Job Description
Work on cutting‑edge embedded software systems supporting advanced avionics and land‑based defence platforms. Join ALTEN Ltd as an Embedded Software Engineer, where you’ll develop robust, real‑time software that underpins mission‑critical systems operating in highly challenging environments.
You’ll be hands‑on across the full embedded software lifecycle, working on low‑level development, hardware integration, and performance‑critical applications — contributing to systems that demand precision, reliability and safety.
Location: Hastings
On‑site: Hybrid (3 days per week)
Seniority: Mid–Senior (5+ years experience)
Security Clearance: Candidates must be willing and eligible to obtain SC clearance.
Key Responsibilities
* Design, develop and maintain embedded software using C/C++ within real‑time environments
* Develop software for avionics and land defence systems, interfacing closely with hardware
* Work across the full lifecycle from requirements and architecture through to integration, testing and deployment
* Support hardware/software integration, debugging and system bring‑up activities
* Develop and optimise code for performance‑critical and resource‑constrained environments
* Contribute to verification and validation activities, including unit and integration testing
* Collaborate with systems, electronics and hardware engineers to ensure seamless system performance
* Participate in code reviews, technical discussions and continuous improvement activities
Qualifications
Required Skills
* 5+ years’ experience in embedded software development
* Strong programming experience in C/C++ within real‑time or embedded systems
* Experience working close to hardware interfaces (drivers, peripherals, communication protocols)
* Understanding of embedded systems architecture and constraints
* Experience across the software development lifecycle in safety‑critical or regulated environments
* Strong debugging and problem‑solving skills in low‑level systems
Soft Skills & Collaboration
* Strong communicator within multidisciplinary engineering teams
* Proactive and solution‑focused mindset
* Ability to work in structured, process‑driven environments (defence / safety‑critical)
* Collaborative approach with a focus on quality and delivery
Required Qualifications
* Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, or relevant technical military background with equivalent experience.
Desirable Skills
* Experience within avionics or defence systems
* Knowledge of real‑time operating systems (RTOS) (e.g. VxWorks, FreeRTOS, Embedded Linux)
* Experience with communication protocols (e.g. CAN, SPI, I2C, UART, Ethernet)
* Exposure to safety‑critical standards (e.g. DO‑178C, MISRA)
* Experience with hardware debugging tools (e.g. oscilloscopes, JTAG, logic analysers)
* Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines or automated testing frameworks
Additional Information
Why join us?
We bring together entrepreneurial, tech-driven people to deliver innovative solutions for leading companies.
At ALTEN, you’ll work on exciting projects, supported by ongoing learning, mentoring, and clear career development tailored to your goals.
Join a passionate team and help build tomorrow, today.
In short you get:
* A personalised career path and a rewarding management style
* A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries
* Private Medical Insurance
* Cycle & Tech Scheme
* Employee assistance programme
* Life insurance & Pension Scheme
* Social atmosphere, regular gatherings & team buildings
* Flexible way of working (role dependent)
We are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant & actively encourage applications from members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, service leavers, and military spouses/partners. We recognise the value of military skills and experience and are committed to ensuring that no applicant is unfairly disadvantaged during our recruitment and selection processes.
ALTEN is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and values the strength that comes from a global mix of backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of background or protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.
This role may require you to have or be willing to go through Security Clearance. As part of the onboarding process candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard; details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website Gov.UK. If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, then your employment may be delayed, or rejected. Details of this will be discussed with you at interview.