Interim Embedded Firmware Engineer

SF Recruitment are working with a high-growth, innovative start up in Birmingham to recruit an Interim Embedded Software Engineer to oversee some crucial projects over coming year.

We need someone who is highly intelligent, a leader, self starter and can communicate effectively and with their own initiative with the various stakeholders/development teams. Someone who is self motivated to do what is necessary to get the job done.

Key Responsibilities
- Lead firmware development for Debian-based embedded Linux systems, from architecture to deployment.
- Design and maintain secure OTA pipelines using Mender, including rollback, recovery, and encryption at the device level.
- Implement and manage device-side encryption, secure boot, and partition-level protection with recovery tools.
- Develop manufacturing scripts to automate programming, validation, and hardware testing processes.
- Optimise Linux performance - boot time, memory footprint, and system reliability.
- Build and maintain connectivity stacks (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) ensuring robust and seamless user experiences.
- Integrate with Azure IoT / Cloud for data, provisioning, and remote management.
- Use Python to build automation tools, testing frameworks, and cloud deployment utilities.
- Drive Git-based workflows, continuous integration, and release pipelines.
- Communicate effectively with stakeholders - aligning firmware deliverables with product, software, and manufacturing priorities.
- Demonstrate initiative by proactively identifying bottlenecks, proposing solutions, and delivering improvements.
- Leverage AI-assisted development tools (Codex, Cursor, Copilot) to boost productivity and maintain cutting-edge practices.

Required Skills & Experience
- 5+ years of experience in embedded firmware or embedded Linux development.
- Deep understanding of Debian/Linux system architecture and optimisation.
- Advanced proficiency in C++ and Python.
- Proven experience with Mender for OTA management and recovery workflows.
- Strong knowledge of device-side encryption, secure boot, and key handling mechanisms.
- Hands-on experience with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi communication stacks.
- Experience integrating with Azure Cloud (IoT Hub, Device Provisioning, or Edge).
- Proficiency with Git, build automation, and CI/CD.
- Experience developing manufacturing scripts for automated flashing and validation.
- Familiarity with Qt/XML for embedded UI or configuration.
- Excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset - able to work fluidly across teams.