Lead Software Engineer

Lead Software Engineer

Cheltenham Full-Time 48000 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a team to develop real-time, safety-critical software for aerospace systems.
  • Company: Join Ultra Precision Control Systems, a leader in defence and aerospace technology.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 25 days holiday, life assurance, and a supportive work culture.
  • Why this job: Be part of an innovative team solving critical challenges in aerospace and defence.
  • Qualifications: Experience in embedded C development and leadership in safety-critical environments required.
  • Other info: Diversity and inclusion are core values; we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.

locations Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England, UK Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England, UK

time type Full time

posted on Posted 30+ Days Ago

job requisition id REQ-9564

We are Ultra Precision Control Systems

Ultra PCS is a leading developer of mission and safety critical equipment in the defence and aerospace industry. Our team of experts are at the heart of our success, which is why we are dedicated to fostering a safe working environment and a positive culture where every staff member feels valued and respected.

We solve our customers\’ problems, providing engineering solutions to safety and mission critical challenges in the air and on the ground. Our solutions can be found in the latest military aircraft and vehicles, in civil aircraft, and in unmanned vehicles.

We also offer innovative products optimised to support the unique challenges of the dismounted soldier. We help to ensure our customers get to where they need to be safely, achieve their objectives and keep on going back.

Flexible Working

Wherever possible, we will consider a variety of working options to suit your lifestyle, whether that be hybrid home/office working, flexible working and part or full time employment. It\’s the \’innovating\’ and \’empowering\’ values that we ASPIRE to be. We welcome the challenge to work in new ways and have trust in you when getting the job done because we recognise, our business is our people.

Job Description

Ultra PCS is a leader in providing solutions for aerospace and defence systems. We are seeking an experienced Software Team Lead to join our team. This is an exciting opportunity to lead the development of a real time, safety critical, embedded C application which controls a nose wheel steering system.

We are Ultra Precision Control Systems

Ultra PCS is a leading developer of mission and safety critical equipment in the defence and aerospace industry. Our team of experts are at the heart of our success, which is why we are dedicated to fostering a safe working environment and a positive culture where every staff member feels valued and respected.

We solve our customers\’ problems, providing engineering solutions to safety and mission critical challenges in the air and on the ground. Our solutions can be found in the latest military aircraft and vehicles, in civil aircraft, and in unmanned vehicles.

We also offer innovative products optimised to support the unique challenges of the dismounted soldier. We help to ensure our customers get to where they need to be safely, achieve their objectives and keep on going back.

Flexible Working

Wherever possible, we will consider a variety of working options to suit your lifestyle, whether that be hybrid home/office working, flexible working and part or full time employment. It\’s the \’innovating\’ and \’empowering\’ values that we ASPIRE to be. We welcome the challenge to work in new ways and have trust in you when getting the job done because we recognise, our business is our people.

Job Description

Ultra PCS is a leader in providing solutions for aerospace and defence systems. We are seeking an experienced Software Team Lead to join our team. This is an exciting opportunity to lead the development of a real time, safety critical, embedded C application which controls a nose wheel steering system.

As the Software Team Lead, you will oversee a team of software engineers to derive requirements, compose a spoftware system design, implement, and test a high-reliability safety critical software solution. You will take responsibility for the full software development lifecycle, ensuring compliance with DO-178C level A while pioneering innovation and efficiency. This role requires a combination of technical expertise and strong leadership skills.

Key Responsibilities:

Technical Leadership:

  • Lead the requirements definition, design, development, and verification of a bare-metal, real-time software system written in C.
  • Ensure adherence to DO-178C Level A processes, including traceability, rigorous testing, and quality assurance.
  • Conduct design and code reviews to maintain high-quality standards.

Project Management/Team Leadership:

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams (hardware, systems, and test engineering) to ensure seamless integration of software with hardware systems.
  • Report project status to stakeholders and contribute to program reviews.
  • Ensure effective communication across the team.

Required Skills and Experience

Technical Expertise:

  • Proven experience developing bare-metal real-time embedded systems in C.
  • In-depth knowledge of DO-178C Level A standards, processes, and documentation.
  • Experience with safety-critical systems and familiarity with certification requirements including MCDC testing.
  • Proficiency in real-time software design and RTOS (optional) concepts.
  • Familiarity with debugging tools, hardware interfaces, and safety analysis techniques.

