Embecosm
Embecosm is one of the world's leading organisations for research into compiler technology. Embecosm
Our Scholarships
Placement Location
Southampton (Hampshire)
Type of Placements Offered
• 12-month placements • Summer placements also offered (following completion of a 12-month placement)
Restrictions/Notes
(1) Requires 12-month placement for 2026/27. Additional summer placements in later years also offered; (2) Must either be studying software / computing or otherwise be able to show excellent programming skills; (3) Must hold a current passport
Who we are and what we do
Embecosm is a global service provider with offices in the United Kingdom, Germany and representatives in USA and Asia. We deliver major projects involving open source compiler tool chains, embedded operating systems and silicon chip modelling, spanning the smallest deeply embedded processors to the largest high-performance computing systems, including those using RISC-V and ARM processors. We are increasingly using artificial intelligence, machine and deep learning as part of our offerings.
Among other tools, we support GCC, LLVM, Verilator, SystemC, Embedded Linux, FreeBSD and FreeRTOS. Our services include porting tools to new targets, implementing new board support packages (BSPs) for operating systems and architectures and maintaining and supporting existing tools and BSPs. Embecosm is one of the worlds leading organisations for research into compiler and operating system technology.
What you could be doing during your work placement
During your time at Embecosm, you will work on developing open source compilers or operating systems for customers, usually one or two of the following: GCC, LLVM, Verilator, Linux, FreeBSD or FreeRTOS. You should expect to spend up to 25% of your time with customers, very often outside the UK (one scholar spent time in California, Austria and Belgium during their placement). The work will be as part of one of Embecosm’s engineering teams, so you will receive close mentoring. You will also be expected to contribute to public projects during your time at Embecosm.
Meet one of our Scholars
Name: Pietra
Sponsor: Embecosm
University: Brunel University London
Degree Course: BSc Computer Science with AI Specialisation
Why did you choose Embecosm?
My decision to join Embecosm was driven by the company’s unique focus on both compiler tool chain development and AI tool infrastructure, which perfectly aligned with my academic interests in low-level development and artificial intelligence. This placement served as a practical application of my university degree, allowing me to translate theoretical knowledge into real-world projects. The team described a collaborative and supportive environment where professional growth is highly valued, reinforcing my confidence that this was the right place to apply and expand my skills.
What was the first week of your placement like?
My first week at Embecosm was a rewarding introduction to professional engineering. As a new UKESF Scholar, I was warmly welcomed and met most of the team. My induction involved a practical training course developed by the company, which provided a solid foundation in the core concepts of being a tool chain engineer. I went into the office three times a week and was quickly integrated into both internal and client-facing meetings. This immersive start gave me a clear overview of the company’s work and instantly made me feel like a valuable member of the team.
After the first month of your placement, what had you experienced?
After a month, the initial induction and training had given me the confidence to dive into my work at Embecosm. I was already contributing to an open-source project, a rewarding experience that allowed me to apply my skills in a tangible way. I worked closely with my colleagues and was actively involved in both the project planning and development. The early immersion gave me a real sense of ownership and responsibility, and I felt like a fully integrated and valued member of the team.
By the end of your placement, what were the key things you learned?
By the end of my placement, I had significantly developed both my technical and professional skills. The project not only allowed me to apply my academic knowledge but also taught me how to work on a real-world product with strict deadlines. I worked closely with a team of experienced developers, who provided invaluable mentorship and guidance.
What advice would you give to future UKESF Scholars joining Embecosm?
The most valuable piece of advice I can give is to embrace every learning opportunity and ask questions. Don’t be afraid to admit when you don’t understand something. By actively participating, asking for help, and being open to new challenges, you’ll gain the most out of your placement and make a meaningful contribution from day one.
What are your interests outside of work?
Outside of my professional life, I spend a lot of time with my dog, and also find great satisfaction in weight lifting. Additionally, I am an avid gamer, with a particular fascination for the development side of the industry. I especially enjoy learning about the process behind indie games, where small teams or even single developers bring their unique visions to life.
Meet one of our Engineers
Name: Paolo
Job Title: Software Toolchain Engineer
Why I chose my degree programme
I followed classical studies during high school (Latin, Ancient Greek, Philosophy) and decided I needed a change of direction after that. I needed to dive into something more dynamic. Software engineering was appealing for it’s dynamism, depth and variety and it’s growing importance in the world, and hardware engineering looked like an excellent way to gain more understanding of the underlying systems that would benefit my understanding of software. Besides, the first Iron Man movie was out.
I undertook a Bachelor’s degree in Computer and Electronics Engineering and studied the basics of programming and computer systems, but also about mathematical analysis, electronics, transmission lines and circuits.
I chose eventually to do my Master’s degree in software engineering despite my fascination with photonics, because I was captured by the beauty of pure logic and ingenious behind a few lines of well designed software. Also the possibility to apply software engineering skills to an extremely wide range of applications had it’s appeal.
Why I chose Embecosm
As mentioned, I did classical studies in my high school, so probably my passion for languages, grammar rules and semantics is still beating deep down. Compilers represent a unique kind of software that implements the grammar of a language and the analysis of its syntax and semantics. It is also well connected with the hardware world, and a both ancient and dynamic piece of software that harvests multiple disciplines to achieve the best possible code optimizations for different hardware targets and applications.
I had heard about Embecosm as an authority in the field of compiler programming and decided that it would be an excellent opportunity to gain competence in a niche but very well regarded field in software and hardware.
My experience at Embecosm
As part of my work at Embecosm, I develop backends for the LLVM compiler, QEMU emulator optimizations, instruction set emulations and, as required, I design fixes and optimizations across the whole tool chain. My time at Embecosm is also teaching me how to be a manager, both through direct experience and by interacting with different customers with different products and needs.
One of the things I like at Embecosm is the freedom (and the need) to explore new ideas to bring better optimizations and analysis strategies to life. This is achieved by encouraging the employees to dedicate some monthly time to field-related personal project ideas and by being involved with the open source community.
Embecosm has also helped me getting in touch with authorities of the field and being known in the environment.
What I enjoy outside work
I have an appetite for arts and I spend time on several hobbies, like playing the violin, salsa and swing dancing, skiing, cooking and just recently I’m doing some tentative steps into the acting world.
From time to time I still enjoy a gaming session with some old friends from university, or a chilled pint-in-hand Friday evening at my favourite pub by the pier.
I often have an eye also on the latest restaurants coming up in town.