Embedded Systems Engineer

About Netholabs

Netholabs is building the interface between brains and intelligent machines. Our mission is to develop interpretable, closed-loop systems that advance both neuroscience and AI — tools that enhance agency, cognition, and control in living systems.

We design intelligent hardware and embedded systems that merge sensing, computation, and interaction in new ways — from bio-inspired networks to adaptive control architectures.

The Role

We are looking for an Embedded Systems Engineer who thrives at the intersection of hardware and software. You'll take ownership of the design, implementation, and testing of low-power Bluetooth devices, working from prototype to production across embedded firmware, electronics integration, and system-level optimization.

This is a hands-on role for an engineer who enjoys building real devices — thinking deeply about power, latency, and communication efficiency — while collaborating with AI and neuroscience teams exploring the frontier of intelligent systems.

Further information can also be found on our website:

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize firmware for low-power, connected embedded systems (BLE/BT 5.x).
• Design and debug embedded architectures using STM32, Nordic nRF, ESP32, or similar microcontrollers.
• Implement communication protocols (BLE GATT, SPI, I²C, UART) and data streaming interfaces.
• Work closely with hardware and mechanical engineers to refine PCB layouts and sensor integration.
• Build test infrastructure for firmware validation, including scripting (Python) and CI pipelines.
• Collaborate with AI and data science teams on embedded-to-cloud data interfaces.
• Contribute to system-level design discussions around efficiency, reliability, and scalability.

About You

You're a builder — someone who makes things work in the real world. You have a history of creating both software and physical devices, whether in research labs, startups, or personal projects. You thrive on solving cross-disciplinary challenges and are driven by curiosity, not just specification sheets.

• Think in systems — from PCB traces to software stacks.
• Have experience with low-power or battery-operated devices.
• Are fluent in C/C++ for embedded development and comfortable with Python for tooling or automation.
• Value clarity, creativity, and rigor.
• Are motivated by long-term impact, not short-term hacks.
• Have interest or experience in neuroscience, biomedical devices, or AI (ideal but not required).

Requirements

• Degree in Electrical / Electronic / Computer Engineering or related field.
• 3+ years of hands-on embedded development experience.
• Strong knowledge of Bluetooth LE and wireless communication fundamentals.
• Familiarity with RTOS environments and low-level debugging tools.
• Experience with Linux-based development workflows and version control (Git).
• Understanding of power optimization and hardware–software integration.

Preferred (Nice to Have)

• Experience with biosignal acquisition, neurotech devices, or sensor fusion.
• PCB design exposure (KiCAD, Altium, or similar).
• Experience deploying embedded ML or edge-AI models.
• Contribution to open-source or research projects.

What We Offer

• A research-driven environment bridging neuroscience, embedded systems, and AI.
• Flexible hybrid setup — work from our London lab or remotely.
• Competitive salary with equity participation.
• Opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking technology with real human impact.
• Small, interdisciplinary team committed to rigor, openness, and creativity.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: £45,000.00-£65,000.00 per year

Application question(s):

• Do you have early stage startup experience?

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person