At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop embedded software for cutting-edge defence technology.
- Company: Join QinetiQ, a leader in innovative defence solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holidays, and health benefits.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for career growth and community involvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while working with brilliant minds on exciting projects.
- Qualifications: Degree in Software or Electronic Engineering, plus strong C programming skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Are you ready to be part of the future? At QinetiQ, we’re not just imagining tomorrow we are creating it. From cutting-edge defence technology to ground-breaking innovations our mission is to empower and protect lives. Join us as a Senior Embedded Software Engineer at our Ashford site, where you will have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology in partnership with some of the most brilliant minds.
The Role
As a Senior Embedded Software Engineer, you will take ownership of embedded software development across a range of complex products, working from initial requirements through to implementation, testing and in‑service support. You will play a senior technical role within project teams, contributing to design decisions, supporting more junior engineers and helping to modernise legacy systems using more contemporary approaches. Day‑to‑day, you’ll work on full lifecycle embedded software development, primarily focused on real‑time, safety‑critical systems written in C and running on bare‑metal and RTOS‑based platforms.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Designing, implementing and testing embedded software from requirements through to production release
- Working across new development and maintenance of existing products, including system upgrades and modernisation
- Producing and maintaining high‑quality technical documentation in line with internal processes
- Supporting system integration, fault diagnosis and issue resolution across software and hardware
- Providing technical guidance and mentoring to mid‑level and junior engineers
- Supporting field trials and test activities in the UK and overseas as required
Essential experience of the Senior Embedded Software Engineer:
- Strong experience developing embedded software in C for real‑time systems
- Experience working close to hardware, including low‑level drivers and interfaces
- Proven ability to deliver work across the full product lifecycle
- Experience diagnosing and resolving complex technical issues in embedded systems
- Strong attention to detail with a calm, methodical approach to problem solving
- Experience working with version control systems such as Git
Essential qualifications for the Senior Embedded Software Engineer:
- Degree in Software, Electronic Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent experience
This role is 37 hours per week based at our Ashford site with a minimum average site attendance of three days per week. Set working times are Mon‑Thurs 8:30‑5:00PM & Fri 8:30‑1:30PM. Occasional travel to testing ranges and customer sites will be expected.
Ashford This role is based at QinetiQ’s Ashford site, home to QinetiQ Target Systems. The facility combines design, manufacturing, testing and trials support, offering engineers the opportunity to see products through the full lifecycle, from concept and design to live operational use.
Our Benefits
- Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance
- Generous holiday allowance, with the option to purchase additional days
- Options to join Health Cash Plan, Private Medical Insurance and Dental Insurance
- Employee discount portal: Personal Accident Insurance, Travel Insurance, Restaurants, Cinema Tickets and much more
- We are proud to support the Armed Forces community by honouring the Armed Forces Covenant and maintaining our Gold Award standard in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme
- Volunteering Opportunities - helping charities and local community
Please note that all applicants for this role must be eligible for SC clearance, as a minimum.
Senior Embedded Software Engineer in Ashford employer: QinetiQ
At QinetiQ, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. As a Senior Embedded Software Engineer at our Ashford site, you will not only engage with cutting-edge technology but also benefit from a supportive environment that encourages professional growth through mentoring and hands-on experience across the full product lifecycle. With competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and a commitment to employee well-being, QinetiQ is dedicated to empowering its workforce while making a meaningful impact in the defence sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Embedded Software Engineer in Ashford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at QinetiQ on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your C programming skills and real-time systems knowledge. We recommend doing some mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to get comfortable with common technical questions.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your projects! If you've worked on any embedded systems or relevant software, make sure to have them ready to discuss. We love seeing practical examples of your work and how you tackled challenges.
✨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, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at QinetiQ.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Embedded Software Engineer in Ashford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Embedded Software Engineer role. Highlight your experience with embedded software in C, real-time systems, and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Projects:Include specific examples of projects where you've developed embedded software from start to finish. Talk about the challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This will help us understand your problem-solving skills and technical expertise.
Keep It Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points for easy reading and make sure to proofread for any typos or errors. We appreciate attention to detail, especially in technical documentation!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at QinetiQ
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your embedded software development skills, especially in C for real-time systems. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on and the challenges you faced, as well as how you resolved them.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your calm, methodical approach to diagnosing and resolving complex technical issues. Think of scenarios where you had to troubleshoot embedded systems and be ready to explain your thought process.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Company
Research QinetiQ and their projects, especially those related to defence technology. Understanding their mission and values will help you align your answers with what they’re looking for in a Senior Embedded Software Engineer.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, team dynamics, and the technologies used at QinetiQ. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
