Software Engineer (Embedded / R&D) in Devon

About Voltitude

Voltitude (founded 2020) is a specialist engineering company based in Farnborough, UK. Our team brings decades of experience across aviation, space, and defence, with world leading expertise in High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellites (HAPS), both fixed wing and lighter than air. We develop advanced technologies, payload systems and engineering solutions that help unlock and operationalise the stratosphere. If you want to work at the leading edge of novel flight systems in a company where your work directly shapes real world hardware this is a rare opportunity.

Role Overview

This role is ideal for a software engineer with approx. 5 years experience who wants to grow rapidly and work across the full engineering lifecycle in a hands-on R&D environment. You will contribute to the development of software for stratospheric flight systems, from early concept work through integration, testing, and operational deployment. You will work closely with avionics, systems, hardware engineers and operators, gaining exposure to real-time embedded systems, sensors, user applications, and flight test activities. The environment is fast-paced, supportive, and highly collaborative - perfect for someone who enjoys problem solving, building real systems, and learning quickly. You will be based at the Voltitude offices in Farnborough and would typically be expected to be in the office for the majority of the working week. Some UK and international travel may be required for test and flight campaigns.

Key Responsibilities

• Working with the Chief Technology Officer, Head of Software and Head of Avionics, you will be responsible for the following:
• Requirements capture and specification for embedded and PC-based software
• Full-lifecycle software design and implementation
• Real-time embedded programming in C
• Development of PC tools and test utilities (C, C++, Python)
• Software qualification and traceability against requirements
• Software / System testing automation

This is a hands-on role in a small development team. The candidate would also be expected to support system level operational testing using simulation techniques, high altitude balloon tests, scale model aircraft flying and full-size demonstration aircraft long duration trials.

Skills and Experience

Essential:

• Degree/apprenticeship in software, computer engineering, aerospace engineering or similar
• Experience programming real-time embedded systems in C
• Windows application development using C/C++/Python
• Strong understanding of software engineering principles, requirements management, and testing
• Experience using software version control systems
• Comfortable working hands-on with hardware
• Strong communication and documentation skills
• Ability to take ownership of work

Desirable:

• Experience of MISRA coding standards
• Software design for high reliability systems
• Knowledge of the version control systems GIT and SVN
• Web development using WordPress
• Experience with PX4 / Pixhawk or other flight control stacks
• Linux development
• Proficient with MS Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project)
• Experience of UAS or Space system level design processes

Qualities:

• Self-starter
• Autonomous worker
• Ability to make decisions and prioritise work in response to changing project risks or schedules
• Positive and helpful attitude
• Willingness to learn
• Attention to detail
• Organised

A valid UK driving license would also be beneficial. Voltitude offices are on Cody Technology Park. To access the site you will need to able to pass Baseline Personal Security Screening (BPSS) checks. Further information is available at GOV.UK. Right to work in the UK is essential.

Additional Benefits

• Company pension
• Life insurance
• Site canteen
• Health & wellbeing programme
• On-site parking (free)
• On-site gym