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:
1. Development of software in Linux-based environments
2. C++ application development for complex systems
3. Embedded C development for hardware-adjacent systems
4. Python development for tooling, automation and test
5. Development and maintenance of GUI applications
6. Integration, debugging and system-level testing
7. Working closely with electronics and systems engineers in a multidisciplinary team
8. Supporting delivery within a secure, defence environment
Essential Experience:
9. Active SC clearance
10. Strong C++ development experience
11. Embedded C experience
12. Linux development environment experience
13. Python scripting and automation experience
14. GUI development experience (Qt or similar beneficial)
15. Experience working within defence, aerospace or national security environments
16. Ability to work onsite in Cambridge 4-5 days per week
Desirable Experience:
17. Experience integrating software with custom hardware
18. Real-time systems exposure
19. Knowledge of secure development practices
20. Experience working within consultancy or R&D environments
Candidate Profile:
21. Broad technical exposure across systems and software
22. Able to contribute quickly with minimal supervision
23. Strong debugging and problem-solving capability
24. Comfortable working in fast-paced, technically demanding environments