FPGA and Embedded Systems Engineer

FPGA and embedded systems in the robotic inspection industry

Sonobotics is an innovative and disruptive technology start-up from the NDE Group at Imperial College with the mission to develop cutting-edge and bespoke inspection technologies for autonomous and semiautonomous robotic platforms. Seamless hardware and software integration onto all robotic platforms are at the heart of Sonobotics technology, advancing the inspection industry of tomorrow.

This is an exciting opportunity for an FPGA and Embedded Systems Engineer to join a dynamic and fastgrowing team and make a tangible impact in the field of robotics and autonomous systems. You will play a critical role in the integration of state-of-the-art sensor hardware with advanced networking, communication, and processing systems, pushing the boundaries of efficiency, scalability, and innovation in inspection robotics.

Responsibilities:

  • Take ownership of the FPGA and embedded systems stack across Sonobotics robotic inspection technologies.

  • Design, develop, test, and maintain FPGA logic using Verilog and AMD/Xilinx Vivado.

  • Develop embedded firmware and low-level software for microcontrollers, sensors, communications, and data acquisition hardware.

  • Integrate sensor hardware with networking, communication, and processing systems for robotic applications.

  • Support hardware bring-up, debugging, validation, optimisation, and simple PCB design or modification where required.

  • Define and maintain robust hardware/software interfaces, ensuring performance, reliability, power efficiency, and ease of deployment.

  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to translate system requirements into practical embedded solutions.

  • Evaluate and prototype emerging technologies to improve capability, scalability, and product readiness.

  • Produce clear technical documentation, test procedures, troubleshooting guides, and internal or client-facing support materials.

Requirements:

  • Degree in Electronics Engineering, Computer Science, Embedded Systems, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.

  • Strong practical experience with FPGA development, ideally using Verilog and AMD/Xilinx Vivado.

  • Experience developing embedded firmware or low-level software in C or C++.

  • Hands-on experience with common communication protocols such as SPI, I2C, UART, CAN, and Ethernet.

  • Experience with microcontrollers and embedded system development.

  • Ability to debug real hardware using tools such as oscilloscopes, logic analysers, JTAG/debug probes, serial interfaces, and standard electronics lab equipment.

  • Proficiency in Python for high level API development.

  • Comfortable reading schematics and supporting hardware bring-up, PCB debugging, and simple board-level design changes.

  • Familiarity with version control and professional software/firmware development workflows.

  • Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently.

  • Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a cross-disciplinary engineering team.

Desirable:

  • Experience with PetaLinux or embedded Linux workflows.

  • Experience with Rust or other languages used for test automation, tooling, or embedded development.

  • Experience with real-time operating systems.

  • Familiarity with Linux and Windows development environments, including cross-compilation and deployment workflows.

  • Knowledge of power optimisation techniques for embedded systems.

  • Experience with sensor integration, signal processing, data acquisition, or high-speed digital interfaces.

  • Experience producing release notes, API documentation, troubleshooting guides, or customer-facing technical documentation.

  • Experience in robotics, autonomous systems, inspection technologies, or non-destructive evaluation.

What is in it for you?

  • Opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology at the forefront of robotics and inspection innovation.

  • A dynamic and collaborative start-up environment with a strong focus on personal and professional growth.

  • Access to state-of-the-art resources and laboratories at Imperial College.

  • A chance to contribute to transforming the inspection industry with impactful technology.

  • Weekly team drinks and social events.

  • Competitive salary

Location:

NDE Lab at Imperial College London (Exhibition Road) based in the heart of London, 2-minute walk from Hyde Park. Local amenities include local shops, supermarkets and large number of pubs and restaurants.

 

Additional Information:

  • Monday - Friday on site work.

  • 9am - 5pm or 8am - 4pm (flexible).

  • 40hrs per week (including lunch & breaks).

  • Visa sponsorship not available.

  • To apply please email your CV & Cover Letter to careers@sonobotics.com

  • Applications open until filled.

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