Cambridge has long been a powerhouse of innovation and in 2025, it's continuing to establish itself as the UK’s leading hub for embedded systems and high-tech engineering startups. With close ties to the University of Cambridge, the Silicon Fen ecosystem and a thriving community of investors and incubators, the city is ripe with opportunity for embedded software engineers.
Whether you're an experienced developer looking for your next challenge or a graduate eager to get stuck into real-world product development, understanding which startups are hiring and what they’re looking for can give you a competitive edge.
At Platform Recruitment, we work closely with a wide range of Cambridge-based startups in the embedded space. If you’re actively looking, take a look at our live jobs or upload your CV today – we’ll help you find the right fit.
Why Cambridge?
Cambridge is often referred to as the UK's answer to Silicon Valley – and for good reason. It offers:
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Access to talent from world-class institutions like the University of Cambridge and Anglia Ruskin
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A dense concentration of tech incubators and accelerators
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A collaborative culture within medtech, AI, semiconductors and robotics sectors
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Proximity to London and strong transport links
The embedded software landscape here is particularly vibrant due to the growth of companies working on IoT devices, autonomous systems, smart healthcare technologies and advanced electronics.
Who’s Hiring in the Embedded Sector?
While we can't name every company due to confidentiality, here are some of the types of startups we’re actively recruiting for:
1. AI-Driven MedTech Startups
Cambridge is a hotspot for healthcare innovation, with embedded systems playing a critical role in diagnostics devices, wearables and connected monitoring tools. These companies are looking for engineers with:
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Experience in firmware development for medical devices
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Understanding of regulatory standards (ISO 13485, IEC 62304)
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Skills in low-power embedded systems and wireless communication
2. IoT and Consumer Electronics Innovators
Many embedded startups are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in smart home, wearable tech and industrial IoT solutions. The key skills in demand include:
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Embedded C/C++ for ARM Cortex platforms
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RTOS, FreeRTOS, or Zephyr experience
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BLE, LoRaWAN, Zigbee and other IoT communication stacks
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PCB bring-up and low-level driver work
3. Robotics and Autonomous Systems
Startups developing robotic arms, drones and autonomous navigation systems are scaling fast. These firms typically look for:
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Backgrounds in real-time systems and motor control
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Integration of sensor fusion and embedded vision
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Engineers who are comfortable working across firmware, hardware and control algorithms
4. Semiconductor and Chip Design Firms
With Cambridge’s legacy in chip design, many startups here are innovating in the embedded software stack that runs close to the silicon. They often need:
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Deep knowledge of low-level firmware and bare-metal programming
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Experience writing bootloaders, device drivers, or BSPs
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Familiarity with VHDL/Verilog environments or SoC integration
What Are Startups Looking For in Embedded Engineers?
Beyond specific tech skills, here are the key traits that Cambridge startups consistently value:
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Versatility: Engineers who can work across multiple levels of the stack (hardware, firmware and application layer).
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Proactiveness: Teams are small, so being self-driven and able to suggest solutions is vital.
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Problem-solving mindset: Debugging embedded systems requires a calm, methodical approach.
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Collaborative attitude: Many teams are cross-disciplinary, so the ability to work with hardware designers, data scientists, or even marketing is a plus.
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Start-up mentality: Willingness to adapt, wear multiple hats and thrive in fast-paced environments.
Salaries and Work Conditions
While compensation in startups may not always match corporate giants, equity and flexible benefits are common. Here's a rough guide to current (2025) market rates in the Cambridge area:
| Experience Level | Typical Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Graduate / Junior | £30,000 - £40,000 |
| Mid-Level | £45,000 - £60,000 |
| Senior Engineer | £65,000 - £80,000 |
| Lead / Architect | £80,000 - £95,000+ |
Most embedded startups now offer:
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Hybrid working or flexible hours
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Performance bonuses or share options
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Opportunities to take ownership of projects early on
How to Stand Out When Applying to Embedded Startups
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Tailor your CV: Highlight relevant skills for the startup's industry (e.g., low-power design for medtech).
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Show your side projects: GitHub repositories or hobby electronics projects are big value-adds.
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Be honest about limitations: Startups prefer candidates who are upfront about what they want to learn.
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Demonstrate passion: If you love embedded systems and stay current on new tech, show it.
Make Cambridge Your Next Move
Whether you’re a seasoned firmware developer or an ambitious graduate, embedded startups in Cambridge offer an exciting environment to build your career. These companies are building next-gen solutions in robotics, AI and healthcare and they need people who can bring ideas to life on the hardware level.
At Platform Recruitment, we connect engineers with startups that align with their technical expertise and values. We know the Cambridge tech ecosystem inside out and we’re here to help you make your next career move count.
View our live roles today or upload your CV to be considered for exclusive embedded opportunities in Cambridge and beyond.
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