Embedded Software Lead

Embedded Software Lead - Medical Devices

Bristol + Hybrid Work from Home

Up to £80,000 + Bonus, OTE £100,000

You will act as the system level lead across embedded software and hardware, driving design, integration and verification of current products and the next generation. The role blends hands on engineering, technical leadership and cross‑functional influence, with real ownership of product direction and a clear seat at the table.

• Set and drive the embedded software and systems strategy for the business
• Contribute to early stage innovation, exploring new technologies in embedded systems and connected medical devices
• Develop proof of concepts and functional prototypes
• Lead system design across software and hardware for new product development
• Own design control, risk management and verification and validation for the software and hardware functions
• Provide technical oversight, review the work of engineers and challenge solutions to protect quality
• Identify risks and constraints early and shape product direction through informed engineering decisions
• Investigate complex field issues, complaints and non‑conformances alongside the quality team
• Drive improvements in performance, reliability and cost across the existing range
• Support usability testing and concept validation

• Degree in software engineering, computer science, electronics or electrical engineering, or a related field
• Around ten years in embedded software development within a regulated environment, medical device experience preferred
• Expert level embedded software development, ideally C or C++
• Experience on physical products, not purely cloud or desktop systems
• Strong design control, version control, testing and documentation discipline
• Experience across the full product lifecycle, from concept through to launch and improvement
• Awareness of cybersecurity and patient safety principles
• An appreciation of electronics and hardware integration, beneficial rather than essential
• Familiarity with medical device standards and regulated pathways, for example ISO 13485, IEC 62304, ISO 14971, IEC 60601 and IEC 62366

This is the part that will decide who gets the job. The successful candidate will be self‑contained. They will take the biggest problem in front of them, work out what needs to happen, and go and do it, without being told what is needed, in what format, and by when. They will have the gravitas to hold their own alongside mechanical leadership and the drive to set direction rather than wait for it.

Pragmatic, willing to work outside the core role when the team needs it, and comfortable in a fast changing environment.

• Wants to step up into, or continue in, a technical leadership role with real ownership
• Enjoys tangible, real world medical products rather than abstract software
• Prefers broad engineering ownership to being siloed
• Has regulated experience but does not want a compliance heavy job

• £75,000 base salary
• £20,000 to £25,000 on target bonus
• Strong benefits package
• A key leadership seat in a growing R&D team
• The opportunity to work on medical technology with genuine real world impact

Apply Today

Contact Andrew Knight or Laurence Powell at KO2 Embedded Recruitment Solutions