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

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-generation motor drive and propulsion systems.

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.

What You'll Do

• Design and implement real-time embedded firmware for ESC controllers and next-generation motor drive systems, from initial architecture through to production release
• Develop and optimise motor control algorithms for BLDC motors, including field-oriented control, sensorless commutation, and current loop tuning
• Integrate sensors and implement feedback control systems for position, speed, and current regulation
• Own and implement communication stacks including CAN, UART, SPI, I2C, and DShot, and define telemetry interfaces
• Optimise firmware for performance, memory efficiency, and deterministic real-time behaviour on resource-constrained microcontrollers
• Collaborate closely with power electronics engineers to define hardware-firmware interfaces (gate drivers, current sensing, ADC configuration, protection logic)
• Lead firmware architecture decisions including RTOS selection, scheduling strategies, and platform abstraction
• Establish engineering best practices: version control, code reviews, testing frameworks, and CI/CD pipelines
• Conduct system-level validation including hardware-in-the-loop testing, dynamometer integration, and field trials

Required Skills and Experience

• 5+ years of hands-on experience in embedded C/C++ for real-time systems
• Proven experience in motor control, power electronics, or high-reliability embedded systems
• Experience in a technical lead or architect role, owning firmware from concept through production
• Strong expertise in RTOS (e.g. FreeRTOS, Zephyr), including scheduling, interrupts, and deterministic timing
• Experience implementing and debugging communication protocols (CAN, UART, SPI, I2C)
• Strong debugging skills using oscilloscopes, logic analysers, and hardware tools
• Proficiency with Git, CI/CD pipelines, unit testing, and modern development workflows

Preferred

• Background in aerospace, defence, or UAV systems, particularly propulsion or ESC development
• Knowledge of advanced motor control techniques (FOC, sensorless control, space vector modulation)
• Familiarity with safety-critical standards (DO-178C, IEC 61508, MISRA C)
• Understanding of power electronics fundamentals (PWM, gate drivers, current sensing, thermal considerations

What's on Offer

• Opportunity to join a cutting-edge start-up at a pivotal growth stage
• Work on industry-leading technology with real-world impact
• Competitive salary, equity, and benefits package
• Flexible and hybrid working options
• A highly collaborative, ambitious, and technically driven culture.

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