Principal Software Engineer.

Forward NPD; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A product development consultancy in Cambridge seeks an experienced Embedded Software Developer to join the engineering team. The role involves full software lifecycle engagement, requiring expertise in embedded C/C++ development and real-time operating systems. An ideal candidate will have a proven track record and a collaborative mindset. Competitive salary offered based on skills and experience.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Collaborative team of engineers

Opportunities for development in exciting technologies

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of practical design experience.
• Proven track record in embedded systems and real-time OS.
• Experience in scripting and cloud integration.

Responsibilities

• Involved in all stages of software development from design to release.
• Translate complex requirements into clear designs.
• Work with prototype hardware and evaluate kits.

Skills

Embedded C/C++ development

Real-time OS (e.g. FreeRTOS, Zephyr)

Device drivers and hardware control

Cloud integration (Azure, AWS, Google)

Scripting languages (Python, Node.js)

Job description

Embedded software developer with at least 10 years’ practical design experience. Full-time, working at our HQ in Oakington, Cambridge.

About Forward NPD

We’re a product development consultancy based in Cambridge’s vibrant innovation hub, working with clients from start-ups to global brands. Our ready-made product development team combines industrial and mechanical design, electronic engineering, and software development — all driven by a passion for tech that delivers real commercial impact.

Since acquiring Wright Design, we’ve rebranded as Forward NPD and expanded our expertise and capacity. Now, we’re looking for a seasoned software developer to join the engineering team. You’ll join a friendly team passionate about pushing technology forward.

This is an exciting time to join us as we grow our client base and sharpen our focus.

Core Skills

You’ll be involved in every stage of software development—from feasibility and design through to validation and production release. We expect you to have solid experience in:

• Full software lifecycle: requirements, design, coding, testing, and release
• Translating complex requirements into clear, coherent designs
• Embedded C/C++ development
• Real-time OS (e.g. FreeRTOS, Zephyr)
• Scripting languages such as Python or Node.js
• Working with prototype hardware and evaluation kits

Technical Experience

You should have a proven track record in at least four of these:

• Device drivers and hardware control (I2C, SPI, USB, GPIO, UART, DMA)
• Wireless tech (BLE, Wi-Fi, LoRa, cellular)
• System security and encryption
• Embedded TCP/IP networking
• Cloud integration (Azure, AWS, Google)
• Database programming

Experience in any of these areas is a bonus:

• Embedded control and monitoring systems
• IoT products
• Location-based tech
• Web technologies.

About you

Our strength is our people. You’ll need:

• A team player mindset
• Genuine enthusiasm for tackling tough engineering problems
• Empathy for customer challenges
• Technical leadership—guiding and influencing architectural decisions without formal line management
• Rigorous approach to coding and documentation
• Good time management and organisation.

The Rewards

• Competitive salary, reflecting your skills and experience
• Collaborative team of seasoned engineers eager to share knowledge
• Opportunities to develop across exciting technologies and markets