Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Senior Embedded Software Developer

Location: Commutable to Hertfordshire, Cheltenham, and Bristol — mostly on-site (4 days/week on customer site, 1 day remote where appropriate)

Clearance: Must be eligible and willing to undergo DV clearance (British Citizen, UK residency last 10 years)

Are you a proven embedded software engineer who thrives on hard problems and real‑world constraints? Want to design and deliver operational tooling directly alongside end users in National Security & Defence
?

We’re looking for a senior technical contributor who can take ownership of embedded deliveries, guide technical direction, and mentor others—working across ESP
32, Raspberry Pi, and ARM platforms.

• Lead development of bespoke embedded solutions across multiple platforms.
• Design, implement, and maintain production‑quality C, C++ and/or Python code interfacing with hardware.
• Architect solutions involving comms protocols, peripheral integration, and performance/robustness constraints.
• Lead debugging, testing, and optimisation across lab and field environments.
• Shape requirements with stakeholders; propose approaches and influence delivery plans.
• Support integration, configuration, and deployment into secure operational environments.
• Produce high‑quality documentation and enforce consistent Git workflows and review standards.
• Mentor junior engineers and raise team capability through coaching and knowledge sharing.

Essential:

• Extensive hands‑on embedded software development experience.
• Strong proficiency in C/C++ (and/or Python where appropriate).
• Deep experience with embedded systems (ESP
  32, ARM Cortex, SBCs).
• Strong understanding of low‑level interfacing (
  UART, GPIO, USB, SPI/I2C
  ).
• Confident in Linux‑based development environments and tool chains.
• Strong debugging skills (JTAG/SWD, logic analysers, profiling, etc.) and disciplined engineering practice.
• Ability to communicate clearly and influence technical decisions across teams.

Desirable:

• Experience delivering in secure/defence environments.
• Knowledge of cryptography, secure transport, or secure system design.
• Wireless experience (
  Bluetooth, UWB, Wi‑Fi
  ).
• USB device drivers / advanced USB comms.
• RTOS / bare‑metal expertise.
• Embedded Rust experience or strong interest.

• Degree in a relevant discipline preferred (or equivalent experience).
• Professional membership (BCS, IET) is a plus.

• Clearance to Start: SC
• Clearance for Role: DV

• Contributory Pension Scheme
• Private Medical Insurance
• 33 days Annual Leave (including public and privilege holidays)
• Access to Flexible benefits (including life assurance, health schemes, gym memberships, annual buy and sell holidays and a cycle to work scheme)
• Flexi‑Time

We welcome applications from every part of the community and are committed to a truly diverse and inclusive culture. We foster a sense of belonging, welcoming all perspectives and contributions, and providing equal access to opportunities and resources for everyone. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages please let us know, and we will respond in a way that best fits your needs.

£61,500.00 – £78,800.00

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.