About Lamp & Pencil Ltd
Lamp & Pencil Ltd is a specialist company working at the intersection of technology and the performing arts. We design and build bespoke electronic & electrical systems & products for the entertainment industry, delivering innovative technical solutions to demanding creative briefs.
Role Overview
We are seeking a skilled and motivated Electronics Engineer to join our team in Bishop's Stortford. This is a hands-on, varied role covering the full lifecycle of electronic product development — from initial circuit design and PCB layout through to embedded software, physical build, and installation into finished props, costumes, and scenic items. The successful candidate will be a technically strong engineer who thrives under pressure, understands the fast-paced demands of the entertainment industry, and brings genuine enthusiasm for developing technical solutions to the highest standards for the performing arts.
Job title: Electronics & Embedded Software Engineer
Location: Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hours: 9:00am – 6:00pm, Monday to Friday
Working hours may vary depending on project and Company requirements. Some flexibility is possible with prior agreement around production schedules.
Work Basis: Predominantly workshop-based; some client site visits required
Reports to: Senior Management
Key Responsibilities
Electronic Design, Development & Manufacturing
- Design analogue and digital electronic circuits to meet creative and technical briefs
- Produce schematics & PCB layouts using KiCAD
- Ensure all designs meet relevant EMC requirements and general compliance standards
- Conduct design reviews, testing, and iterative refinement to tight deadlines
- Implement and support existing communication protocols including DMX512, RDM & sACN
- Implement SigNet and other emerging protocols as required
- Write & review assembly instructions for others to follow
- Write & review instruction manuals for end users
- Stay current with evolving industry standards and integrate new technologies proactively
Embedded Software
- Write, maintain, and document embedded firmware for microprocessors using C and/or C++
- Develop robust, reliable code suitable for live performance environments
- Debug and optimise firmware across a range of hardware platforms
Workshop & Assembly
- Operate and oversee others operating PCB assembly equipment
- Hand assemble prototypes & small batches of electronic & electrical items
- Customise and build enclosures to suit specific project requirements
- Install and integrate electronic systems into props, costumes, and scenic items
- Maintain workshop equipment and ensure safe working practices at all times
Technical Support
- Provide internal & external technical support for Lamp & Pencil products & systems
- Undertake fault diagnosis & repair of electronic items
Project & Team
- Work collaboratively with designers, makers, and project managers to deliver against brief
- Manage your own workload to meet multiple concurrent deadlines
- Support and mentor junior or less experienced team members operating equipment
- Undertake site visits to customer venues and production environments as required
- Carry out other related tasks as reasonably required by the business
Essential Requirements
- A positive demeanour
- Degree or equivalent qualification in Electronics Engineering or a related discipline
- Proven experience designing electronic circuits and laying out PCBs
- Solid understanding of EMC principles and compliance requirements
- Proficiency in embedded C and/or C++ for microcontroller development
- Ability to work calmly and effectively to very tight and non-negotiable deadlines
- Capacity to balance creative constraints with technical realities
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
- Good communication and teamworking skills
- Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office packages
Desirable
- Experience working in the entertainment, theatre, film, or live events industry
- Working knowledge of DMX512, RDM and sACN protocols
- Familiarity with SigNet or other emerging entertainment control protocols
- Experience with prop, costume, or scenic construction and integration
- Knowledge of additional programming languages or platforms relevant to embedded systems
- A personal interest in or passion for the performing arts
- An understanding of the technical aspects of events particularly set electrics, practicals and other bespoke items
- Some knowledge of theatre/event lighting
- Some knowledge of theatre, music and corporate events
- Full UK driving licence (for client site visits)
Salary
- Competitive salary based on experience
Future Development
- This job description reflects the current situation. It does not preclude change or development to suit the individual, role or Company in the future
- Specific training will be provided
Lamp & Pencil Ltd is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified & experienced individuals regardless of background.
Pay: £27,500.00-£50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Bereavement leave
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Flexitime
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
