Embedded Software Engineer

At Kraken, we build high-performance, secure, and scalable systems that operate at the edge of technology. We’re looking for a talented Embedded Software Engineer to design and develop low-level software powering mission-critical hardware and systems.

You will work on performance-sensitive applications, contributing to systems where efficiency, reliability, and precision are non-negotiable. This role is ideal for engineers who thrive in fast-paced environments, enjoy deep technical challenges, and value ownership.

• Design, develop, and maintain embedded software for real-time, high-reliability systems
• Write clean, efficient, and scalable code in C++ (with a strong focus on performance and memory management)
• Work closely with hardware, firmware, and systems engineers to integrate software with physical devices
• Optimise systems for low latency, deterministic behaviour, and resource constraints
• Debug and troubleshoot issues at the hardware-software boundary
• Contribute to system architecture and technical design decisions
• Implement security best practices at the firmware and embedded system level
• Build and maintain testing frameworks, including unit, integration, and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing
• Participate in code reviews and mentor junior engineers where appropriate

• Strong experience in embedded systems development 
• Proficiency in C++, with deep understanding of memory, concurrency, and performance optimisation
• Solid understanding of microcontrollers, processors, and hardware interfaces (SPI, I2C, UART, CAN, etc.)
• Experience debugging with tools such as JTAG, oscilloscopes, logic analysers
• Familiarity with multithreading, real-time constraints, and interrupt handling
• Knowledge of software version control systems (Git)
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail

• Experience writing low level peripheral device drivers, such as UART, SPI, ADC, etc.
• Experience with networked embedded systems or distributed devices
• Knowledge of cryptography, secure boot, or embedded security practices
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and DevOps practices
• Exposure to Python or scripting languages for tooling and test automation
• Experience with high-performance or low latency applications
• Background in development targeting Linux
• Experience working with RTOS (e.g., FreeRTOS, Zephyr, etc) or bare-metal programming

• Collaborate with hardware, firmware, and systems engineering teams
• Develop high-performance, real-time embedded software in C++
• Optimise systems for low latency, reliability, and efficiency
• Debug complex issues at the hardware–software boundary
• Contribute to architecture, design, and testing (incl. HIL)
• Take ownership of your work and uphold high engineering standards

• Work on mission-critical, cutting-edge technology
• Solve complex, real-world embedded challenges
• Collaborative, high-performing engineering culture
• Real ownership and ability to make an impact
• Strong focus on quality, performance, and innovation
• Professional, supportive, and values-driven environment

• 25 days holiday per year, plus paid bank holiday
• After two years’ consecutive service, one additional day’s annual leave up to a maximum of five additional days annual leave
• Holiday buy/sell, up to five days per calendar year
• Flexi working, core hours 10:00 to 15:00, subject to departmental requirements
• Private Medical Insurance with optional family cover
• Pension scheme with a 5% employer contribution, there is no cap on the employee contribution level
• Life assurance 3x salary
• Group Income Protection 3x salary, subject to eligibility
• Health Care Cash Plan
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Electric Car Scheme
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing mental health and wellbeing support
• Professional membership reimbursement

Due to the nature of our work many of our roles require a UK nationality and the ability to obtain a security clearance.  Applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment must meet the requirement of right to work in the UK and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information and will be subject to Government security checks.

Kraken Works Limited is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We are committed to maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination and offers equal opportunities to all.  Applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, and marriage and civil partnerships.