At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and implementation of robust software for critical defence systems.
- Company: Join a high-assurance UK defence environment focused on quality and security.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Enjoy autonomy in decision-making within a mature and inclusive workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security with your engineering skills.
- Qualifications: Expertise in C/C++ and experience in safety-critical domains required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 65000 € per year.
This is a delivery-focused engineering position within a high-assurance UK defense environment. We are looking for "hands-on" Senior Engineers who prioritize shipping robust, evidence-backed software over theoretical design. You will take ownership of mission-critical systems where safety, security, and reliability are the primary constraints.
This role is designed for established professionals who can lead technical delivery end-to-end and make sound engineering trade-offs in a regulated environment.
Key Responsibilities- Technical Ownership: Lead the design, implementation, and verification of software for complex, long-term defense programs.
- Full Lifecycle Engineering: Manage requirements analysis, architectural design, and hardware-software integration.
- High-Assurance Delivery: Produce robust C/C++ code that meets stringent certification and safety-case standards.
- Collaborative Leadership: Work alongside systems and safety engineers to ensure technical standards are upheld throughout the release workflow.
- Experience: Have had experience in defense, aerospace, or safety-critical domains (e.g., Medical, Rail, Nuclear).
- Core Languages: Expert-level C and/or C++ with a focus on memory discipline and performance-aware design.
- Platforms: Deep experience with Embedded Linux, RTOS, or Bare Metal environments and hardware interfaces.
- Tooling: Proficiency with modern build systems (CMake), cross-compilers, and CI/CD pipelines (Jenkins/GitLab).
- Standards & Evidence: Familiarity with evidence-driven engineering, including static analysis (MISRA/CERT) and requirements traceability (DOORS or similar).
- Security Mindset: A strong understanding of secure coding practices and threat-driven development.
- Impact: Work on software that is actively deployed and relied upon for national security.
- Autonomy: An environment that trusts senior engineers to make critical design decisions and influence technical standards.
- Stability: Long-term, technically demanding programs that value engineering quality over "move fast and break things" mentalities.
- Culture: A mature professional environment that balances technical rigor with a supportive, inclusive workplace.
Please Note: Due to the nature of the programs, candidates must hold current UK Security Clearance (SC or DV). We are unable to sponsor new clearances or visas for this position.
Embedded Software Engineer employer: Morgan McKinley
As an Embedded Software Engineer in Hampshire, you will join a leading defence organisation that prioritises the delivery of high-quality, mission-critical software. Our work culture fosters autonomy and collaboration, allowing you to take ownership of your projects while contributing to national security. With a focus on employee growth and a supportive environment, we offer a unique opportunity to work on technically demanding programmes that value engineering excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Embedded Software Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the defence and embedded systems sectors. Attend meetups, webinars, or even local tech events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best C/C++ projects, especially those related to safety-critical systems. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can do and how you approach complex problems.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of embedded systems and secure coding practices. Practice coding challenges and be ready to discuss your past projects in detail, focusing on your decision-making process and trade-offs.
✨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 are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Embedded Software Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Embedded Software Engineer role. Highlight your experience with C/C++, embedded systems, and any relevant projects in defense or safety-critical domains. We want to see how your skills match our needs!
Showcase Your Projects:Include specific examples of projects where you've taken ownership and delivered robust software. We love seeing evidence of your hands-on experience, especially in high-assurance environments. Don't hold back on the details!
Highlight Security Clearance:If you have active SC or DV clearance, make sure to mention it upfront. This is a key requirement for us, and it shows you're ready to hit the ground running in our regulated environment.
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 gives you a chance to explore more about our culture and values!
How to prepare for a job interview at Morgan McKinley
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your C and C++ skills, especially around memory management and performance. Be ready to discuss your past projects in detail, focusing on how you tackled challenges in embedded systems.
✨Understand the Environment
Familiarise yourself with the defence sector and the specific requirements of high-assurance software. Knowing about safety-critical domains and relevant standards like MISRA or CERT will show that you’re serious about the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led technical projects or teams in the past. Highlight your ability to make sound engineering trade-offs and collaborate with other engineers to ensure quality delivery.
✨Security is Key
Since this role requires active security clearance, be prepared to discuss your understanding of secure coding practices and threat-driven development. Show that you take security seriously in your coding approach.
