Firmware Lead Engineer

pSeniority Level: /p p#DreamBig /p h3Purpose: /h3 pBrewing the world’s most loved beers and building brands consumers love, AB InBev is where ownership, ambition, and action thrive.
Our portfolio of iconic brands includes global classics like Stella Artois, Budweiser, and Corona, and well-known favorites such as Camden Hells, Beck’s, and Leffe.
We empower you to dream big, lead change, and create a long-lasting legacy. We value relentless problem‑solvers who take accountability, embrace challenges, and turn bold goals into results through resilience and hard work. /p h3That’s Who We Are: Come and OWN IT. /h3 pPerfectDraft combines connected appliances, apps, cloud services, and eCommerce, with firmware at the heart of product reliability, safety, and customer experience. /p pOur multidisciplinary engineering team values ownership, clear communication and practical problem-solving to deliver reliable products at global scale. /p pWe embrace AI-assisted development to improve productivity and quality. The Firmware Lead Engineer must use these tools responsibly, validate generated code, and remain accountable for its correctness, security, and on-device behaviour. /p h3The role: /h3 pLead firmware engineering and delivery for a new connected-appliance platform, from architecture and hardware integration through validation and production release. Work hands-on within the architectural direction set by the Head of Domain, shaping implementation decisions and coordinating delivery across the squad, contractors and external RD partners. /p pThe role combines technical leadership with line management of one Firmware Developer. You will help make the platform reliable, testable and ready for production, integrating device behavior with connectivity and cloud services. /p h3Duties

Responsibilities:
/h3 ul liDefine and evolve firmware architecture for the device platform, working within agreed domain standards. /li liDevelop and review embedded C++ software for the ESP32-C5 platform, keeping hardware access, connectivity, and product behavior in clear modules. /li liGuide implementation of the platform’s event-driven messaging and typed contracts so components can integrate without unnecessary coupling. /li liIntegrate firmware with sensors, actuators, cooling and keg-management functions, the user interface, diagnostics and monitoring. /li liWork with the hardware abstraction layers to keep device-specific access separate from product logic and support consistent testing. /li liIntegrate Wi‑Fi, BLE provisioning and cloud services, including telemetry, device commands and reported or desired state. /li liSupport secure device operation and update flows, including provisioning, TLS and over‑the‑air updates. /li liLead firmware delivery from design and hardware bring‑up through integration, validation, field testing and production release. /li liDebug behaviour across firmware, hardware, connectivity and cloud interfaces; drive defects through to resolution and use field evidence to improve the platform. /li liSupport applicable regulatory and certification work, working with hardware, quality and programme teams on firmware evidence and fixes. /li liCoordinate firmware work with product, hardware, cloud and mobile teams, external RD partners and contractors. /li liLine manage and mentor the Firmware Developer, setting clear expectations for engineering quality and delivery. /li liEstablish practical coding, testing, review, /li liand release practices that make firmware maintainable and reduce defects reaching production. /li /ul h3Who we’re looking for: /h3 ul liStrong hands‑on experience developing embedded software in C++ and working with real‑time operating systems and hardware interfaces. /li liProven ability to bring up, debug, and test firmware on physical devices. /li liExperience with connected products, networking protocols, and device‑to‑cloud integration. /li liAbility to design modular software and communicate system‑level technical trade‑offs. /li liExperience leading technical delivery, mentoring engineers and coordinating cross‑functional teams and external partners. /li liStrong focus on testing, release discipline, risk management, and continuous engineering improvement. /li liConfident use of AI‑assisted development tools, with accountability for code quality, correctness, security, and production readiness. /li liNice to have: ESP32/Espressif IDF, modern C++23, Azure IoT/AWS IoT, BLE provisioning, secure boot, flash encryption, OTA updates and device certification. /li liSuccess measures: Reliable firmware delivery aligned with milestones, maintainable interfaces, robust connectivity, early defect resolution and readiness for certification and production. /li liPractical skills and relevant experience are prioritised over formal qualifications; a degree is not required. /li /ul h3Benefits Perks: /h3 ul li25 holidays per year + bank holidays holiday trading options /li liPension (up to 8% employer