Leadership and Management:

  • Demonstrated success leading software teams, ideally in safety-critical or aerospace domains.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
  • Excellent communication skills, capable of effectively liaising with technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Desirable Qualifications:

  • Experience with aerospace systems or similar high-reliability domains.
  • Familiarity with other safety-critical standards (e.g., ARP4754, ARINC 653, DO-254, DO-248).
  • Understanding of hardware/software integration and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing.

Benefits:

Every employee is critical to our success and as such we offer a range of flexible employee benefits along with career development opportunities.

  • Flexible working within core working hours
  • 25 days holiday (185 hrs) with the option to buy/sell 5 days (37 hrs) plus bank holidays.
  • 4 times your annual salary in life assurance
  • Flexible benefits package
  • Pension Scheme – Less than 5 years\’ service up to 5.5% employer contributions, 5 years\’ service + up to 7.5% employer contributions.
  • Sports and Social club
  • Supportive and friendly working environment with regular team events

You couldn’t be joining the team and Ultra at a more exciting time. Therefore if this sounds of interest, please follow the application process.

Nationality Requirements

Candidates m ust be able to work in the UK without restrictions in accordance with UK National Law and be prepared to successfully undertake an appropriate level of UK National Security Vetting according to UK Government National Security Vetting criteria.

Diverse & Inclusive Employer

Ultra PCS is an equal opportunities employer that values diversity, inclusion, equity and equality. Underpinned by our values, behaviours, and policies, we want you to feel empowered to be your best and authentic self.

We promote a workplace that welcomes people from all backgrounds and cultures; believing that this will increase our diversity of thinking, and ultimately ensure we continue delivering on our commitments to our customers.

We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status and welcome applications from all candidates.

Connect with us on LinkedIn

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Check out our Glassdoor page and see how our employees feel about working for us

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Lead Software Engineer employer: Ultra Electronics Group

At Ultra Precision Control Systems, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values every team member's contributions. With flexible working options, generous holiday allowances, and a commitment to employee development, we empower our staff to thrive in their careers while working on innovative solutions in the defence and aerospace sectors. Join us in Cheltenham or Cambridge, where you can make a meaningful impact in a dynamic environment dedicated to safety and excellence.
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Contact Detail:

Ultra Electronics Group Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Lead Software Engineer

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with DO-178C Level A standards, as this is crucial for the role. Understanding these processes will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to safety-critical software development.

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your leadership experience by preparing examples of how you've successfully led software teams in the past. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them, particularly in safety-critical environments.

✨Tip Number 3

Network with professionals in the aerospace and defence sectors. Engaging with industry peers can provide insights into the company culture at Ultra PCS and may even lead to referrals, which can significantly boost your chances of landing the job.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss your experience with real-time embedded systems in C. Be ready to explain your approach to debugging and testing, as well as any relevant projects that highlight your technical expertise in this area.

We think you need these skills to ace Lead Software Engineer

Embedded C Programming
Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS)
DO-178C Level A Compliance
Safety-Critical Software Development
Requirements Definition and Management
Software System Design
Rigorous Testing and Quality Assurance
Design and Code Reviews
Cross-Functional Team Collaboration
Project Management
Excellent Communication Skills
Debugging Tools Proficiency
Hardware/Software Integration
Safety Analysis Techniques
MCDC Testing Familiarity
Leadership in Software Teams

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in developing real-time, safety-critical embedded systems in C. Emphasise your familiarity with DO-178C Level A standards and any leadership roles you've held.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for aerospace and defence systems. Mention specific projects where you led software teams and how you ensured compliance with safety standards.

Highlight Technical Skills: In your application, clearly outline your technical expertise, including your experience with bare-metal systems, debugging tools, and hardware/software integration. This will demonstrate your suitability for the role.

Showcase Leadership Experience: Detail your previous leadership roles, especially in safety-critical environments. Provide examples of how you managed teams, communicated with stakeholders, and delivered projects on time.

How to prepare for a job interview at Ultra Electronics Group

✨Understand the DO-178C Standards

Make sure you have a solid grasp of the DO-178C Level A standards, as this is crucial for the role. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied these standards in your previous projects and how they impact software development in safety-critical systems.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Software Team Lead, demonstrating your leadership experience is key. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams, managed projects, and ensured effective communication among cross-functional teams in past roles.

✨Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect technical questions related to embedded C programming and real-time systems. Brush up on your knowledge of bare-metal systems, debugging tools, and hardware interfaces, as well as any relevant safety analysis techniques.

✨Emphasise Collaboration and Communication

Highlight your ability to collaborate with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Be ready to discuss how you've facilitated communication within teams and across departments to ensure project success.

Lead Software Engineer
Ultra Electronics Group
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