Embedded Software Engineer

Overview

We take cutting edge Defence and Security research across the cyber domain and operationalise the research into novel and unique capabilities. These solutions support the military and wider government in solving their real-world problems today with an impact and reach unique to the cyber domain.

We deliver engineering on a bespoke scale for discerning customers in unique deployment circumstances. Therefore, engineers with creativity to work out how to fit what we do to meet the customer’s needs, and spot where our processes can be made more efficient, are an excellent fit.

You may work on multiple projects at once (typically two) and you may find that due to the bespoke nature of the work, you may use different skill sets on each project or even on the same project in different phases.

Much of the detail of what we do is classified. We can promise you will see and work with technologies that very few get to see. We work across government with many partners meaning our work is varied and on any given day you might be solving problems in the laboratory, or with like-minded engineers and scientists from across UK government departments. The impact of what we do for UK forces is rarely detailed in the media but widely recognised if you know where to look.

Dstl will give you the chance to work on unique capabilities, develop your technical knowledge and work with friendly colleagues to protect the UK through supporting current and future cyber operations.

Find out more within the candidate pack on Civil Service Jobs.

Dstl recognises the importance of diversity and inclusion as people from diverse backgrounds bring fresh ideas. We are committed to building an inclusive working environment in which each employee fulfils their potential and maximises their contribution.

Job description

In this role you will:

• Bring your background and thinking to guide the research of novel techniques and capabilities to work on a variety of exciting and challenging problems that owing to their sensitivity cannot be done elsewhere.
• Make a difference and have pride in what you do; our work improves the front-line capability of the UK Armed Forces, keeps British citizens safe and support national prosperity.
• Form links across Dstl, Government, industry and academia. We work with an array of partners both at home and abroad including the Armed Forces, other Government departments and industry.
• Develop your career in exciting new areas that are growing to meet groundbreaking challenges.
• Support Group wide technical activities such as technical forums, monthly meets, lightning talks and the mentoring of junior staff. We are proud of our impartial status, doing things for the right reasons.

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Safety at Dstl

Accountable for ensuring safe and secure work;

• Must appreciate and be responsible for the health and safety of self and others; both understand and meet defined accountabilities as written in Dstl policy
• Must demonstrate the expected HS (& EP) behaviours as defined by the Civil Service and Dstl and lead by example
• Must ensure understanding and maintenance of appropriate training, experience and knowledge (i.e. competent / SQEP) for self and direct reports
• Develop a working environment that is supportive of and champions the Dstl approach to security, health, wellbeing, safety and environmental (HSEP) management
• Be aware of the downstream impact of their actions and the actions of their direct reports on those outside of their immediate control
• Implement Dstl\\\’s policies and ensure compliance with the Management System

Person specification

Qualifications

• Ideally, you will have a degree in a STEM based subject such as Computing, Physics, ICT, Electronics, etc. or an equivalent qualification, skills or experience but not essential.

Technical Skills

We need an embedded engineer with some experience/knowledge of some or all the following:

• C, C++ or Rust – with embedded experience.
• Knowledge of microprocessors/microcontrollers.
• Experience with Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and the required maths. EG – Linear Algebra, Signal Processing Algorithms and transformations, matrix computations.
• Experience with Open Component Portability Infrastructure (Open CPI), or a similar embedded Software Defined Radio (SDR) framework.
• Embedded testing methodologies.
• Knowledge of Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS).

Essential

Experience

To be considered for this role we expect you to have:

• Worked on complex and non-routine problems, drawing together disparate information and making meaningful technical assessments, ideally in an engineering or technology environment.
• A persistence and tenacity to cohere people and information that assures technical products to a high level.
• Experience of working in an defence environment.

Important Information

Our work in defence, security and intelligence requires our employees to be UK Nationals who are able to gain a high level of security clearance to undertake the projects we are involved in to protect us from security threats. For this reason, only UK Nationals will be able to apply for this role. If you are an international or dual-national candidate, and you think you have the skills we need, please consider applying to any of our government, security or defence partners.

This role will require full UK security clearance and you should have resided in the UK for the past 5 years. For some roles Developed Vetting will also be required, in this case you should have resided in the UK for the past 10 years.

If you are a current Dstl employee you must ensure your line manager is aware of your application and the potential situation regarding release dates, if successful and a start date is not agreed it could result in the job offer being withdrawn

Behaviours

We\\\’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Delivering at Pace
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together
• Changing and Improving

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £37,769, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory contributes £10,941 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Benefits

Dstl’s full range of great benefits can be found in the information pack which includes:

• Financial: An excellent pension scheme starting from 28.97% employer contribution. In Year Rewarding Achievement bonuses and thank you vouchers. Rental deposit scheme and cycle to work scheme. Option to join Vivup Benefits Payment scheme
• Flexible working: Options include alternative working patterns such as; compressed hours, job shares and annualised hours (agreed number of hours per annum paid monthly).
• Working hours: Flexibility around your working day (e.g. start time, finish time). Ability to bank hours in a 12 month reference period including the ability to accrue and use 3 days per calendar month.
• Annual leave: 25 days pro rata (rising to 30 after 5 years) plus 8 public holidays with the ability to buy/sell 5 additional days per annum.
• Family: Maternity, adoption or shared parental leave of up to 26 weeks with full pay, an additional 13 weeks statutory pay and a further 13 weeks unpaid
• Learning and Development: Dstl encourages and supports charterships, accreditations and provides employees access to fully funded apprenticeships up to level 7 (Masters Degree). Dstl will pay for 2 memberships with relevant bodies/institutions. Employees also have access to Civil Service Learning.
• Facilities: Onsite parking, EV Charging points, restaurants, cafés and gyms.