North West Archives | KO2 Recruitment

Contract Test Engineer

Contract Test Engineer – Electronic Device / Embedded Systems

Location: Manchester – Onsite

Rate: up to £55 ph – Outside IR35

Contract length: 3 months initially

We’re supporting an electronics business in South Manchester who is looking for an experienced Test Engineer to support the validation of a new robotic camera system.

The electronic device is a network connected digital camera with pan and tilt capability, designed for use in a real-time operational environment. You’ll be responsible for expanding the current test coverage, focusing on more complex, scenario based testing across hardware and embedded software.

The Role:

You’ll be working with a physical camera test setup onsite. While a basic test plan and templates are already in place, the focus of this contract is to:

Review requirements and existing test plans
Develop detailed test cases and test scripts
Carry out predominantly manual testing
Perform complex scenario-based testing (e.g. multiple variables interacting such as on-screen display during pan/tilt movement)
Execute tests and document results clearly and in line with procedural standards

There is scope to introduce test automation if you feel it adds value, but this is primarily a manual testing role.

Skills and Experience required:

Strong experience testing electronic / hardware based products
Experience testing embedded software or real-time systems
Confident creating test cases from requirements
Able to work independently with excellent attention to detail
Clear and structured documentation skills

Experience testing camera systems, imaging devices, or motion-based products (pan/tilt systems) would be highly advantageous, but is not essential.

This role would suit someone comfortable working hands on with physical hardware in a lab-style environment.

If you’re a Test Engineer with experience testing embedded software or hardware based systems please get in touch.

Embedded Systems Engineer

Embedded Systems Reliability Engineer

Chester (Hybrid and flexible working available)
Salary up to £60,000

KO2 is working with a technology-led client in the Chester area who are looking to hire an Embedded Systems Reliability Engineer with strong modern C++ experience.

This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys digging into complex systems, improving software quality, and building long-term reliability into embedded and desktop products. You’ll play a key role in improving stability, observability, and automation across a mixed embedded Linux and desktop environment.

About the Role

You’ll focus on improving reliability across embedded firmware and desktop applications, working closely with software, hardware, and test teams. Key responsibilities include:

Investigating and resolving complex bugs across embedded and desktop systems
Implementing fixes alongside systemic quality and reliability improvements
Developing and maintaining automated test, diagnostic, and release validation tools using Python and Bash
Enhancing CI/CD pipelines for embedded firmware (Buildroot / make) and desktop applications (CMake / Qt)
Integrating static analysis, quality gates, and release validation
Defining, monitoring, and improving key reliability metrics (crash frequency, memory stability, startup success)
Improving diagnostic visibility through structured logging, crash capture, and telemetry (MQTT)

What We’re Looking For

Proficiency in modern C++ (C++17 or newer ideally)
Experience developing across embedded Linux and cross-platform desktop systems
Scripting skills in Python and Bash
Experience with CMake, make, and CI/CD systems (GitLab CI, Azure Pipelines, etc.)
Solid understanding of Embedded Linux, particularly Buildroot
Confident debugging across firmware, OS, and application layers
Familiarity with Docker for embedded builds and containerised testing
Experience with Qt and GUI development on Windows and Linux
Knowledge of MQTT and distributed messaging systems

What’s On Offer

Competitive salary based on experience up to £60,000
Strong benefits package
Hybrid and flexible working options
Technically challenging role with real ownership and impact
Collaborative, engineering-focused culture
Clear progression and opportunity to influence system quality at scale

If you’re an Embedded Systems Engineer with a passion for reliability, quality, and complex systems, this is a standout opportunity with a growing Chester-based tech business.

Apply today with an up to date CV.

Compliance Manager

January 27, 2026/in North West Permanent /by Chris Oddy

Role: Compliance Manager
Location: Wigan (5 days onsite)
Salary: £45,000 – £60,000 + Private Healthcare

KO2 is working with one of its clients, a global engineering business that designs and develops access control systems used in the retail banking sector, alongside high-security safes and vaults for private banks throughout the world.

