At Kraken, we build high-performance, secure, and scalable systems operating at the cutting edge of technology. Our teams develop mission-critical solutions where precision, efficiency, and reliability are essential.
We’re now looking for a talented Embedded Software Engineer to join us and help power next-generation hardware systems.
The Role
As an Embedded Software Engineer, you’ll design and develop low-level software for real-time systems. You’ll collaborate closely with hardware and systems teams and play a key role in delivering high-performance, reliable solutions.
This is an ideal opportunity for someone who enjoys solving complex technical challenges, working in a fast-paced environment, and taking ownership of their work.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Develop and maintain embedded software for real-time, high-reliability systems
- Write efficient, scalable C++ code with a focus on performance and memory optimisation
- Collaborate with hardware and firmware engineers to integrate software with physical systems
- Debug issues at the hardware/software interface using specialist tools
- Optimise systems for low latency and deterministic performance
- Contribute to system architecture and technical decision-making
- Implement embedded security best practices
- Build and maintain testing frameworks (unit, integration, HIL)
- Participate in code reviews and support junior engineers
What We’re Looking For
Essential:
- Experience in embedded systems development (typically 3+ years)
- Strong C++ programming skills
- Understanding of hardware interfaces (SPI, I2C, UART, CAN)
- Experience with debugging tools (JTAG, oscilloscopes, logic analysers)
- Knowledge of real-time systems, multithreading, and interrupts
- Familiarity with version control (Git)
- Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
Desirable:
- Experience writing device drivers
- Knowledge of embedded security or cryptography
- Experience with Linux, RTOS (e.g. FreeRTOS, Zephyr), or bare-metal programming
- Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and automated testing
- Python or scripting experience for tooling
- Exposure to distributed or networked embedded systems
What You’ll Bring
- Strong ownership and accountability
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills
- A proactive approach to problem-solving
- Accuracy, attention to detail, and commitment to quality
- Professionalism when working with colleagues and stakeholders
Why Join Kraken?
- Work on cutting-edge technology and real-world systems
- Collaborate with highly skilled engineers
- Opportunity to shape system architecture and innovation
- Supportive, high-performance team environment
What we provide:
- 25 days holiday per year, plus paid bank holiday
- After two years’ consecutive service, one additional day’s annual leave up to a maximum of five additional days annual leave
- Holiday buy/sell, up to five days per calendar year
- Flexi working, core hours 10:00 to 15:00, subject to departmental requirements
- Private Medical Insurance with optional family cover
- Pension scheme with a 5% employer contribution, there is no cap on the employee contribution level
- Life assurance 3x salary
- Group Income Protection 3x salary, subject to eligibility
- Health Care Cash Plan
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Electric Car Scheme
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing mental health and wellbeing support
- Professional membership reimbursement
Important to know:
Due to the nature of our work many of our roles require a UK nationality and the ability to obtain a security clearance. Applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment must meet the requirement of right to work in the UK and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information and will be subject to Government security checks.
Kraken Works Limited is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination and offers equal opportunities to all. Applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, and marriage and civil partnerships.
Benefits:
- Bereavement leave
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Flexitime
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Private medical insurance
- Referral programme
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
