Principal Firmware Engineer

General Description

Are you an experienced Principal Firmware Engineer ready to take ownership of firmware strategy and delivery for cutting-edge laser and photonics systems? This is a senior, high-impact role where you’ll lead firmware development for advanced embedded platforms supporting industries such as medical devices, life sciences, semiconductors, space, and quantum technologies.

Find out if this opportunity is a good fit by reading all of the information that follows below.

This opportunity offers the chance to shape global firmware standards, drive innovation, and mentor teams while delivering robust, high-quality embedded solutions that meet customer and business objectives.

Key responsibilities of the Principal Firmware Engineer job based in Southampton:

• Lead the research, development, testing, and maintenance of firmware for new and existing laser systems.
• Drive the creation of firmware concepts, roadmaps, and strategic plans aligned with organisational goals.
• Design, develop, test, and debug embedded firmware using C/C++ for complex hardware platforms.
• Develop algorithms for measurement data processing and create interface and communication protocol code.
• Implement and maintain build systems, automated testing, and continuous integration pipelines.
• Ensure firmware meets design, quality, reliability, and cost-effectiveness standards.
• Manage projects from concept and design through unit testing and handover to production.
• Conduct code reviews and ensure documentation captures designs, tests, policies, and procedures.
• Establish and maintain global best practice procedures across engineering teams and sites.
• Act as a key subject matter expert and advisor to internal stakeholders.
• Track deliverables, set priorities, and provide regular progress reports to senior leadership.
• Drive continuous improvement across processes, products, and services within the firmware function.

Skills & knowledge required of the Principal Firmware Engineer job based in Southampton:

• Expert-level proficiency in C/C++ and embedded firmware development.
• Strong understanding of communication protocols networked and industrial interfaces.
• Experience with automated testing, CI/CD pipelines, and build systems.
• Knowledge of scripting languages and test automation frameworks.
• Strong project management, time management, and organisational skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across engineering, R&D, product, and project teams.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-changing, high-growth environment.
• Innovative mindset with a strong customer and quality focus.
• Degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Proven experience setting up and leading a firmware function.
• Strong background in system design, planning, and delivering complex engineering projects.
• Experience in the photonics industry and within fast-paced, growing environments. xwzovoh

If this Principal Firmware Engineer job based in Southampton could be of interest, send your CV to or call Ben on to discuss in more detail.