Due to the upcoming retirement of the current Compliance Manager, the business is seeking an experienced individual to take ownership of product compliance and verification activities across its product range. A full handover will be provided, and the company is committed to training and developing the successful candidate as part of a long-term succession plan.

This is a key role within the organisation, managing the verification function and ensuring products meet regulatory requirements and third-party certification standards.

Role Overview
As Compliance Manager, you will lead the verification and approvals function, ensuring all new and existing products meet relevant standards and certifications. The role involves extensive third-party testing, ongoing certification renewals, and close collaboration with R&D and external test houses.

This position would suit an established Compliance Manager or a technically strong individual from an electronics or embedded systems background looking to step into management.

Key Responsibilities

Manage a team of verification technicians and engineers (5 direct reports)
Plan and prioritise verification activities, including in-house EMC testing
Own product approval and re-approval processes
Define and manage third-party testing and certification strategies
Maintain certifications, approvals, and technical documentation
Review test reports and resolve technical queries and non-conformances
Liaise with external test houses and certification bodies
Monitor regulatory requirements across all regions of operation
Communicate compliance and approval status to senior management
Maintain Declarations of Conformity, Declarations of Performance, and Technical Construction Files
Ensure internal test facilities are calibrated and fit for purpose
Work in line with ISO9001 Quality Management Systems

The Environment
You will work closely with a well-established Research & Development team of over 30 engineers, based in a purpose-built facility in Lancashire, focused on developing new and improved electronic products.

Skills & Experience

Experience in a compliance, verification, or approvals role
Strong knowledge of standards such as BS EN 54, EN 50131, EMC, LVD, RED, ROHS and REACH
Experience working with third-party test houses and certification bodies
Background in electronics or embedded systems preferred
Strong organisational, communication, and people management skills

Qualifications

Degree or equivalent in an engineering discipline
Minimum 5 years’ experience in a similar role
Management experience preferred, or readiness to step into management
Legal right to work in the UK

What’s on Offer

Salary £45,000 – £60,000
Permanent role based in Wigan
Full handover and structured training
Private healthcare
Long-term career development within a growing engineering business

Apply today for immediate consideration.

Data Engineer

January 8, 2026/in North West, Remote Working Permanent /by Chris Oddy

Role: Data Engineer

Salary: Up to £60,000

Location: 4 days remote, 1 day per week in the Burnley office

About the company

KO2’s client designs and delivers remote sensor technology for automotive applications. The business works with large volumes of data collected from multiple sources and uses cloud-based platforms to turn that data into meaningful insights for internal teams and customers.

The role

KO2 are looking for a Data Engineer to join a growing technical team. This role will focus on building, maintaining and improving data pipelines that bring together data from a range of internal systems, external APIs and cloud environments. You will work closely with colleagues who consume the data, ensuring it is reliable, well structured and fit for purpose.

This is a hands on role with a mix of data engineering, cloud infrastructure and light DevOps responsibilities. You will have the opportunity to help tidy up and standardise existing solutions, migrate or replace legacy components, and implement best practices across the data platform.

Key responsibilities

Designing, building and maintaining data pipelines in AWS
Combining and transforming data from multiple sources into usable datasets
Writing and maintaining production-quality Python code
Working with databases and data storage solutions
Improving existing pipelines through standardisation and best practices
Supporting CI/CD and infrastructure work, including CloudFormation and related tools
Taking ownership of solutions and validating that outputs make sense from a data and business perspective

Required experience

Strong Python programming experience is essential
Hands-on cloud experience is essential, ideally AWS
Experience working with databases and data-driven systems
Background in data engineering, analytics engineering or a closely related role
Ability to understand data logic and question results, not just move data from A to B

