At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of innovative embedded software solutions for national security.
- Company: Join a cutting-edge tech firm focused on defence and security.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, health benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with mentoring opportunities and career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in national security while working with advanced technologies.
- Qualifications: Extensive embedded software experience and strong skills in C/C++.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: Commutable to Hertfordshire, Cheltenham, and Bristol – mostly on-site (4 days/week on customer site, 1 day remote where appropriate).
Security Clearance: Must be eligible and willing to undergo DV clearance (British Citizen, UK residency last 10 years).
Role: Senior Embedded Software Engineer – leading embedded software development for national security and defence operations.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead development of bespoke embedded solutions across ESP32, Raspberry Pi, and ARM platforms.
- Design, implement, and maintain production-quality C, C++, and/or Python code interfacing with hardware.
- Architect solutions involving communication protocols, peripheral integration and performance constraints.
- Lead debugging, testing, and optimisation across lab and field environments.
- Shape requirements with stakeholders and influence delivery plans.
- Support integration, configuration and deployment into secure operational environments.
- Produce high-quality documentation and enforce consistent Git workflows and review standards.
- Mentor junior engineers and raise team capability through coaching and knowledge sharing.
Required Skills and Experience:
- Extensive hands-on embedded software development experience.
- Strong proficiency in C/C++ with or without Python where appropriate.
- Deep experience with embedded systems, including ESP32, ARM Cortex and SBCs.
- Strong understanding of low-level interfacing such as UART, GPIO, USB, SPI/I²C.
- Confident in Linux-based development environments and toolchains.
- Strong debugging skills (JTAG/SWD, logic analyzers, profiling etc.) and disciplined engineering practice.
- Ability to communicate clearly and influence technical decisions across teams.
Desirable Experience:
- Experience delivering in secure/defence environments.
- Knowledge of cryptography, secure transport or secure system design.
- Wireless experience (Bluetooth, UWB, Wi-Fi).
- USB device driver or advanced USB communications.
- RTOS / bare-metal expertise.
- Embedded Rust experience or strong interest.
Qualifications:
- Degree in a relevant discipline preferred or equivalent experience.
- Professional membership (BCS, IET) is a plus.
Senior Software Developer employer: Leidos, Inc.
As a Senior Software Developer with us, you'll be part of a dynamic team dedicated to national security and defence operations, working primarily on-site in the vibrant regions of Hertfordshire, Cheltenham, and Bristol. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that encourages innovation and professional growth, offering mentorship opportunities and the chance to lead cutting-edge embedded software projects. With a commitment to employee development and a focus on impactful work, we provide a rewarding environment for those looking to make a difference in secure operational settings.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Software Developer
✨Join Local Tech Meetups
Get out there and mingle with fellow developers by joining local tech meetups. It’s a fantastic way to meet people who might be working at Leidos, Inc. or know someone who does. Plus, you can pick up some trendy tech skills and trends while you're at it!
✨Contribute to Open Source Projects
Show off your coding chops by jumping into open-source projects. Not only does this give you practical experience, but it also gets you noticed in the dev community. You'll create a killer portfolio that speaks volumes about your skills to Leidos, Inc..
✨Tap into Online Developer Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online developer communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and even Reddit. Participate in discussions, share your projects, and build your visibility. We can often find opportunities through these channels that can lead to a full-time gig at companies like Leidos, Inc..
✨Explore Job Boards Specifically for Tech Roles
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards that focus on tech roles. Sites like TechCareers or Stack Overflow Jobs can often have listings for companies like Leidos, Inc. that might not show up on broader job sites. Make it a habit to check these regularly, and don’t hesitate to apply directly through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Software Developer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your coding skills:When applying for a software engineering role, it's super important to showcase your coding skills. Make sure your CV includes your tech stack, any relevant programming languages you’re comfortable with, and examples of projects you've worked on. If you have a GitHub profile, link it up! We love to see code in action.
Tailor your portfolio:For a full-time role, we’d expect to see some solid examples of your work in your portfolio. Make sure to include at least two or three projects that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with different technologies. Focus on the projects that are most relevant to the position at Leidos, Inc..
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at Leidos, Inc. and how your skills align with the role. Show us your passion for software development. We dig enthusiastic candidates who understand the value of collaboration and continuous learning!
Be clear and concise:When it comes to writing your CV and cover letter, clarity is key. Avoid jargon that could confuse us and stick to simple, direct language. Highlight your achievements with quantifiable results where possible, and keep everything easy to read. A well-organised application goes a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leidos, Inc.
✨Brush Up on Your Coding Skills
For a full-time software engineering role, it's crucial that we stay sharp with our coding abilities. Expect technical questions that might involve solving problems on the spot or discussing algorithms. Practise on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to get comfortable with the types of questions that often come up.
✨Know Your Tools and Frameworks
Make sure we’re well-acquainted with the tools and technologies listed in the job description. Familiarise ourselves with any specific frameworks or programming languages mentioned. If Leidos, Inc. uses React or Node.js, for instance, be ready to discuss how we’ve used them in previous projects or coursework.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Bring along a portfolio that highlights our best work. This could be code samples, GitHub repositories, or any side projects we’ve built. Make sure we can talk through our thought process for each project, especially the challenges we faced and how we solved them—this shows our problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
While technical skills are key, full-time positions also require cultural fit. Be ready to discuss our previous experiences and how we handle teamwork, conflict, and deadlines. Brush up on the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to clearly articulate our past experiences when discussing how we've contributed to a team.
