Embedded Software Architect

Leonardo UK Ltd; Luton; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible benefits

Hybrid working

pension contribution up to 15%

Mental health support

Learning courses (Coursera/LinkedIn)

Job summary

Leonardo UK Ltd in Luton is seeking an Embedded Software Architect to shape next-gen EW software platforms. You will lead requirements and architecture discussions, guiding the team to deliver reliable, modular embedded solutions using C++ on Linux/VxWorks where applicable.

You will collaborate with stakeholders, influence design choices, and apply safe design principles, with security clearances such as BPSS possibly required. This role offers hybrid working in the UK.

Qualifications

• Engage with project stakeholders to determine system and software requirements.
• Lead architectural solutions at platform level for software.
• Influence development with design principles, modularity and reuse, best practices and toolchains.
• Experience or familiarity with safety-critical standards such as RTCA-DO178C is valued.

Responsibilities

• Engage with project stakeholders to determine system and software level requirements.
• Collaborate in architectural solutions at a platform to determine software solutions.
• Influence development approach considering design principles, modularity and reuse, best practice, toolchain and more.

Skills

Software architecture

C++

Embedded software

UML modelling

Design patterns

Linux / VxWorks

Requirements engineering

Networking & Ethernet

RTCA-DO178C

Job description

Job Description

Your impact As an Embedded Software Architect, you'll play a key role in shaping the future of cutting‑edge systems, working at the forefront of software innovation. You’ll have the chance to lead software engineering solutions that bring complex systems to life, influencing projects from the earliest stages. You will contribute at the requirements and architecture level to ensure the successful deployment of advanced software and electronic warfare (EW) capabilities.

What you will do

• Engage with project stakeholders to determine system and software level requirements.
• Collaborate in the architectural solutions at a platform to determine the software solutions that will be developed.
• Influence the development approach considering design principles, modularity and reuse, best practice, toolchain and much more.

What you’ll bring

• Software architecture expertise
• Experience in C++ and embedded software solutions
• UML Modelling
• Object Orientation Design Patterns
• Linux / VXWorks (Desirable)
• Requirements Engineering
• Network architectures and Ethernet protocols
• High integrity e.g. RTCA-DO178C

This is not an exhaustive list and we are keen to hear from you even if you might not have experience in all the above. The most important skill is a good attitude and willingness to learn.

Security Clearance

This role is subject to pre‑employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for the Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit: https://careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/security-and-vetting

Why join us

• Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi‑days each year.
• Secure your Future: Benefit from our award‑winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Your Wellbeing Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee‑led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
• Rewarding Performance: All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
• Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
• Refer a friend: Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
• Tailored Perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
• Flexible working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role. For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website.

Leonardo UK operates a grade‑based salary framework with broad bands. The salary range shown reflects the approved grade band for this role, or a narrower hiring range published within that band, and is benchmarked against the external market. Exceptions above the standard range are managed through governance controls to protect internal equity.

Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. Our employees are not just part of a team—they are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety. At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people and our customers.

If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.

Primary Location: GB - Luton - Cap. Green 300

Contract Type: Permanent

Hybrid Working: Hybrid