Embedded Systems Engineer - C/C++ in Havant

We are a fast-moving, innovation-driven organisation operating at the sharp end of Air Intelligence, Security, and Counter-UAS technology. Our Airspace Intelligence System fuses advanced RF sensors, passive radar technologies, and multi-domain data streams to elevate situational awareness and enhance operational resilience. We are seeking an exceptional Embedded Systems Engineer to join our elite technical team. This high-impact role will involve developing and optimising embedded firmware for next‑generation counter‑drone platforms, ensuring the highest levels of performance, reliability, and security.

Working with state‑of‑the‑art hardware, you will design and implement sophisticated embedded solutions with advanced cryptographic security measures to protect sensitive military communications and operational data. Due to the nature of our work, successful candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain UK Security Clearance (SC level). This typically requires being a resident in the UK for at least 3 of the last 5 years.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimise embedded firmware in C/C++ for defence‑grade counter‑drone systems.
• Implement robust cryptographic protocols and secure boot mechanisms to ensure system integrity.
• Develop and maintain embedded software for RP2350‑based platforms, leveraging its dual‑core ARM Cortex‑M33 architecture and hardware security features.
• Create efficient, real‑time firmware for RF signal processing and threat detection systems.
• Conduct thorough code reviews, static analysis, and security audits to meet defence industry standards.
• Collaborate with hardware engineers to optimise system performance and resource utilisation.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive technical documentation for safety‑critical systems.
• Participate in system integration testing and field trials with military and other end‑users.
• Occasionally participate in on‑site tests at Lavant.

Essential Requirements

• Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electronic Engineering, or related discipline (or equivalent demonstrable experience).
• Expert‑level proficiency in C/C++ for embedded systems development.
• Proven experience with ARM Cortex‑M architecture, particularly the RP2350 or similar dual‑core Cortex‑M33 platforms.
• Deep knowledge of embedded security concepts.
• Proficiency in embedded debugging tools and techniques, e.g. JTAG and SWD, and the use of oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, spectrum analysers, and signal sources to verify operation of RF systems in the 1 GHz to 6 GHz region.
• Strong understanding of communication protocols (SPI, I²C, UART, CAN).
• Experience with version control systems (Git) and modern development workflows.
• Ability to create working firmware for a system, given a design in Altium.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience developing firmware for defence, aerospace, or safety‑critical applications.
• Some experience with Rust.
• Knowledge of RF signal processing and software‑defined radio concepts.
• Experience using Altium for design.
• Familiarity with DO‑178C, IEC 61508, or similar safety standards.
• Understanding of side‑channel attack countermeasures and overall security of systems containing embedded components and using RF channels.
• Knowledge of secure firmware update mechanisms and anti‑tamper technologies.
• Experience with hardware security features, e.g. Arm TrustZone.

We are on holiday until the week commencing 5 January 2026 and will not be reviewing applications during that period. We look forward to hearing from you once we resume reviewing applications.