Desirable experience

AWS services for data engineering
CI/CD and DevOps tooling
Infrastructure as code, such as CloudFormation
Experience with Azure or GCP is acceptable if you can demonstrate the ability to transfer skills to AWS

The ideal candidate

You will have a solid foundation in data engineering and cloud technologies and be keen to continue developing your skills. You may not tick every box, but you will be curious, proactive and comfortable learning new tools where needed. Attitude, problem-solving ability and long-term fit are as important as existing technical skills

Location and working pattern

This role is remote-first, with four days per week working from home and one day per week in the Burnley office. The in-office day is typically Tuesday and is an important part of team collaboration. Candidates should be within a reasonable commuting distance to make weekly attendance sustainable.

Salary

Up to £60,000 depending on experience, with flexibility for candidates who meet the majority of requirements.

Apply today with an up to date CV for immediate consideration.

Senior Electronic Engineer

December 9, 2025/in North West Permanent /by Chris Oddy

Senior Electronic Engineer | Warrington

Up to £70k DOE

About the Role

We’re seeking an experienced Senior Electronic Engineer to join our growing team in Warrington. This is a key technical position offering the opportunity to lead innovative design projects, mentor junior engineers, and shape the future of our electronic systems and products.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the design, development, and testing of electronic circuits and systems
Produce detailed schematics, PCB layouts, and technical documentation
Oversee product lifecycle activities including prototyping, validation, and certification
Collaborate with cross-functional teams including software, mechanical, and project management
Provide technical leadership, guidance, and mentoring to junior engineers
Investigate and resolve complex engineering issues and contribute to continuous improvement
Ensure designs meet compliance requirements, quality standards, and project deadlines

About You

Strong experience in analogue and digital circuit design
Proficiency with industry-standard tools (e.g., Altium, KiCad, OrCAD, SPICE simulation tools)
Solid understanding of embedded systems, microcontrollers, and communication interfaces
Knowledge of EMC design principles and relevant regulatory standards
Strong problem-solving skills and a hands-on, proactive approach
Excellent communication and leadership skills

Why Join Us?

Competitive salary and benefits package
Opportunities for continued professional development
Work on exciting, cutting-edge projects in a supportive team
Modern facilities with a strong focus on innovation
Hybrid working options

Location

Based in Warrington, with excellent transport links and nearby amenities.

If you’re a driven Senior Electronic Engineer looking to make an impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Please send your CV and cover letter to KO2 Embedded Recruitment Solutions.

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

December 1, 2025/in North West Permanent /by Chris Oddy

Role: Lead Embedded Software Engineer

Location: Frodsham, Cheshire

Salary: £60,000 to £70,000

When it comes to engineering medical technologies used at the point of need, whether in a GP surgery, an ICU, or a specialist hospital department, our client is setting new benchmarks for innovation, safety, and quality. Their devices are designed to prolong life, support clinicians, and deliver absolute reliability in critical environments.

With over a century of combined group expertise in high pressure medical systems and patient care technology, the business has earned long standing trust from healthcare professionals and patients alike. Building on this heritage, they are now expanding their engineering department and are looking for a highly capable Lead Embedded Software Engineer to guide the next generation of life saving products.

The Opportunity

As the Lead Embedded Software Engineer, you will take ownership of embedded software development within the department, acting as the technical lead and setting the standards for quality, architecture, documentation, and compliance. You will play a central role in developing devices used in hospitals, critical care wards, and frontline clinical environments.

You will work closely with hardware, systems, and regulatory teams, ensuring products meet the stringent requirements expected of medical grade technology. This is a key appointment within a growing medical device start up environment, where your expertise and leadership will meaningfully shape the future of the department and its products.

