Job Description
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