At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop cutting-edge embedded software for aviation and defence applications using STM32 microcontrollers.
- Company: Join ALTEN, a global leader in engineering and technology consultancy.
- Benefits: Enjoy a personalised career path, private medical insurance, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with diverse projects and strong support for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on innovative projects that shape the future of technology and sustainability.
- Qualifications: 4+ years in embedded software development with expertise in C++ and STM32.
ALTEN is a global engineering and technology consultancy operating across over 35 countries worldwide. We partner with industry leaders across sectors including Aeronautics, Aerospace, Defence, Naval, Automotive, Energy, Rail, IT and many more to deliver innovative engineering solutions that drive technological advancement & support sustainable transformation. Our teams of passionate and agile engineers work on cutting‑edge projects that shape the future of technology and sustainability. At ALTEN, we empower talented engineers to innovate, solve complex challenges, and deliver impactful solutions that build tomorrow’s world—today.
Join our team as an Embedded Software Engineer and play a key role in developing cutting‑edge embedded solutions for aviation and defence applications. You will work on STM32 microcontroller‑based systems, designing, coding, and integrating software to support advanced antenna platforms. Your expertise in C++ and STM32 CUBE will be critical in delivering robust, high‑performance embedded systems that meet the rigorous demands of the defence sector.
Location: Reading
On‑site: 4 days per week
Seniority: Mid‑Senior
Clearance: Candidates must be willing and eligible to obtain SC clearance.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop embedded software for STM32 microcontrollers, focusing on performance, reliability, and integration.
- Design, code, and test firmware using C++ and STM32 CUBE.
- Integrate embedded solutions onto the platform, ensuring seamless functionality and compliance with system requirements.
- Collaborate with cross‑functional teams (hardware, systems, and test engineers) to deliver end‑to‑end solutions.
- Support debugging, optimization, and validation of embedded systems.
- Contribute to documentation, peer reviews, and continuous improvement of embedded software processes.
Qualifications Required Skills
- 4+ years of experience in embedded software development, with a focus on STM32 microcontrollers.
- Proficiency in C++ and STM32 CUBE development environment.
- Hands‑on experience with microcontroller integration, bare‑metal programming, and platform‑level testing.
- Strong understanding of real‑time embedded systems and low‑level programming.
- Ability to work in a regulated environment, adhering to defence/aerospace standards.
Soft Skills & Collaboration
- Excellent problem‑solving and debugging skills.
- Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
- Proactive approach to quality, compliance, and continuous learning.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, multidisciplinary environment.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or relevant technical/military background with equivalent hands‑on experience.
Desirable Skills
- Experience with RTOS (FreeRTOS, Zephyr, etc.) and embedded Linux.
- Knowledge of communication protocols (CAN, SPI, I2C, UART).
- Familiarity with defence or aviation standards (DO-178C, MISRA C++).
- Exposure to automated testing and CI/CD pipelines for embedded systems.
Additional information
We bring together entrepreneurial, tech‑driven people to deliver innovative solutions for leading companies. At ALTEN, you’ll work on exciting projects, supported by ongoing learning, mentoring, and clear career development tailored to your goals. Join a passionate team and help build tomorrow, today.
In short you get:
- A personalised career path and a rewarding management style
- A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries
- Private Medical Insurance
- Cycle & Tech Scheme
- Employee assistance programme
- Life insurance & Pension Scheme
- Social atmosphere, regular gatherings & team buildings
- Flexible way of working (role dependent)
We are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant & actively encourage applications from members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, service leavers, and military spouses/partners. We recognise the value of military skills and experience and are committed to ensuring that no applicant is unfairly disadvantaged during our recruitment and selection processes. This role may require you to have or be willing to go through Security Clearance. As part of the onboarding process candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard; details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website Gov.UK. If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, then your employment may be delayed, or rejected. Details of this will be discussed with you at interview.
Embedded Software Engineer employer: Alten Ltd
ALTEN is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, empowering engineers to tackle complex challenges in a supportive environment. With a focus on personal career development, diverse engineering projects, and a commitment to work-life balance, employees enjoy benefits such as private medical insurance, flexible working arrangements, and a vibrant social atmosphere. Located in Portsmouth, this role offers the unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge marine navigation systems while being part of a passionate team dedicated to building tomorrow's world today.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Embedded Software Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at ALTEN on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the technical interview by brushing up on your C++ skills and STM32 knowledge. Practice coding challenges and be ready to discuss your past projects in detail—show them what you've got!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your soft skills! ALTEN values teamwork and communication, so be sure to highlight experiences where you collaborated effectively with others or solved complex problems.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining the ALTEN team.
We think you need these skills to ace Embedded Software Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience with STM32 microcontrollers and C++. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant projects!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for embedded systems and how you can contribute to our innovative projects. Keep it concise but impactful—let us know why you're the perfect fit!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, mention specific challenges you've tackled in embedded software development. We love seeing how you approach complex problems and deliver solutions that make a difference.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company!
How to prepare for a job interview at Alten Ltd
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of STM32 microcontrollers and C++. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've used these technologies, as well as any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to share examples of how you've tackled complex issues in embedded systems. Think about times when you had to debug or optimise code, and be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes.
✨Collaborate Like a Pro
Since this role involves working with cross-functional teams, be prepared to discuss your experience collaborating with hardware and test engineers. Highlight any successful projects where teamwork was key to delivering results.
✨Understand the Compliance Landscape
Familiarise yourself with defence and aerospace standards like DO-178C and MISRA C++. Being able to talk about how you've adhered to these standards in past projects will show that you're serious about quality and compliance.
