior Embedded Software Engineer (Motor Control & Real-Time Systems)

Location: Reading with Hybrid WFH

KO2's client, a cutting-edge and rapidly scaling start-up based in Reading, is looking for a Senior Embedded Software Engineer to play a key role in developing next-generation motor drive and propulsion systems.

This is a high-impact opportunity to work on advanced embedded platforms at the intersection of real-time control, power electronics, and high-performance firmware, helping to shape both product direction and engineering culture from an early stage.

What You'll Do

Design and implement real-time embedded firmware for ESC controllers and next-generation motor drive systems, from initial architecture through to production release

Develop and optimise motor control algorithms for BLDC motors, including field-oriented control, sensorless commutation, and current loop tuning

Integrate sensors and implement feedback control systems for position, speed, and current regulation

Own and implement communication stacks including CAN, UART, SPI, I2C, and DShot, and define telemetry interfaces

Optimise firmware for performance, memory efficiency, and deterministic real-time behaviour on resource-constrained microcontrollers

Collaborate closely with power electronics engineers to define hardware-firmware interfaces (gate drivers, current sensing, ADC configuration, protection logic)

Lead firmware architecture decisions including RTOS selection, scheduling strategies, and platform abstraction

Establish engineering best practices: version control, code reviews, testing frameworks, and CI/CD pipelines

Conduct system-level validation including hardware-in-the-loop testing, dynamometer integration, and field trialsRequired Skills and Experience

5+ years of hands-on experience in embedded C/C++ for real-time systems

Proven experience in motor control, power electronics, or high-reliability embedded systems

Experience in a technical lead or architect role, owning firmware from concept through production

Strong expertise in RTOS (e.g. FreeRTOS, Zephyr), including scheduling, interrupts, and deterministic timing

Experience implementing and debugging communication protocols (CAN, UART, SPI, I2C)

Strong debugging skills using oscilloscopes, logic analysers, and hardware tools

Proficiency with Git, CI/CD pipelines, unit testing, and modern development workflowsPreferred

Background in aerospace, defence, or UAV systems, particularly propulsion or ESC development

Knowledge of advanced motor control techniques (FOC, sensorless control, space vector modulation)

Familiarity with safety-critical standards (DO-178C, IEC 61508, MISRA C)

Understanding of power electronics fundamentals (PWM, gate drivers, current sensing, thermal considerationsWhat's on Offer

Opportunity to join a cutting-edge start-up at a pivotal growth stage

Work on industry-leading technology with real-world impact

Competitive salary, equity, and benefits package

Flexible and hybrid working options

A highly collaborative, ambitious, and technically driven culture.Apply today with an up-to-date CV and a member of the KO2 team will be in touch to progress your application

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Embedded Software Engineer

Senior Robotics Software Engineer (Flight Software)

Senior Desktop Software Engineer

Senior Software Engineer - Sensors

Hardware Engineer

Senior Sensor Engineer

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

New Space Employers to Watch in 2026: UK and Global Organisations Driving the Future of Space Careers

The space industry is entering a new era of growth, innovation, and commercial opportunity. Satellites, space exploration, Earth observation, space data analytics, launch systems and space infrastructure are all areas seeing rapid expansion, bringing demand for engineers, scientists, operations specialists and software developers. For professionals exploring opportunities on www.UKSpaceJobs.co.uk , identifying employers that are scaling, securing major contracts, attracting investment, or establishing UK operations is vital. This article highlights the most exciting space employers to watch in 2026, including UK space start‑ups, established aerospace organisations with UK teams, and global firms investing in British space talent.

How Many Space Industry Tools Do You Need to Know to Get a UK Space Job?

If you’re pursuing a career in the space industry — whether that’s spacecraft engineering, mission operations, space software, satellite systems, ground segment integration or space data analytics — it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of tools, platforms and technologies mentioned in job adverts. One role wants experience with CAD and FEA software. Another asks for experience with GNSS simulation. A third mentions mission scheduling tools, RF link analysis suites, Python, C++, continuous integration — and it seems there’s always another acronym to learn. With so much listed, many candidates fall into the trap of thinking they must master every tool under the sun before they’ll be taken seriously. Here’s the honest truth most UK space hiring managers won’t say out loud: 👉 They don’t hire you because you’ve heard of every tool — they hire you because you can apply the right tools to solve real space problems, explain your reasoning clearly, and deliver results. Tools matter, but they always serve a purpose: achieving mission goals, improving reliability, reducing risk, delivering data, or enabling collaboration. Tools are enablers — not trophies. So how many tools do you actually need to know to get a space job? The answer is much fewer and far more strategic than you might think. This article breaks down: what tools employers really expect which ones are core across most space roles which ones are role-specific how to present your tool proficiency on your CV and in interviews

What Hiring Managers Look for First in Space Sector Job Applications (UK Guide)

The space industry is one of the most exciting and multidisciplinary sectors in technology and engineering today. Whether you’re applying for roles in spacecraft design, aerospace systems, robotics, satellite communications, mission operations, payload engineering, space software, ground systems, or scientific research, your application must quickly show hiring managers that you are relevant, technically credible and ready to deliver. In the UK space jobs market — spanning organisations from startups to defence primes, agencies, research labs and commercial constellations — hiring managers do not read every word of your CV. They scan applications rapidly, often making a judgement about whether to read further within the first 10–20 seconds. This guide breaks down exactly what hiring managers look for first in space sector applications, how they assess CVs and portfolios, why specific signals matter, and how you can position your experience to stand out on www.ukspacejobs.co.uk .