Junior Firmware Engineer - #2157551

We are seeking a Junior Firmware Engineer to help develop the embedded software that controls the robotic systems at the heart of our platform, from pumps, valves and sensors through to motion systems that physically carry out chemistry.

This is an opportunity to work at the intersection of software, electronics, robotics and chemistry, developing firmware that moves beyond the screen and controls real-world hardware in automated laboratories.

Working alongside experienced firmware, electronics, mechanical and software engineers, you will contribute to the development, testing and debugging of embedded systems and build your experience across the full firmware development lifecycle.

If you're excited by embedded software and want to see your code controlling real robotic systems and experiments, we'd love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, test and maintain embedded firmware for robotic and laboratory automation systems.
• Write clean, reliable C/C++ code for microcontrollers and embedded systems.
• Work with sensors, actuators, motors, pumps and valves.
• Support hardware bring-up, integration and debugging alongside electronics engineers.
• Investigate and resolve firmware and hardware issues using a methodical approach.
• Work with communication interfaces such as I²C, SPI, UART and CAN.
• Contribute to firmware testing, code reviews and continuous improvement of embedded development practices.
• Work closely with platform software, electronics and mechanical engineers to integrate robotic subsystems.
• Support the development and validation of firmware on prototype and production hardware.
• Learn and develop your understanding of real-time embedded systems, motion control and robotic automation.

About You

You are an early-career embedded or firmware engineer who enjoys understanding how hardware and software work together. You are curious, hands-on and keen to develop your skills in a highly technical environment.

We expect you to bring:

• 1–3 years' experience in embedded software/firmware, or strong relevant academic/project experience.
• Good programming skills in C or C++.
• Understanding of embedded systems and microcontrollers.
• Familiarity with concepts such as interrupts, timers, GPIO and real-time behaviour.
• Some experience with communication protocols such as I²C, SPI, UART or CAN.
• Experience working with hardware and debugging embedded systems.
• Good understanding of software development fundamentals including Git, testing and debugging.
• A degree or equivalent experience in Electronic Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Embedded Systems, Robotics or a related discipline.

Beneficial Skills

• STM32 experience.
• Experience with RTOS such as FreeRTOS.
• Python for testing, automation or engineering tools.
• Experience with motors, motion control, sensors or actuators.
• Experience using oscilloscopes, logic analysers or other hardware debugging tools.
• Familiarity with reading electronic schematics.
• Experience with robotics, laboratory automation or electromechanical systems.
• Embedded CI/testing or automated hardware testing.
• Academic or personal projects involving robotics, embedded systems or microcontrollers.