Firmware Engineer

Kidde Global Solutions; Herne Bay; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A global technology leader in fire safety is seeking a Firmware Engineer in Herne Bay, Kent. You will work on developing firmware and software architecture for various fire alarm products. The ideal candidate should have a university degree in Software Development and a minimum of 2 years of professional experience, preferably with hands-on C/C++ programming and microcontroller knowledge. This role offers a competitive benefits package, including 25 annual leave days and a pension scheme.

Benefits

25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays

Defined Contribution pension scheme

Life assurance

Access to health & wellbeing resources

Bravo Awards for outstanding contributions

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of professional experience required.
• Hands-on experience with C/C++ programming preferred.
• Ability to read and understand electronic schematics.

Responsibilities

• Develop firmware and software architecture for embedded systems.
• Collaborate closely with analysts, test engineers, and hardware engineers.
• Design and implement software according to defined requirements.

Skills

C programming

C++ programming

Microcontrollers

Analytical skills

English proficiency

Education

University degree in Software Development or related field

Tools

GDB

Job description

Posted Thursday, December 18, 2025 at 11:00 PM

The Next Level of Fire & Life Safety Leadership

With more than two centuries of combined history, brands like Kidde, Kidde Commercial, Edwards, GST, Badger, Gloria and Aritech have been leading the way in protecting people and property around the world. Now, we’re taking that leadership to the next level. Kidde Global Solutions brings together the most trusted and iconic brands in safety, building upon our shared experience and expertise to address the needs and challenges of more customers in more places. With an unmatched portfolio of solutions and services, and a commitment to constant innovation we’re elevating the standards for an entire industry – and establishing the next level of fire and life safety leadership.

At Kidde Global Solutions, you’re joining a global technology leader in fire and life safety solutions and our employees are the heart of it all. With industry-defining brands in life safety and security, you’ll be part of a legacy of leadership working with cutting‑edge technologies that protect lives and property worldwide. As a leading fire safety brand, our mission is to provide solutions that protect people and property from the effects of fire and related hazards. We’re committed to expanding our impact and providing dynamic opportunities for growth within our team. You’ll be part of a company that prioritizes quality, integrity, collaboration, and customer care, with the resources, training, and incentives to ensure your success every step of the way.

Role: Firmware Engineer Location: Herne Bay, Kent
Job Type: Full‑time

Where Fire Safety Innovation Meets Opportunity

As part of EMS Ltd, within the Kidde Global Solutions – Commercial Fire Business Unit, you will join a long‑standing legacy of leadership in fire safety. You’ll work with cutting‑edge technologies that help protect lives and property around the world.

Backed by a recent $10M investment in product innovation, we are expanding our capabilities and creating exciting opportunities for growth. We are a company that values quality, integrity, collaboration, and customer care, offering the resources, training, and incentives you need to succeed. If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and join a mission‑driven, innovative team — we’d love to hear from you.

About the Role

Electronic Modular Services (EMS) is seeking a Firmware Engineer to join our team in Herne Bay, Kent. In this role, you will design and develop firmware supporting a wide range of EMS wireless fire alarm products, including smoke and heat detectors, sounders, fire panels, and networking equipment. You will be part of an international R&D team whose work has a direct impact on the safety of people worldwide. This position offers exposure to the full product development lifecycle, from system analysis and architecture definition through implementation, testing, production support, and ongoing product maintenance.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop firmware and software architecture for embedded systems
• Contribute to conceptual design work and prepare technical documentation
• Collaborate closely with analysts, test engineers, and hardware engineers
• Design and implement software in C according to defined requirements and specifications
• Provide software support for new and existing products
• Support other members of the R&D team and maintain close communication with the Team Leader and R&D Director
• Participate in and perform code reviews
• Take part in specification and design reviews

Basic Qualifications

• University degree in Software Development, Computer Science, or a related field
• Minimum 2 years of professional experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands‑on experience with C/C++ programming
• Experience with microcontrollers (e.g. STM, TI, Renesas)
• Ability to read and understand electronic schematics
• Knowledge of debugging tools and techniques (e.g. GDB)
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to propose sustainable technical solutions
• Good command of spoken and written English
• Basic knowledge of hardware and general electronics

What You Will Gain

• 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays
• Defined Contribution (DC) pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Access to the Benefits Central Platform, including rewards, recognition, and health & wellbeing resources
• Bravo Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions and encouraging excellence across the organization

World Leaders in Fire and Life Safety

Kidde Global Solutions is a world leader in fire & life safety solutions tailored for complex commercial facilities to homes. Through iconic, industry-defining brands including Kidde, Kidde Commercial, Edwards, GST, Badger, Gloria and Aritech, we provide residential and commercial customers with advanced solutions and services to protect people and property in a wide range of applications, all around the globe.