Gain essential insights into the Cambridge embedded software talent market with our H2 2025 report. This guide explores how demand is evolving across the region, highlighting the sectors, employers and skill areas driving embedded software hiring in Cambridge’s high-tech ecosystem.
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Embedded Software (Cambridge) H2 2025 Talent Report
Rashad Saunders
12th Jan 2026
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Key Highlights
- Market Trends: Embedded software hiring in Cambridge showed steady growth in H2 2025, led by high-tech and knowledge-intensive sectors. Semiconductor manufacturing and software development remain the largest employers, reinforcing Cambridge’s position as a hub for advanced computing and embedded systems.
- Sector Shifts: Growth is strongest across defence and space manufacturing and research-driven organisations, reflecting rising demand for specialised engineering and R&D talent. In contrast, traditional manufacturing and design-led services are contracting or flat, indicating a continued shift away from legacy industries.
- Hiring Challenges: The market is increasingly concentrated around high-tech employers. Companies such as Arm and Roku continue to expand, alongside specialist firms in cybersecurity and communications, while some legacy organisations have seen modest declines. Competition for experienced embedded engineers remains high within a relatively narrow, highly skilled talent pool.
- Future Outlook: Demand into 2026 is expected to remain focused on semiconductors, cybersecurity, software and defence-related applications. Cambridge will continue to favour embedded software engineers aligned to high-impact, knowledge-driven work rather than traditional manufacturing environments.