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- Tasks: Get hands-on with embedded systems, validating software and firmware on real hardware.
- Company: Join a dynamic defence systems team focused on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, SC clearance support, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Agile environment with strong career development potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by ensuring products work flawlessly in the field.
- Qualifications: Experience in C/C++ embedded software and a knack for testing and debugging.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 55000 £ per year.
This is for someone who’s comfortable getting hands-on. Someone who can plug into a board, trace a fault, challenge assumptions, and help ship something solid. You’ll be in the guts of embedded systems, working alongside engineers who actually build the thing. Code, hardware, firmware - all of it. The brief is simple: make sure it works properly, under real conditions, not just in theory.
What you’ll be doing:
- You’ll sit inside a multi-disciplinary engineering team, not off to the side. Day to day, that means validating embedded software and firmware running on real hardware - not simulators alone.
- You’ll be setting up tests, breaking things (on purpose), figuring out why they broke, and working with the people who wrote the code to fix it.
- You’ll help shape how testing is done - environments, tooling, approach. If something’s clunky or inefficient, you’ll be expected to improve it.
- There’s a strong system-level angle here too. You’ll be looking at fully integrated products - software, electronics, and mechanical elements all working together — and making sure they behave as they should in the real world.
- It’s an Agile setup, so you’ll be part of stand-ups, reviews, and the usual cadence. Nothing ceremonial - just enough structure to keep things moving.
- And yes, you’ll document what matters: what you tested, what failed, what got fixed.
What you need to bring:
- You’ve worked with embedded software, low-level stuff, typically in C or C++. You understand how it interacts with hardware because you’ve seen it, not just read about it.
- You’ve done testing, validation, or debugging in a real system - not just writing test cases in isolation.
- You know how messy things get when hardware’s involved, and you’re comfortable operating in that space.
- You understand the software lifecycle, but more importantly, you know where testing actually adds value within it.
Useful extras (not deal-breakers):
- If you’ve worked in regulated or safety-critical environments, that’s a plus — you’ll already understand the level of rigour expected.
- Experience with comms protocols like UART, RS232 or CAN will help, especially when you’re digging into system behaviour.
- If you’ve touched test frameworks, automation, or built test setups before, even better.
- Basic electronics knowledge goes a long way here - being able to read a schematic or understand what the hardware’s doing will make your life easier.
- Exposure to C#, or .NET is useful, but not essential.
You’ll need to be eligible for SC clearance.
Embedded Firmware Engineer (C/C++) – Defence Systems in Canterbury employer: Virtual Hire Staffing
Contact Detail:
Virtual Hire Staffing Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Embedded Firmware Engineer (C/C++) – Defence Systems in Canterbury
✨Tip Number 1
Get hands-on with your skills! When you’re networking or chatting with potential employers, don’t just talk about your experience—show them. Bring up specific projects where you’ve debugged embedded systems or improved testing processes. Real-world examples make a huge impact!
✨Tip Number 2
Join relevant forums and groups where engineers hang out. Whether it’s on LinkedIn or other platforms, engage in discussions about embedded firmware and defence systems. This not only helps you learn but also puts you on the radar of companies looking for talent like us!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a good follow-up! After interviews or networking events, drop a quick thank-you note. Mention something specific from your conversation to remind them of your fit for the role. It shows you’re genuinely interested and keeps you top of mind.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative. Plus, it gives you a chance to showcase your understanding of our company culture and values right from the start. So, get your application in and let’s see what you can bring to the table!
We think you need these skills to ace Embedded Firmware Engineer (C/C++) – Defence Systems in Canterbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Hands-On Experience: When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight any hands-on experience you have with embedded systems. We want to see how you've plugged into boards, traced faults, and tackled real-world challenges, not just theoretical knowledge.
Be Specific About Your Skills: Don’t just list your skills; give us examples of how you've used C or C++ in embedded firmware projects. We love details, so share what you’ve built, tested, or debugged, especially in a multi-disciplinary team setting.
Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills: We’re looking for someone who can break things (on purpose!) and figure out why they broke. In your application, include instances where you’ve improved testing processes or tackled inefficiencies in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: Finally, don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Virtual Hire Staffing
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your C and C++ skills, especially in the context of embedded systems. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've worked hands-on with hardware and firmware, as this will show your practical experience.
✨Get Familiar with Testing
Since the role involves validating embedded software, be prepared to talk about your testing strategies. Think of examples where you’ve set up tests, identified faults, and collaborated with developers to resolve issues. This will demonstrate your understanding of the testing lifecycle.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
This job isn’t just about coding; it’s about integrating software with hardware. Be ready to discuss how you’ve approached system-level challenges in past projects. Highlight any experience you have with comms protocols or basic electronics, as this will show you can think beyond just the code.
✨Embrace Agile Methodologies
Since the team operates in an Agile environment, be prepared to share your experiences with stand-ups, reviews, and iterative development. Show that you’re comfortable with flexibility and can adapt to changing requirements while keeping the focus on delivering solid results.