At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop embedded real-time software for advanced National Security and Defence platforms.
- Company: Join a dynamic team focused on meaningful technical work in a collaborative environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work in a flat, multidisciplinary team with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in national security while enjoying engineering autonomy and diverse projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in embedded software development using C and C++, with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: Gloucester or Romsey
Hybrid: Flexible hybrid working across secure sites, client environments and home working
Salary: Competitive salary aligned to experience and SFIA level
Clearance: SC eligible with willingness to undergo higher levels of UK vetting
The Opportunity:
This is the kind of environment that tends to attract embedded engineers who want to stay close to meaningful technical work while avoiding heavily layered delivery structures and narrow project ownership. The work sits across the UK National Security and Defence ecosystem, supporting operational systems within Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT), RF communications, sensing and wider EW capability. Projects range from low-TRL R&D and urgent operational requirements through to long-term product development inside high-side environments where engineering judgement and technical quality genuinely matter.
What often differentiates this environment from larger defence organisations is the level of engineering exposure. Teams are relatively flat, multidisciplinary and engineering-led, giving software engineers the opportunity to work closely with DSP specialists, FPGA teams, hardware engineers and programme leadership rather than operating within isolated delivery silos. Engineers here tend to get broader ownership across the full lifecycle, with the ability to influence technical direction, contribute early in programme discussions and move between projects over time.
The work can span embedded Linux development, SDR platforms, GNSS anti-jam technologies, DSP implementation and secure sensing systems depending on programme needs and individual strengths. For engineers who enjoy autonomy, collaborative technical cultures and varied problem-solving across all compass points of secure delivery, it is the kind of role that offers both technical depth and long-term development without becoming overly process-driven.
The Role:
You’ll be joining a team responsible for designing and developing embedded real-time software across advanced National Security and Defence platforms focused on RPNT, RF communications and operational sensing systems. The role combines hands-on engineering with technical leadership responsibilities, making it well suited to experienced engineers who still enjoy low-level problem solving while helping shape wider engineering direction, delivery approaches and technical decision-making.
- Designing and developing embedded real-time software systems using C and C++ across RF, sensing and RPNT platforms.
- Supporting software delivery from early-stage R&D and rapid prototyping through to full operational deployment, integration and verification.
- Implementing bespoke signal processing and control functionality across secure communication and sensing systems.
- Working with DSP algorithms and modelling techniques using MATLAB and Python for simulation, analysis and algorithm development.
- Developing software for modern SoC devices, SDR platforms and open-source frameworks including OpenCPI.
- Collaborating closely with FPGA, hardware and systems engineering teams during integration, testing and customer acceptance activities.
- Supporting modern software engineering and DevOps practices across integration, deployment and collaborative development workflows.
- Contributing to technical leadership activities including design reviews, customer engagement and engineering decision-making across programmes.
The team is less interested in rigid checklist matching and more focused on adaptable engineers who are comfortable moving between technologies, engaging with multidisciplinary teams and contributing beyond pure implementation work. Strong communicators tend to do well here because engineers are trusted with visibility, ownership and influence. It suits people who enjoy understanding how systems fit together operationally, contributing ideas early and working in environments where engineering autonomy is genuinely valued.
Security Requirements:
Candidates must be eligible for SC clearance and willing to undergo higher levels of UK National Security vetting where required. Due to the nature of the work, applicants should typically be British citizens who have resided in the UK for the past 5 years.
Senior Embedded Software Engineer in Romsey employer: Forwardrole
As a Senior Embedded Software Engineer, you will thrive in a dynamic and collaborative environment that prioritises meaningful technical work and offers a flat organisational structure. With opportunities for professional growth and the chance to influence project direction, this role allows you to engage with multidisciplinary teams while working on cutting-edge National Security and Defence projects. The flexible hybrid working model and commitment to engineering autonomy make this company an exceptional employer for those seeking a rewarding career in embedded systems.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Embedded Software Engineer in Romsey
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the embedded software field, especially those who work in defence or security. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or a GitHub repository showcasing your projects, especially those involving C, C++, and DSP algorithms. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can do and sets you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Ace the interview by being ready to discuss not just your technical skills but also how you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. They want to see that you can communicate effectively and contribute to the bigger picture, so share examples from your past experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Embedded Software Engineer in Romsey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Embedded Systems:When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for embedded systems! Share specific projects or experiences that highlight your skills in C and C++, especially in areas like RF communications or real-time software development.
Tailor Your CV to the Role:Make sure your CV reflects the key skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs, so don’t hesitate to emphasise your experience with DSP algorithms, MATLAB, and Python!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your technical expertise and how it relates to the role. We appreciate strong communicators who can convey complex ideas simply!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Forwardrole
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of embedded systems, C and C++ programming, and DSP algorithms. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on that relate to RF communications or real-time software development. This will show your technical depth and how you can contribute to their multidisciplinary teams.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled complex engineering challenges in the past. Think about times when you had to collaborate with hardware or FPGA teams, and be ready to explain your thought process. This will highlight your ability to work across the engineering lifecycle and your adaptability.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Strong communication is key in this role, so practice articulating your ideas clearly. During the interview, make sure to engage with your interviewers by asking questions about their projects and expressing your interest in their collaborative culture. This shows you're not just a techie but also a team player.
✨Understand Their Mission
Familiarise yourself with the UK National Security and Defence ecosystem. Knowing how your role as a Senior Embedded Software Engineer fits into their broader mission will demonstrate your genuine interest in the position and help you connect your skills to their needs.
