Design and develop the brains of devices that operate at the network edge. From IoT sensors to industrial machinery, these engineers ensure real-time performance and reliability.
Embedded Systems Engineers are the architects of the hardware and software that power devices at the network edge. They work on everything from tiny IoT sensors to complex industrial machinery, ensuring that these devices can operate efficiently and reliably in real-time. These roles are crucial in the edge computing ecosystem, where low latency and high reliability are paramount. Companies ranging from scaleups to the larger consultancies are actively hiring in this space, driven by the growing demand for edge-optimised solutions.
A typical week is split between coding, testing, and collaborating with cross-functional teams.
Based on advertised midpoints across the 106 UK listings priced in pounds in the last 12 months. Base salary only.
% of 113 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.
A typical UK progression for embedded systems engineers. Years are guidance — strong people move faster, and many senior folks sidestep into research, product or management.
Assist in the development and testing of embedded systems, focusing on learning and gaining hands-on experience.
Take ownership of specific modules or components, contributing to the overall system design and implementation.
Lead the design and development of complex embedded systems, mentoring junior engineers and driving innovation.
Oversee the entire embedded systems development lifecycle, from concept to deployment, and influence strategic decisions.
There's no single route, but most people follow some version of these steps.
Gain foundational knowledge in embedded systems, including programming languages, hardware interfaces, and real-time operating systems.
Work on projects that involve designing, coding, and testing embedded systems. Participate in code reviews and collaborate with hardware engineers.
Focus on a specific area such as IoT, industrial automation, or real-time data processing. Develop deep expertise in this domain.
Take on leadership roles in embedded systems projects, managing teams and driving the development of complex systems.
Contribute to the strategic direction of the company by identifying new opportunities and innovations in edge computing and IoT.
WR HVAC London £60,000 – £70,000 pa
Hands-on role combining embedded firmware development in C/C++ and Python with custom PCB design, from schematics and layout to prototyping and debugging. You'll build real-time control systems for thermoelectric modules, fans and sensors, using UART, SPI, I2C and Modbus, and take solid-state heat pump products from prototype to production alongside mechanical and thermal engineers.
Zenovo Leicestershire
Architect and design software for complex embedded products made up of interconnected hardware modules, defining interfaces and integration strategies across the system. The role blends strategic architecture work with hands-on C/C++ development, Linux, IoT product work, and structured test planning alongside hardware and software engineers.
Corriculo Glasgow £30,000 – £35,000 pa
Own FPGA subsystems and control firmware connecting photonic compute hardware to real-world platforms and customer integrations. Lead FPGA architecture and development for inference pipelines, sensor interfacing and real-time processing, plus firmware and PCB design. Hybrid role in a deep-tech photonics and AI team.
Jonathan Lee Recruitment Bicester
Senior Embedded Systems EngineerLocation: BanburyHybrid Working: 3 days onsite / 2 days remoteSalary: Competitive + BenefitsOverview:Are you an experienced Embedded Electronics Engineer looking to work on cutting-edge technology with genuine product ownership?Our client is involved in high-performance electronic systems used...
Jonathan Lee Recruitment Bicester
As a Senior Embedded Systems Engineer, you will work on the full product lifecycle, from concept to production, focusing on embedded firmware development, electronics design, and new product innovation. You will collaborate closely with the R&D team, using a variety of embedded platforms and communication interfaces to develop cutting-edge technology.
Enterprise Recruitment Nottingham £65,000 – £85,000 pa
Senior Embedded Electronic Systems EngineerAn opportunity to take technical ownership of a real‑world, AI‑driven edge computing platform built around camera‑based systems and NVIDIA Jetson hardware.This Senior Embedded Electronic Systems Engineer role sits at the heart of developing intelligent, embedded products...
Audio Visual Recruitment Ltd Slough £60,000 – £85,000 pa
Take technical ownership of a video systems platform, leading embedded software architecture, platform selection and prototyping through to production. Day to day you write low-level C/C++ for video processing, hardware control and networking, integrating codecs, vendor SDKs and drivers, and debugging I2C, SPI, UART, CAN and Ethernet interfaces. You work closely with hardware engineers and external specialists, defining FPGA requirements and building automated tests, reproducible builds and firmware update processes.
Spectrum IT Recruitment Reading £45,000 – £55,000 pa
Hands-on embedded software development role within an experienced Product Design team at a UK technology manufacturer. You'll work across the full product lifecycle, from concept and development through testing, release and ongoing enhancement, using C, C++, Linux, wireless technologies and SQL databases with GitHub version control.
The locations with the most live listings for this role today.
Essential skills include proficiency in C/C++, understanding of hardware interfaces, knowledge of real-time operating systems, and experience with debugging tools.
An Embedded Systems Engineer focuses on the hardware-software interface and real-time performance, while a Software Engineer typically works on higher-level applications and systems.
Common industries include automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, and telecommunications, as well as tech companies and research institutions.
Continuously update your skills, gain practical experience, specialise in a domain, and take on leadership roles to advance your career.
Salaries vary based on experience and location. For more detailed information, refer to the salary section on this page.
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