Who They Are Looking For

The business is open minded and will consider applicants from three backgrounds:

Medical device specialists, experienced embedded software engineers with a background in medical, healthcare, or other regulated environments such as ISO 13485, IEC 62304, aerospace, automotive safety, and similar sectors
Regulated industry engineers, with transferrable skills from other safety critical or regulated sectors and the appetite to transition into medical devices
Exceptional embedded software engineers, without regulated industry experience but who demonstrate the drive, determination, and personal qualities to thrive in a medical device environment

Titles considered include Senior Embedded Software Engineer, Principal Embedded Software Engineer, and Lead Embedded Software Engineer, with salary aligned to capability and experience.

Location and Hybrid Working

The Director is supportive of remote working and is happy for the role to be office based one to two days per week, potentially less. However, due to internal policy, the successful candidate must live within a sensible commuting distance and be able to reach the Frodsham site within around one hour and fifteen minutes when needed for collaboration, test activities, or project requirements.

Package

£60,000 to £70,000 salary, depending on experience and seniority
5.9% company pension contribution
8% annual performance based bonus
Flexible hybrid working
An opportunity to lead an embedded function within an innovative medical device environment.
Meaningful work on products that improve and save lives

If you want your work to have purpose, this is a rare chance to combine cutting edge engineering with real world clinical impact. You will be joining an ambitious and passionate team dedicated to improving patient outcomes through technological excellence.

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

November 28, 2025/in North West Permanent /by Chris Oddy

Role: Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Location: Manchester

Salary: Up to £70,000 DOE + Benefits

Are you an experienced Embedded Software Engineer looking to take your career to the next level? Join our clients innovative Manchester-based team, where you’ll help shape the next generation of embedded software solutions used across high-performance systems used around the globe.

What You’ll Be Doing

You’ll play a key role in designing, developing, and optimising embedded applications across a range of embedded and Linux-based platforms. Working alongside talented engineers, you’ll help build robust, efficient systems that power real-world products.

Skills and Experience Required:

Solid, hands-on experience in embedded systems
Strong C or C++ skills within embedded environments
Java development experience
Knowledge of communication protocols including RS232, I2C, TCP/IP, and USB
Strong analytical problem-solving abilities
Ability to stay focused and effective under pressure

Desirable:

Experience developing on Ubuntu and Windows environments
Familiarity with Yocto or Buildroot
Understanding of Linux kernel configuration
Experience developing Java OpenJDK on embedded Linux platforms
SAS Experience

Why Apply?

Work with cutting-edge embedded technologies
Be part of a collaborative, supportive engineering culture
Opportunities for growth, training, and technical leadership
Competitive salary + comprehensive benefits package

Apply today with an up-to-date CV and a member of the KO2 team will be in touch to progress your application.

Lead Electronics Engineer

November 27, 2025/in North West Permanent /by Chris Oddy

Role: Lead Electronic Engineer

Location: Preston + Hybrid Work from home

Salary: Up to £70,000 + Benefits

Are you an experienced Electronic Embedded Engineer passionate about new product innovation and cutting-edge technology?

Our client, a leading technology company based in Preston, is expanding its engineering team and seeking a talented engineer to play a key role in the design and development of next-generation electronic products.

This is an exciting opportunity to work on full product lifecycle development — from concept through to production — where your ideas and expertise will directly shape innovative products used across high-performance applications.

The Role

As an Electronic Embedded Engineer, you’ll work within a collaborative, multi-disciplinary team to design, develop, and test complex electronic systems. You’ll be involved in both hardware and firmware development, taking ownership of projects that combine analogue and digital circuit design with embedded microcontroller-based systems.

You’ll also contribute to research and development activities, pushing forward new ideas for product improvement and innovation — particularly in battery-powered and energy storage technologies.

Key Responsibilities

Design, develop, and test analogue and digital electronic circuits.
Develop embedded firmware for microcontroller-based systems (C/C++).
Contribute to new product development from concept to production.
Conduct prototyping, validation, and debugging of electronic designs.
Work closely with mechanical, software, and production teams to ensure seamless integration.
Support continuous improvement and innovation within product design.

