Overview

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.

Location: Kettering (Flexible Hybrid WFH)

Responsibilities

• Balance hands-on development with technical leadership, project oversight, and direct client interaction.
• Work on projects that span bare-metal C on STM32 MCUs, Linux-based embedded applications, Raspberry Pi projects, PCB bring-up, and system integration.
• Lead multi-disciplinary teams while still contributing hands-on coding, hardware debugging, and solving real-world engineering challenges.

What you’ll bring (Qualifications)

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

Benefits

• Salary range: £65,000 – £75,000 (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.