Location: Commutable to Herfordshire, Cheltenham, and Bristol — mostly on-site (4 days/week on customer site, 1 day remote where appropriate).
Clearance: Must be eligible and willing to undergo DV clearance (British Citizen, UK residency last 10 years).
Are you a proven embedded software engineer who thrives on hard problems and real‑world constraints? Want to design and deliver operational tooling directly alongside end users in National Security & Defence?
We’re looking for a senior technical contributor who can take ownership of embedded deliveries, guide technical direction, and mentor others—working across ESP32, Raspberry Pi, and ARM platforms.
What You’ll Do
- Lead development of bespoke embedded solutions across multiple platforms.
- Design, implement, and maintain production‑quality C, C++ and/or Python code interfacing with hardware.
- Architect solutions involving comms protocols, peripheral integration, and performance/robustness constraints.
- Lead debugging, testing, and optimisation across lab and field environments.
- Shape requirements with stakeholders; propose approaches 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.
What You’ll Bring
Essential
- Extensive hands‑on embedded software development experience.
- Strong proficiency in C/C++ (and/or Python where appropriate).
- Deep experience with embedded systems (ESP32, ARM Cortex, SBCs).
- Strong understanding of low‑level interfacing (UART, GPIO, USB, SPI/I2C).
- Confident in Linux‑based development environments and toolchains.
- Strong debugging skills (JTAG/SWD, logic analysers, profiling, etc.) and disciplined engineering practice.
- Ability to communicate clearly and influence technical decisions across teams.
Desirable
- Experience delivering in secure/defence environments.
- Knowledge of cryptography, secure transport, or secure system design.
- Wireless experience (Bluetooth, UWB, Wi‑Fi).
- USB device drivers / advanced USB comms.
- RTOS / bare‑metal expertise.
- Embedded Rust experience or strong interest.
Education & Qualifications
- Degree in a relevant discipline preferred (or equivalent experience).
- Professional membership (BCS, IET) is a plus.
Clearance Requirements
- Clearance to Start: SC
- Clearance for Role: DV
Benefits
- Contributory Pension Scheme
- Private Medical Insurance
- 33 days Annual Leave (including public and privilege holidays)
- Access to Flexible benefits (including life assurance, health schemes, gym memberships, annual buy and sell holidays and a cycle to work scheme)
- Flexi‑Time
Commitment to Diversity
We welcome applications from every part of the community and are committed to a truly diverse and inclusive culture. We foster a sense of belonging, welcoming all perspectives and contributions, and providing equal access to opportunities and resources for everyone. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages please let us know, and we will respond in a way that best fits your needs.
