Senior Embedded Software Engineer (Robotics)

TL;DR

Senior Embedded Software Engineer (Robotics) (C++/ARM Cortex-M): Developing reliable firmware for robotic laboratory instruments with an accent on motor control, sensor integration, and distributed microcontroller communications. Focus on designing embedded architectures, debugging complex hardware interfaces, and building diagnostics and recovery mechanisms for unattended scientific systems.

Location: On-site at the Melbourn office and lab near Cambridge, England, United Kingdom

Company

hirify.global develops laboratory automation instruments for liquid handling, sample preparation, and sample management that support scientific research and human health.

What you will do

• Design, develop, and maintain embedded C++ firmware for ARM Cortex-M microcontrollers.
• Implement open-loop, closed-loop, and hybrid motor and actuator control for robotic instruments.
• Integrate OEM and third-party modules, sensors, barcode readers, thermal units, pneumatics, and device drivers over CAN, Ethernet, UART, SPI, I²C, and GPIO.
• Shape firmware and system architecture, including module boundaries, interfaces, and distributed microcontroller communications.
• Develop device-facing C# .NET code, signal acquisition, diagnostics, watchdogs, recovery mechanisms, and built-in self-tests.
• Debug embedded software, hardware interfaces, and robotics systems while mentoring junior engineers and documenting technical designs.

Requirements

• Solid commercial experience in embedded software or firmware development.
• Strong hands-on C/C++ experience with ARM Cortex-M microcontrollers or similar platforms.
• Experience defining firmware and system architecture, module boundaries, and component interfaces.
• Production experience implementing motor and actuator control and integrating OEM or third-party hardware.
• Confidence with CAN, Ethernet TCP/UDP, UART, SPI, I²C, GPIO, RTOS environments, and embedded debugging tools.
• Working knowledge of C# .NET, unit testing, continuous integration, Git, and reliability engineering.

Nice to have

• Experience with JTAG/SWD debuggers, protocol analysers, and field-oriented control.
• Familiarity with gRPC or other distributed software architectures.
• Experience working in Agile teams.
• Degree in electronics, computer science, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

Culture & Benefits

• Multidisciplinary R&D collaboration across software, electronics, and mechanical engineering.
• Office- and lab-based work focused on real scientific instruments and practical customer challenges.
• Private medical insurance and a generous pension plan.
• Annual discretionary bonus and an inclusive working environment.