🧠Principal Software Engineer – Embedded Systems | Defence Tech | Southampton (On-Site)
📍 Southampton | 💼 Permanent | 💰 Up to £80k + Benefits | 📡 VC-Backed Scale-Up (Series B, £3.8M)
Are you a senior embedded engineer looking to step into a high-impact technical leadership role?
Join a cutting-edge engineering scale-up developing mission-critical technology for the defence, security, and emergency response sectors.
We’re working with a VC-backed business that’s developing advanced detection and identification systems — from handheld devices to integrated multi-sensor platforms. With £3.8M in Series B funding and a 25% year-on-year growth rate, this is a great time to join a scaling team making a real-world impact.
🔧 What You’ll Do
* Lead the design and development of complex embedded software systems across Linux and RTOS platforms
* Architect and integrate software with advanced hardware (sensors, FPGAs, RF systems, DSPs)
* Drive quality through CI/CD automation, testing frameworks, and scalable design principles
* Collaborate across engineering, hardware, and product teams to deliver innovative solutions
* Mentor engineers, contribute to sprint planning, and help define technical strategy
🧰 What You’ll Bring
* 10+ years’ experience in embedded software development (C/C++, Linux, RTOS)
* Strong knowledge of device drivers, low-level systems, and real-time performance optimisation
* Experience with hardware/software integration — ideally with FPGAs, DSPs, or sensor systems
* Proficiency in Python, Git, Docker, and CI/CD tooling (Jenkins, GitLab CI etc.)
* Strong problem-solving mindset and ability to operate in high-trust, cross-functional teams
* Eligible for SC (Security Check) clearance
âś… Bonus Points For
* Exposure to video/image processing, RF systems, or radiation detection
* Experience with Infrastructure-as-Code tools (Ansible, Terraform, Helm)
* Background in physics or signal processing
* Previous work in defence, aerospace, or security sectors
đź“Ť Location & Working Style
* On-site in Southampton (collaborative hardware/software environment)
🚀 Why Apply?
* Be a technical leader in a growing, well-funded deep tech company
* Work on genuinely impactful technology used globally by defence and emergency services
* Join a high-calibre engineering team that values autonomy, rigour, and mission-first thinking
Apply now or message me to learn more — we’re moving quickly on this hire.