Senior Embedded Software Engineer in Reading

Job Description

Senior Embedded Software Engineer (Motor Control & Real-Time Systems)
Location: Reading with Hybrid WFH

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KO2's client, a cutting-edge and rapidly scaling start-up based in Reading, is looking for a Senior Embedded Software Engineer to play a key role in developing next- motor drive and propulsion systems.

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This is a high-impact opportunity to work on advanced embedded platforms at the intersection of real-time control, power electronics, and high-performance firmware, helping to shape both product direction and engineering culture from an early stage.

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What You'll Do

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• Design and implement real-time embedded firmware for ESC controllers and next- motor drive systems, from initial architecture through to production release

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• Develop and optimise motor control algorithms for BLDC motors, including field-oriented control, sensorless commutation, and current loop tuning

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• Integrate sensors and implement feedback control systems for position, speed, and current regulation

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• Own and implement communication stacks including CAN, UART, SPI, I2C, and DShot, and define telemetry interfaces

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• Optimise firmware for performance, memory efficiency, and deterministic real-time behaviour on resource-constrained microcontrollers

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• Collaborate closely with power electronics engineers to define hardware-firmware interfaces (gate drivers, current sensing, ADC configuration, protection logic)

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• Lead firmware architecture decisions including RTOS selection, scheduling strategies, and platform abstraction

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• Establish engineering best practices: version control, code reviews, testing frameworks, and CI/CD pipelines

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• Conduct system-level validation including hardware-in-the-loop testing, dynamometer integration, and field trials

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Required Skills and Experience

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• 5+ years of hands-on experience in embedded C/C++ for real-time systems

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• Proven experience in motor control, power electronics, or high-reliability embedded systems

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• Experience in a technical lead or architect role, owning firmware from concept through production

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• Strong expertise in RTOS (e.g. FreeRTOS, Zephyr), including scheduling, interrupts, and deterministic timing

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• Experience implementing and debugging communication protocols (CAN, UART, SPI, I2C)

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• Strong debugging skills using oscilloscopes, logic analysers, and hardware tools

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• Proficiency with Git, CI/CD pipelines, unit testing, and modern development workflows

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• Background in aerospace, defence, or UAV systems, particularly propulsion or ESC development

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• Knowledge of advanced motor control techniques (FOC, sensorless control, space vector modulation)

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• Familiarity with safety-critical standards (DO-178C, IEC 61508, MISRA C)

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• Understanding of power electronics fundamentals (PWM, gate drivers, current sensing, thermal considerations

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What's on Offer

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• Opportunity to join a cutting-edge start-up at a pivotal growth stage

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• Work on industry-leading technology with real-world impact

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• Competitive salary, equity, and benefits package

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• Flexible and hybrid working options

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• A highly collaborative, ambitious, and technically driven culture.

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Apply today with an up-to-date CV and a member of the KO2 team will be in touch to progress your application.