Kevin Cottrell

Software Engineer | Software Architecture | Embedded Systems | Application Development | Electronic Engineering

Melksham, England, United Kingdom

About

Methodical and hands-on software engineer offering 30+ years of experience writing embedded C code, building diagnostic and prognostic tools, and testing safety-critical braking systems in railway engineering. Clear and direct communicator with track record of achievement strengthening collaborative team cultures, sharing knowledge with non-technical team members, and translating complex engineering concepts into clear, actionable information. Driven and naturally curious problem solver focused on building reliable embedded systems, driving AI-assisted development, and keeping code quality high by working to EN50128 and MISRA standards, delivering safe railway software

Experience

  • Software Engineer at Knorr-Bremse Rail Systems (UK) Ltd
    Jan 2007 - Jun 2026 · 19 yrs 6 mos

    KBRS design and manufacture railway braking systems. I was responsible for developing and supporting diagnostic tools for the emerging EP2002 braking systems. Later I went on to write code for EP2002 pneumatic braking valves and prognostic equipment. Coding was done manually to MISRA C 2004 / 2012 standard and went through rigorous peer review. All new sections were module tested by referees. I am currently training myself to use AI tools to develop and module test new code. Obviously brakes are safety critical and we follow railway procedures laid out in EN50128. Embedded systems require the engineer to be familiar with the hardware as well as the code generators. We test all new code in hardware simulators to ensure correct operation and fail-safe response to faults.

  • Software Engineer at ALLEN & HEATH LIMITED.
    Sep 1997 - Jun 2006 · 8 yrs 10 mos

    Allen & Heath design and manufacture professional digital audio mixers for the live and install markets. I worked in the research and development department writing high level PC applications and low-level embedded systems software. I occasionally tested hardware to check its audio performance. I implemented code solutions from specifications but I sometimes got to design new PC applications to meet customer requirements. I have been trained to use the Win32 and sockets API’s.

  • PLACEMENT STUDENT at ABB KENT TAYLOR Ltd.
    Jul 1995 - Jun 1996 · 1 yr

    The Kent Taylor division of ABB designs and manufactures a range of digital PID controllers and hybrid recorder / analysers. My placement was based in the design and development department. Mostly responsible for testing, I developed new test strategies to ISO 9001 standard. Research with meters and oscilloscopes enabled me to assess hardware / software performance. I later specified and wrote four pieces of software for new controllers in C and 68HC11 assembler.

  • LABORATORY TECHNICIAN at COOKSON MATTHEY COLOURS Ltd.
    Sep 1987 - Jun 1992 · 4 yrs 10 mos

    I was a member of the technical support team for a large ceramic colour manufacturer. My duties included testing new colours, stock control, and record keeping. Later I became responsible for the synthesis of new colour composites. In 1990 I was trained to use computerised instruments as part of BS 5750.