Embedded Software Engineer

Job description

What if the future of global data storage did not rely on vast, energy hungry data centres, but instead on light itself?

Our client is building exactly that future. They are pioneering a fundamentally new approach to cold data storage using holographic technology that encodes information into advanced materials. This is not incremental innovation. It is a ground up reinvention of how data is stored, accessed, and preserved at scale. As the company moves from breakthrough research into deployable technology, they are now seeking an Advanced Embedded Engineer to play a critical role in turning deep science into working systems.

This is a full time, onsite position based in Chiswick, London, working at the heart of a fast growing hardware startup.

This role sits at the intersection of electronics, embedded software, mechanics, and experimental science. The Advanced Embedded Engineer will not be handed neatly packaged requirements or off the shelf solutions. Instead, they will be embedded directly within the company’s R&D environment, collaborating daily with physicists, materials scientists, and engineers to design and build bespoke internal systems that support novel optical and holographic processes.

The work is hands on and deeply technical. One day might involve developing firmware to achieve precise, repeatable motion control. Another could involve integrating a new prototype rig, debugging a complex electromechanical issue, or refining control systems to push performance beyond existing limits. This is a role for someone who thrives on ambiguity, rapid iteration, and building things that have never existed before.

At the core of this position is ownership. The Advanced Embedded Engineer will take responsibility for the design and development of precision electronic and electromechanical systems that enable accurate control across increasingly complex platforms. As prototypes evolve into more advanced systems, this individual will own the integration of rigs and subsystems, ensuring reliability, repeatability, and performance.

They will be expected to diagnose and debug challenging issues across hardware, firmware, and control systems, often in a live lab environment. This includes working directly with microcontrollers such as ESP32, STM32, Teensy, or Raspberry Pi based systems, implementing and optimising communication protocols like I2C, SPI, and UART, and developing embedded software in C or C++ within a commercial context.

The role also requires a strong electronics background. The engineer will design, build, and iterate on custom electronics using tools such as KiCad, EasyEDA, or Altium, and will be comfortable debugging both hardware and embedded software in a fast paced research setting. A working knowledge of Linux, particularly Debian based distributions, is important, as is experience interfacing with precision motors and encoders.

Beyond execution, this role plays a key part in pushing the boundaries of the company’s holographic storage technology. Innovative thinking is not just encouraged but required. The successful candidate will help solve problems where no textbook answers exist, contributing directly to the delivery of disruptive, first of a kind products.

We're looking for a pragmatic, curious embedded engineer with at least two years of experience in electronics, embedded systems, or mechatronics, ideally within a multidisciplinary R&D environment. A master’s degree in a relevant discipline is preferred, although strong bachelor’s graduates will also be considered. Experience in fast moving startups, research labs, or advanced engineering teams will be highly valued.

Exposure to FPGA design, high speed serial interfaces, Python, or optics and photonics would be advantageous but not essential.

In return, the company offers a competitive salary, 25 days annual leave, employer pension contributions, and a cycle to work scheme, alongside the opportunity to work on genuinely world changing technology.

For engineers who want to be in the lab, close to the hardware, and at the forefront of sustainable data storage innovation, this is a rare opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

Chiswick

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Published at

01-02-2026

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English