Embedded Software Engineer

Location: Cambridgeshire

Embedded Software Engineer - Linux / C++ / Embedded
Cambridge, UK - Onsite (4-5 days per week)
£65 - £85 per hour (SC Cleared, mid-senior level)
Initial 6 months (strong likelihood of extension)
Active SC clearance required (mandatory)

An opportunity has arisen for an experienced Software Engineer to join a highly technical engineering environment delivering advanced systems within the UK defence and national security sector.

This role is suited to a mid-senior level engineer with a strong Linux and embedded software background who can integrate quickly into an established team and provide immediate impact. The position is fully onsite in Cambridge (minimum 4 days per week).

This is not an FPGA-focused role. The requirement is for a broad, capable software engineer with strong low-level and systems experience.

Key Responsibilities:

Development of software in Linux-based environments
C++ application development for complex systems
Embedded C development for hardware-adjacent systems
Python development for tooling, automation and test
Development and maintenance of GUI applications
Integration, debugging and system-level testing
Working closely with electronics and systems engineers in a multidisciplinary team
Supporting delivery within a secure, defence environment

Essential

Experience:

Active SC clearance
Strong C++ development experience
Embedded C experience
Linux development environment experience
Python scripting and automation experience
GUI development experience (Qt or similar beneficial)
Experience working within defence, aerospace or national security environments
Ability to work onsite in Cambridge 4-5 days per week Desirable

Experience:

Experience integrating software with custom hardware
Real-time systems exposure
Knowledge of secure development practices
Experience working within consultancy or R&D environments

Candidate Profile:

Broad technical exposure across systems and software
Able to contribute quickly with minimal supervision
Strong debugging and problem-solving capability
Comfortable working in fast-paced, technically demanding environments