Embedded Software Engineer- HF Comms in Crawley

Location: Crawley, United Kingdom. Thales people architect solutions at the heart of the defence-security continuum. Interoperable and secure information and telecommunications systems for defence, security, and civil operators are based upon innovative use of radiocommunications, networks, and cybersecurity. We are groundbreaking new digital technologies such as 4G mobile communications, cryptography, cloud computing, and big data for use in physical protection systems and critical information systems. Together we offer fantastic opportunities for committed employees to learn and develop their career with us. At Thales UK, we research, develop, and supply technology and services that impact the lives of millions of people each day to make life better and keep us safer. We innovate across the major industries of Aerospace, Defence, Security, and Space.

Our Opportunity: At Thales Secure Information and Communication Systems (SIX), we have an exciting opportunity and are looking to recruit an experienced Embedded Software Engineer HF Comms with a focus on HF communications, where you will play a crucial role in the development of innovative embedded software solutions. You will collaborate with the technical leadership to design, implement, and support high-quality software that meets current engineering standards and delivery practices.

The role and overview of key responsibilities:

• Development of HF communications for radios, modems, and power amplifiers.
• Conduct debugging and testing of software for optimal performance in embedded systems.
• Deliver fully tested, maintainable software in line with defined project objectives.
• Contribute to the production of clear and traceable design specifications for new or modified functionality.
• Ensure compliance with governance policies, secure coding practices, and design review procedures.
• Report progress regularly to the Software Lead and Software Engineering Delivery Manager, supporting team delivery goals.

About You: We would love to hear from you if you have:

• Genuine interest in HF communications with aspirations to innovate in this field.
• Strong experience in developing software for embedded systems using modern C++ (11 onwards minimum) and Python (for testing).
• Proven capability in the development of test harnesses and the design and implementation of automated tests within CI/CD environments.
• Proven experience with commonly used tools and libraries, including Boost and standard C++ STL components.
• Familiarity with communication protocols such as WebSockets, SNMP, and Serial interfaces.
• Experience working within Linux environments.
• Working knowledge of Agile practices such as Scrum, including toolchains like JIRA.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office for technical documentation and communication.

Desirable:

• Experience in multi-process and multi-threaded software development.
• Full development lifecycle experience, including requirements capture, design, implementation, testing, integration, verification, and validation.
• Experience developing low-level drivers and working with embedded systems or hardware components.
• Knowledge of RTOS and Buildroot.
• Experience in using modern build systems, automated using Make.
• Familiarity with UML and Rhapsody, ideally for automated code generation.
• Hands-on experience with GIT/Bitbucket for version control and configuration management.
• Experience configuring and maintaining CI pipelines using Jenkins or similar automation platforms.
• Familiarity with static analysis and code quality tools, e.g. Coverity, SonarQube.
• Understanding of secure coding standards and safety/security-critical development requirements for C++.
• Experience using CxxTest unit test framework integrated into the broader build and delivery workflow.

Security Clearance statement: Due to the nature of the work that we do at Thales, many of our roles are subject to security restrictions. This role requires you to be a UK National and achieve Security Clearance (SC) without any caveats. It would be advantageous if currently held; however, if not currently held, it is a requirement that the successful applicant undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance prior to commencing employment. If approved by the MOD, a dual national from a Non-ITAR country may be considered. Please visit the UKSV website for further guidance. To be eligible for full SC, you generally need to have resided in the UK for the last 5 years. In some circumstances, a minimum of 3 years’ residence in the UK over the last 5 years may be accepted, with additional overseas checks.

What we can offer: We are committed to giving you opportunities to be your best. We believe in embracing the passion and potential of our people, and to achieve this we offer market-leading training, development, and experiences, along with the opportunity to be mentored and coached by some of the smartest minds in the industry. We hire from within as our first priority, so you will have a myriad of opportunities within our diverse, global organisation.

Flexibility: Your health and well-being matters to us and that’s why we offer you the flexibility to do what’s important to you; whether that’s part-time hours, job sharing, home working, or the ability to flex your start and finish times. Where possible, we support a working pattern that suits your lifestyle and helps you reach your ambitions.

The Work Environment: At Thales, we believe in flexible SMART working and have the expectation this role will be delivered through a combination of remote and office-based collaborative working. When working in the office, you will be based at the largest Thales site in the UK, featuring access to a wide variety of resources including manufacturing, environmental and electromagnetic test facilities and specialised laboratories. The modern site includes a subsidised restaurant, a café, break out spaces, bicycle storage facilities, and more.

Benefits at Thales: Alongside a competitive base salary, we offer a variable compensation plan bonus and benefits package, which includes:

• Half day every Friday, usually finishing around 13:00pm.
• Hybrid working.
• Pension Scheme.
• 28 days annual leave (Plus Bank Holidays).
• Life Cover.
• Progression and Development Opportunities.
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Program and access to mental wellbeing app.
• Employee discount shopping schemes on major brands and retailers.
• Development focused targets and relocation support can be provided if required along with a variety of learning, development, and career enhancement opportunities.

Thales is an equal opportunities employer and diversity and inclusion are integral to the success of Thales.