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Embedded Systems Engineer Jobs

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.

Open roles
13
Salary range
£35k – £75k
Hiring companies
8
View 13 live roles → Get an alert

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.

What the role does

Inside the role of an Embedded Systems Engineer

A typical week is split between coding, testing, and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

  1. 01
    Design and implement embedded software solutions.
  2. 02
    Conduct code reviews and participate in peer feedback sessions.
  3. 03
    Test and debug hardware and software components.
  4. 04
    Collaborate with hardware engineers on system integration.
  5. 05
    Document design decisions and technical specifications.
  6. 06
    Stay updated with the latest advancements in edge computing and IoT.
Salary on the board

£35k – £75k

Based on advertised midpoints across the 13 priced listings posted in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

By seniority
£k base
Mid
36
75
9 jobs
Senior
50
70
2 jobs
Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 19 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

Embedded Systems
63%
Firmware
26%
C
21%
C++
21%
PCB Design
21%
SoC/IC Architectures
21%
Hardware Description Languages
21%
Cryptography
21%
Fault Injection
21%
Side-Channel Attacks
21%
ISO21434
21%
IEC62443
21%
Career ladder

From Junior to Principal

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.

  1. Level 1

    Junior Embedded Systems Engineer

    0–2 yrs

    Assist in the development and testing of embedded systems, focusing on learning and gaining hands-on experience.

  2. Level 2

    Embedded Systems Engineer

    2–5 yrs

    Take ownership of specific modules or components, contributing to the overall system design and implementation.

  3. Level 3

    Senior Embedded Systems Engineer

    5–8 yrs

    Lead the design and development of complex embedded systems, mentoring junior engineers and driving innovation.

  4. Level 4

    Principal Embedded Systems Engineer

    8+ yrs

    Oversee the entire embedded systems development lifecycle, from concept to deployment, and influence strategic decisions.

Pathway

How to become a Embedded Systems Engineer

There's no single route, but most people follow some version of these steps.

  1. 1

    Learn the Basics

    Gain foundational knowledge in embedded systems, including programming languages, hardware interfaces, and real-time operating systems.

  2. 2

    Gain Practical Experience

    Work on projects that involve designing, coding, and testing embedded systems. Participate in code reviews and collaborate with hardware engineers.

  3. 3

    Specialise in a Domain

    Focus on a specific area such as IoT, industrial automation, or real-time data processing. Develop deep expertise in this domain.

  4. 4

    Lead Projects

    Take on leadership roles in embedded systems projects, managing teams and driving the development of complex systems.

  5. 5

    Influence Strategy

    Contribute to the strategic direction of the company by identifying new opportunities and innovations in edge computing and IoT.

Live jobs

13 live roles

See all 13 roles →

Embedded Systems Engineer

Our client is a leading innovator in advanced scientific instrumentation, developing cutting-edge technologies used across a range of high-impact sectors including research, healthcare, and industrial applications. As part of their continued growth and investment in R&D, they are seeking an...

VRS UK Sheffield, South Yorkshire, United Kingdom £40,000 – £60,000 pa
On-site Permanent

Embedded Systems Engineer (Reverse engineering)

This role involves working on cutting-edge tuning products for the racing market, including reverse engineering automotive binary files and developing software to boost efficiency. You'll collaborate with a global team of engineers and have the opportunity to test products on the track.

Ernest Gordon Recruitment Luton, Bedfordshire, United Kingdom £65,000 – £75,000 pa
On-site Permanent

Senior Embedded Systems Engineer

This role involves leading the development of robust, deployable embedded Linux and edge AI systems for a camera-based platform using NVIDIA Jetson hardware. You will work across software, electronics, and hardware integration, focusing on performance, reliability, and delivery in real-world environments.

Enterprise Recruitment Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom £50,000 – £70,000 pa
On-site Permanent

Senior Embedded Systems Engineer

This role involves designing, developing, and supporting next-generation embedded electronic products from concept to production. Responsibilities include embedded firmware development, electronics design, PCB layout, and hardware/firmware testing. The position offers a collaborative R&D environment with a focus on innovation and product ownership.

Jonathan Lee Recruitment Bicester, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
Hybrid Permanent

Systems Test & Verification Engineer (Embedded Systems)

The role involves designing and implementing Hardware-in-the-Loop Simulations (HiLS) to test hardware and firmware, developing test plans, and ensuring solutions meet defined requirements. The candidate will take ownership of test strategy and execution, collaborate with engineering teams, and produce clear test documentation.

Zenovo Bristol, United Kingdom £60,000 – £70,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent

Systems Engineer - Embedded and Hardware

This senior role involves leading the electronics and software workstream for IVD medical devices, acting as a technical design authority. Responsibilities include third-party oversight, supplier governance, system architecture, and regulatory compliance, with a focus on quality and safety.

Get Staffed Online Recruitment Bedford, United Kingdom £60,000 – £70,000 pa
On-site Permanent

Embedded Systems Hardware Engineer - Oxford

Design and develop production-ready embedded hardware for aerospace-grade motor controllers, refining schematics, component selection, and PCB layout while collaborating with engineering teams to ensure reliability in high-stress environments. Work on rapid prototyping and validation of controller systems with a focus on robustness and performance. The role emphasizes hands-on hardware development within an agile, innovative engineering environment.

Bond Williams Oxford, United Kingdom £55,000 – £65,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent

Embedded Systems Security Engineer (m/f/d)

This role involves managing security requirements, assessing and reviewing security solutions, proposing secure hardware and software IP, and conducting vulnerability analyses. You will work closely with customers, evaluation labs, and product development teams to innovate and implement security solutions for embedded systems.

NXP Semiconductors Glasgow, Alba / Scotland, G2 1AL, United Kingdom
Hybrid Permanent
See all 13 roles →
Hiring locations

Where this role is hiring

The locations with the most live listings for this role today.

Sheffield

Location
2 open

Glasgow

Location
1 open

Nottingham

Location
1 open

Oxford

Location
1 open

Luton

Location
1 open
FAQs

Common questions

  • 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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