Interim Embedded Firmware Engineer

Description

SF Recruitment are working with a high-growth, innovative start up in Birmingham to recruit an Interim Embedded Software Engineer to oversee some crucial projects over coming year.

We need someone who is highly intelligent, a leader, self starter and can communicate effectively and with their own initiative with the various stakeholders/development teams. Someone who is self motivated to do what is necessary to get the job done.

Key Responsibilities

- Lead firmware development for Debian-based embedded Linux systems, from architecture to deployment.

- Design and maintain secure OTA pipelines using Mender, including rollback, recovery, and encryption at the device level.

- Implement and manage device-side encryption, secure boot, and partition-level protection with recovery tools.

- Develop manufacturing scripts to automate programming, validation, and hardware testing processes.

- Optimise Linux performance - boot time, memory footprint, and system reliability.

- Build and maintain connectivity stacks (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) ensuring robust and seamless user experiences.

- Integrate with Azure IoT / Cloud for data, provisioning, and remote management.

- Use Python to build automation tools, testing frameworks, and cloud deployment utilities.

- Drive Git-based workflows, continuous integration, and release pipelines.

- Communicate effectively with stakeholders - aligning firmware deliverables with product, software, and manufacturing priorities.

- Demonstrate initiative by proactively identifying bottlenecks, proposing solutions, and delivering improvements.

- Leverage AI-assisted development tools (Codex, Cursor, Copilot) to boost productivity and maintain cutting-edge practices.

Required Skills & Experience

- 5+ years of experience in embedded firmware or embedded Linux development.

- Deep understanding of Debian/Linux system architecture and optimisation.

- Advanced proficiency in C++ and Python.

- Proven experience with Mender for OTA management and recovery workflows.

- Strong knowledge of device-side encryption, secure boot, and key handling mechanisms.

- Hands-on experience with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi communication stacks.

- Experience integrating with Azure Cloud (IoT Hub, Device Provisioning, or Edge).

- Proficiency with Git, build automation, and CI/CD.

- Experience developing manufacturing scripts for automated flashing and validation. xjnqpsq

- Familiarity with Qt/XML for embedded UI or configuration.

- Excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset - able to work fluidly across teams

Ad ID: 5417544302