Senior Embedded Software Engineer
Commutable to Herfordshire, Cheltenham, and Bristol — mostly on-site (4 days/week on customer site, 1 day remote where appropriate)
Clearance
Must be eligible and willing to undergo DV clearance (British Citizen, UK residency last 10 years)
About the Role
Are you a proven embedded software engineer who thrives on hard problems and real-world constraints? Want to design and deliver operational tooling directly alongside end users in National Security & Defence? We’re looking for a senior technical contributor who can take ownership of embedded deliveries, guide technical direction, and mentor others—working across ESP32, Raspberry Pi, and ARM platforms.
What You’ll Do
- Lead development of bespoke embedded solutions across multiple platforms.
- Design, implement, and maintain production-quality C, C++ and/or Python code interfacing with hardware.
- Architect solutions involving comms protocols, peripheral integration, and performance/robustness constraints.
- Lead debugging, testing, and optimisation across lab and field environments.
- Shape requirements with stakeholders; propose approaches and influence delivery plans.
- Support integration, configuration, and deployment into secure operational environments.
- Produce high-quality documentation and enforce consistent Git workflows and review standards.
- Mentor junior engineers and raise team capability through coaching and knowledge sharing.
What You’ll Bring
Essential:
- Extensive hands-on embedded software development experience.
- Strong proficiency in C/C++ (and/or Python where appropriate).
- Deep experience with embedded systems (ESP32, ARM Cortex, SBCs).
- Strong understanding of low-level interfacing (UART, GPIO, USB, SPI/I2C).
- Confident in Linux-based development environments and toolchains.
- Strong debugging skills (JTAG/SWD, logic analysers, profiling, etc.) and disciplined engineering practice.
- Ability to communicate clearly and influence technical decisions across teams.
Desirable:
- Experience delivering in secure/defence environments.
- Knowledge of cryptography, secure transport, or secure system design.
- Wireless experience (Bluetooth, UWB, Wi-Fi).
- USB device drivers / advanced USB comms.
- RTOS / bare-metal expertise.
- Embedded Rust experience or strong interest.
Education & Qualifications
- Degree in a relevant discipline preferred (or equivalent experience).
- Professional membership (BCS, IET) is a plus.
Clearance Requirements
- Clearance to Start: SC
- Clearance for Role: DV
What we do for you
At Leidos we are PASSIONATE about customer success, UNITED as a team and INSPIRED to make a difference. We offer meaningful and engaging careers, a collaborative culture, and support for your career goals, all while nurturing a healthy work-life balance. We provide an employment package that attracts, develops and retains only the best in talent. Our reward scheme includes:
- Contributory Pension Scheme
- Private Medical Insurance
- 33 days Annual Leave (including public and
