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 environmentWhat 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 domainsThis 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