Principal Embedded Systems Engineer

Job Description:

Principal Embedded Systems Engineer

Location: Kettering (Flexible Hybrid WFH)
Package: £65,000 - £75,000 + £3,600 Tax-Free Bonus (EOT)

KO2's client, a well-established and highly respected design consultancy based in Kettering, is seeking a principal embedded systems engineer to join their close-knit, multi-disciplinary team. This is a rare opportunity to work in an employee-owned trust (EOT) business, offering long-term stability, variety, and a genuine say in how the company is run.

The company's projects span a huge range of industries, from specialist electronics to complex, full-system solutions. You'll be part of an 8-person core engineering team, collaborating across hardware, software, firmware, and mechanical disciplines. As principal embedded systems engineer, you'll play a pivotal role-balancing hands-on development with technical leadership, project oversight, and direct client interaction.

You'll work on everything from bare-metal C on STM32 MCUs, through to Linux-based embedded applications, Raspberry Pi projects, PCB bring-up, and system integration. The right person will have the gravitas to lead multi-disciplinary teams, while still rolling up their sleeves to write code, debug hardware, and solve real-world engineering challenges.

Why join?

• £65,000 - £75,000 salary for the ideal hire (lower for those developing into the role)
• £3,600 per year tax-free bonus through the Employee Ownership Trust
• Hybrid working - typically 2 days per week on-site in Kettering (more initially while learning the ropes)
• Exposure to a wide variety of embedded systems projects - no two are the same
• A small, collaborative, and flexible team environment

What you'll bring:

• Proven experience in embedded systems design and development
• Strong C/C++ skills for microcontrollers, with the ability to work at low level
• Ability to bridge hardware and software, collaborating effectively with electronics engineers
• Confidence in leading projects and mentoring others, without losing your hands-on edge
• Flexible, adaptable approach to work-happy to pick up new tools, technologies, and problem domains

This is the perfect role for a seasoned principal embedded systems engineer who thrives on variety, values teamwork, and enjoys both the leadership and technical sides of product development.

If you're ready to join a stable, employee-owned business and help shape its future, apply today to KO2's client for this exciting principal embedded systems engineer position