Skills & Experience

Essential:

Strong experience in electronics and embedded system design.
Proven background in analogue and digital circuit design.
Experience with microcontroller development (ARM, PIC, STM32, or similar).
Solid understanding of embedded programming.
Track record of delivering innovative new products in an R&D environment.

Desirable:

Experience with power storage, battery-powered, or low-power electronic systems.
Knowledge of power management, charging circuits, or energy-efficient design.
Familiarity with compliance testing (EMC, CE, etc.).

Why Join?

Be at the forefront of innovative product design and development.
Join a collaborative, forward-thinking engineering team.
Work on a diverse range of technically challenging projects.
Excellent career growth opportunities in a company investing in R&D and innovation.

Mechanical Engineer

September 24, 2025/in North West Permanent /by Chris Oddy

Position: Mechanical Engineer

Location: Liverpool

Salary: Up to £50,000 + Benefits

We are looking for an experienced Mechanical Engineer to join our Engineering team in Formby, developing advanced black box telematic devices for all areas of transport.

In this role, the Mechanical Engineer will be responsible for designing and developing products from concept through to manufacture, ensuring compliance with industry standards in a safety-critical environment. You will contribute to new product development, undertake design modifications, and provide full technical documentation, drawings, and specifications.

Key responsibilities include:

Producing 3D models, layouts, and technical drawings using industry-standard CAD software.
Applying engineering calculations and design formulas to develop robust and reliable solutions.
Supporting the full product lifecycle, from prototyping and testing through to production release.
Managing multiple projects, delivering on time, cost, and quality targets.
Liaising with suppliers, production, and customers to ensure technical requirements are met.
Maintaining strong revision control and documentation processes.

The successful Mechanical Engineer will have:

A degree (or equivalent experience) in Mechanical Engineering.
Strong knowledge of CAD/3D solid modelling packages (e.g. AutoCAD).
Experience with design for manufacture, materials selection, and mechanical design calculations.
Proven background in product design, ideally within a safety-critical industry.
Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and team collaboration skills.

This role offers the opportunity to work on innovative projects, using emerging technologies to shape the future of transport systems. It’s an excellent position for a Mechanical Engineer seeking to apply their technical expertise to challenging and rewarding engineering problems.

Salary: £50,000 plus benefits.

Apply today and help us deliver next-generation transport technology.

Electronics Engineer

September 24, 2025/in North West Permanent /by Chris Oddy

Position: Electronic Engineer
Location: Liverpool
Salary: £43,000 + benefits

Our client is seeking a skilled Electronic Engineer with a strong background in analogue design to join their Design & Development team in Merseyside. You’ll play a vital role in creating and optimising advanced electronic devices used throughout the UK and Europe, you will work across the full product lifecycle—from initial concept through to production release.

As an Electronics Engineer, your primary focus will be on analogue circuit design and development, ensuring performance, stability, and reliability in demanding real-world environments. Responsibilities will include:

Designing and simulating analogue and mixed-signal circuits
Schematic capture and PCB layout with analogue performance in mind
Developing solutions that meet EMC and industry compliance standards
Supporting design for manufacturability, reliability, and long-term component availability

You will work closely with colleagues, suppliers, and customers to deliver innovative and robust solutions that enhance both performance and safety.

About you:

Degree in Electronics (or related discipline)
2+ years’ hands-on experience in analogue electronics design
Familiarity with PCB design tools, EMC considerations, and design-for-reliability principles
Experience with CADSTAR or similar packages
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a passion for innovation
Experience with Switch mode power supply design (SMPS), PIC microcontrollers or Design for manufacture is desirable.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an engineer who thrives on analogue problem-solving, innovation, and real-world impact. They offer half days on Fridays, 25 days holiday and a salary of up to £43,000 DOE.

If you’re an ambitious engineer ready to advance your career in analogue electronics design, apply today with an up-to-date CV.