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 engineering.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £100k, plus a comprehensive package.
- Other info: Enjoy autonomy in decision-making within a supportive and inclusive culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security with your software expertise.
- Qualifications: 7-10+ years in defence or safety-critical domains, expert in C/C++.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 100000 € per year.
Location: Hampshire (M3 Corridor) – On-site/Hybrid requirements due to security
Salary: Up to £100k + Package (Based on experience)
Security Clearance: Active SC or DV Clearance Required (Current/Transferable)
The Role
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.
Technical Requirements
- Experience: Ideally 7–10+ years within 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.
Why Apply?
- 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 in Portsmouth employer: Morgan McKinley
As a Senior Embedded Software Engineer in Hampshire, you will join a prestigious defence organisation that prioritises the delivery of high-quality, mission-critical software. With a strong emphasis on professional growth, collaborative leadership, and a culture that values both technical excellence and inclusivity, this role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to national security while enjoying a supportive work environment. The company also provides competitive salaries and benefits, ensuring that your expertise is recognised and rewarded.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Embedded Software Engineer in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the defence and aerospace sectors. Attend industry events or meetups, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best C/C++ projects, especially those related to embedded systems. This is your chance to demonstrate your hands-on experience and technical ownership. We want to see how you’ve tackled real-world challenges!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview like it’s a mission! Research the company’s projects and understand their tech stack. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around safety-critical systems. We’re looking for candidates who can lead technical delivery end-to-end!
✨Tip Number 4
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. Don’t forget to tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in high-assurance environments!
We think you need these skills to ace Embedded Software Engineer in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Senior Embedded Software Engineer. Highlight your experience with C/C++, embedded systems, and any relevant projects that showcase your hands-on skills in a defence or safety-critical environment.
Showcase Your Experience:In your application, emphasise your 7-10+ years of experience in defence, aerospace, or similar fields. We want to see how you've led technical delivery and made sound engineering decisions in regulated environments.
Highlight Security Clearance:Since active SC or DV clearance is a must, make sure to mention your current or transferable security clearance status clearly in your application. This will help us quickly assess your eligibility for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
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-aware design. 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's standards and regulations. Knowing about evidence-driven engineering and safety-case standards will show that you’re not just technically savvy but also aware of the critical nature of the work.
✨Show 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 how you’ve collaborated with other engineers to uphold technical standards.
✨Security Mindset is Key
Since this role requires active security clearance, be prepared to discuss secure coding practices and threat-driven development. Show that you understand the importance of security in software development, especially in a defence context.
