Principal / Lead Software Engineer

Holt Recruitment; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dynamic and innovative team as a Principal / Lead Software Engineer, where you'll develop cutting-edge embedded software for next-generation Electronic Warfare systems. This role combines hands-on development with leadership, allowing you to guide a talented team while delivering robust solutions in a high-integrity environment. You'll be responsible for all phases of the software lifecycle, from requirements to integration, and will work closely with hardware and firmware teams. If you're eager to make an impact in mission-critical defense technology, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Qualifications

• Strong experience in C++ and embedded software development.
• Degree in Software, Electronics, or related STEM field required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team of engineers.
• Drive all phases of the software lifecycle from design to integration.
• Collaborate with hardware and firmware teams for system integration.

Skills

C++ (14 or above)

UML

Object-Oriented Design

Agile Methodologies

RTOS (VxWorks, embedded Linux)

Communication Skills

Education

Degree in Software, Electronics, or STEM

Tools

Jira

Confluence

Bitbucket

GitLab

Matlab Simulink

Cameo

DOORS

Dimensions

Job description

Are you ready to take the lead in developing cutting-edge embedded software solutions for next-generation Electronic Warfare systems? We're seeking a Principal / Lead Software Engineer to play a pivotal role in driving innovative and mission-critical solutions.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced engineer to combine hands-on development with leadership, guiding a multidisciplinary team and delivering robust embedded solutions in a high-integrity environment.

What Youll Be Doing:

- Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team of engineers
- Take ownership of project planning, technical reviews, and reporting
- Drive all phases of the software lifecycle: requirements, design, implementation, testing, and integration
- Develop embedded software using RTOSs such as VxWorks or embedded Linux
- Deploy software across multi-core or distributed hardware platforms
- Collaborate closely with hardware and firmware teams to deliver integrated systems
- Follow standards such as RTCA DO-178C and MISRA C/C++ for airborne software development
- Contribute to design reviews, gate reviews, and agile development ceremonies

What Youll Bring:

- Strong experience with C++(14 or above)
- Proficiency in UML and Object-Oriented Design techniques
- Deep understanding of the full software lifecycle in regulated environments
- Experience working in Agile environments (e.g.

Scrum), with tools like Jira, Confluence, Bitbucket, and GitLab
- Exposure to airborne software standards such as RTCA DO-178C DAL C or similar
- Ability to communicate effectively and influence technical direction


Bonus Skills:

- Familiarity with tools like Matlab Simulink, Cameo, DOORS, or Dimensions
- Previous experience in systems requiring high design assurance and real-time performance
- Capability to operate as a technical authority or team lead

Requirements:

- Degree in Software, Electronics, or another STEM-based discipline
- Must be a UK national and eligible for full UK security clearance

Join a dynamic, forward-thinking team where you can lead innovative projects, grow technically, and contribute to the future of electronic warfare systems.

Apply now and help shape the next generation of mission-critical defence technology.