Senior Firmware Engineer

Wattbike Limited; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 55,000 - GBP 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fitness technology company in Nottingham is seeking an experienced Embedded Firmware & Software Engineer. This role involves developing firmware for smart connected indoor training bikes, requiring 10+ years of embedded development experience and strong C/C++ skills. The ideal candidate will have hands-on expertise with Nordic Semiconductor SoCs and wireless communication protocols. The position offers a supportive culture, opportunities for personal progression, and various benefits including holidays and a company bike.

Benefits

A Wattbike for your home

26 days holiday a year plus bank holidays

Pension and life insurance

Onsite training Zone

Qualifications

• Proven experience developing embedded firmware in C and C++ for microcontroller-based systems.
• 10+ years experience embedded development with 5+ years in a senior/lead developer role.
• Strong hands-on experience with Nordic Semiconductor SoCs and embedded networking principles.

Responsibilities

• Develop the firmware and software for smart, connected indoor training bikes.
• Identify opportunities to improve firmware quality and reliability.
• Lead the design and development of embedded firmware for new and existing products.

Skills

Embedded development

C/C++ programming

Nordic Semiconductor SoCs

Wireless communication protocols

Debugging and problem-solving

Education

Degree in Electronic Engineering or related discipline

Tools

Keil compiler

Git

Job description

Overview

Background: Our 5-year goal is to build on our heritage in elite sport to become the global leader in premium indoor cycling. We will achieve this by expanding our connected product portfolio, accelerating innovation across hardware and digital platforms, and delivering world-class user experiences that keep riders engaged and motivated.

Product development sits at the heart of this vision. Wattbike's combination of hardware innovation, software excellence and best-in-class performance measurement has established a loyal user base and strong brand reputation. We are investing in next-generation product development to serve a broader range of customers, increase penetration in international gym and DTC markets, and create seamless training experiences across our hardware and the Wattbike Hub app.

The Role

At Wattbike, we are driven by a mission to create the world's most accurate, reliable, and connected training platforms. We are looking for an experienced Embedded Firmware & Software Engineer to join our hardware engineering team. You will play a key role in developing the firmware and software that power our range of smart, connected indoor training bikes. From sensor integration and power management to wireless communication and user interface control, you will help shape the experience that defines Wattbike's precision and performance.

This role requires a hands-on engineer with a deep understanding of Nordic SoCs, C/C++ embedded development, and wireless technologies such as BLE, ANT+, and Wi-Fi. You will work closely with the electronics, mechanical, and app development teams to deliver seamless connectivity, stability, and performance across the Wattbike ecosystem.

Immediate priorities

• Ownership: Quickly become the internal authority on Wattbike firmware and embedded systems
• Processes: Implement best practices across the design and development of Wattbike firmware
• Quality: Identify opportunities to improve firmware quality, reliability, and maintainability

Key Responsibilities

Process & Continuous Improvement

• Establish and maintain firmware development standards, documentation, and version control best practice
• Identify opportunities to improve firmware quality, reliability, and maintainability
• Stay current with emerging tools, frameworks, and wireless technologies relevant to IoT and connected fitness
• Lead initiatives to streamline firmware and software development and testing workflows
• Investigate and resolve firmware issues across development and production stages

Testing, Validation & Certification

• Develop automated unit and integration tests to ensure software stability and performance

Debug hardware-software interactions using oscilloscopes, logic analysers, and serial tools.

• Conduct performance profiling, fault analysis, and root-cause investigation
• Support validation, certification, and regulatory compliance processes for connectivity and safety

Design & Development

• Lead the design and development of firmware for new and existing Wattbike products
• Design, implement, and maintain embedded firmware for Wattbike products, from concept through production
• Develop and optimise code for Nordic Semiconductor SoCs using C and C++

Work within RTOS or bare-metal environments to manage sensors, displays, and connectivity modules.

• Configure and integrate wireless communication stacks (BLE, ANT+, Wi-Fi) to support data transfer, device pairing, and IoT functionality
• Optimise firmware for low-power performance, reliability, and scalability
• Implement robust bootloaders, over-the-air (OTA) updates, and system diagnostics

Collaboration & Leadership

• Act as the internal authority for firmware development within Wattbike
• Work closely with the electronics, app, and cloud teams to ensure seamless system integration
• Translate product requirements into efficient firmware architectures and software interfaces
• Provide technical input on system design, feature planning, and future product architecture
• Support manufacturing partners in debugging and optimising firmware for production environments

Measures of Success

• Ownership & Leadership: Quickly become the go-to expert for firmware, driving technical decisions with confidence and accountability
• Reliability & Performance: Deliver firmware that achieves target performance metrics, connectivity reliability, and uptime
• Quality & Maintainability: Establish clean, documented, and maintainable codebases that support long-term scalability
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work effectively with hardware, software, and manufacturing teams to ensure aligned, on-time delivery
• Innovation: Introduces new ideas, tools, or methods that enhance product features or development efficiency
• Process Improvement: Implement improved development workflows, testing frameworks, or debugging processes that enhance team productivity

Requirements

Essential

• Degree in Electronic Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline
• 10+ years experience embedded development with 5+ years in a senior/lead developer role
• Proven experience developing embedded firmware in C and C++ for microcontroller-based systems
• Strong hands-on experience with Nordic Semiconductor SoCs (nRF52/nRF53 family) and the Keil compiler or equivalent toolchains
• Solid understanding of BLE, ANT+, and Wi-Fi communication protocols and embedded networking principles
• Experience in low-power system design, RTOS environments, and peripheral interfacing (I2C, SPI, UART, ADCs)
• Strong debugging and problem-solving skills using industry-standard tools and methods
• Familiarity with source control systems (e.g. Git) and structured development workflows

Desirable

• Desktop software development experience
• Interest in sports technology or connected fitness equipment

Skills & Attributes Required

• Detail and process oriented mindset
• Hands-on approach to problem solving and development
• Resilience & adaptability. Thrives in an agile, fast-paced, SME environment and embraces change
• Genuine interest in cycling, sport, fitness training, and human performance measurement and technology is a bonus

Benefits

• A Wattbike for your home
• A relaxed culture that supports a great home and work blend
• Support for personal progression
• 26 days holiday a year plus bank holidays
• Pension and life insurance
• A staff discount on accessories
• Cycling clubs for the casual rider and racing enthusiasts
• Onsite training Zone