Embedded Software Engineer - Defence Sector (UK Nationals Only)

Help Build the Technologies That Protect What Matters Most

We bring together engineers, scientists, and specialists from diverse backgrounds and give them the tools, trust, and autonomy to contribute to meaningful technical work. Our mission is to solve important problems and develop technologies that safeguard people, assets, and national security.

As global challenges evolve, so do we - advancing the technologies shaping tomorrow as well as today.

About the Organisation

Our client delivers high‑assurance technology solutions for the defence, national security, and intelligence communities. Their teams operate in a collaborative, flexible, and technically rich environment where innovation is encouraged, and individuals are empowered to do their best work.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an Embedded Software Engineer to design and implement efficient, real‑time software for advanced platforms across PNT (Position, Navigation & Timing), RF communications, and sensor systems.

This role blends hands‑on embedded development with the opportunity to contribute to technical direction and influence future capability development.

You'll help build software for next‑generation defence electronics and resilient PNT technologies, including:

• Communication systems
• Radar and ground‑search solutions
• GNSS anti‑jam / anti‑spoof technologies
• Directional antenna arrays
• eLORAN‑based navigation systems

You will join a cooperative, highly skilled engineering team involved in all stages of development-from early R&D prototypes through to full system delivery and customer acceptance testing. Flexible working arrangements are available, including time on client sites where required.

Key Responsibilities

As an Embedded Software Engineer, you may contribute to:

• Capturing embedded software requirements and supporting design, implementation, test, and verification activities.
• Implementing bespoke data‑processing and control algorithms.
• Applying advanced DSP techniques to support robust, assured PNT solutions.
• Rapid prototyping for Urgent Operational Requirements (UORs).
• Working closely with multidisciplinary teams to meet project milestones and quality expectations.

Essential Skills & Experience

• BEng/BSc or Master's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Strong experience developing embedded systems using C and/or C++.
• Experience working with embedded operating systems.
• Ability to contribute to system‑level design, integration, and verification.
• Understanding of modern DevOps tooling and practices.
• Knowledge of SoC devices and Software‑Defined Radio (SDR) platforms.
• Familiarity with open‑source frameworks such as OpenCPI.
• Experience implementing DSP algorithms and using MATLAB or Python for modelling/simulation.

Desirable Experience

• Awareness of security considerations for embedded systems.
• Practical electronics or hardware debugging experience; exposure to FPGA/firmware development.
• Experience with defence‑related technologies such as PNT, EW, sensors, or communications systems.

What's Offered

• Competitive salary
• A flexible benefits package covering health, wellbeing, savings, lifestyle and protection
• A cooperative, inclusive, and innovation‑focused engineering culture
• Flexible working arrangements
• Access to engineering communities and technical forums for tools, technologies, and best practices

Security Requirements - UK Nationals Only

Due to the nature of this role, candidates must be UK nationals and eligible for SC (Security Check) clearance, which requires:

• British Citizenship, and
• At least 5 years of continuous UK residency