Embedded Software Engineer

TEC Partners Limited; Melbourn; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 117,000; Full time

Job summary

TEC Partners Limited in Cambridge is seeking an experienced Embedded Software Engineer with Linux and C++ expertise for an onsite, defence-focused role. You will develop software in Linux environments, work on embedded C and GUI tooling, and collaborate with hardware teams to deliver robust systems.

The role requires active SC clearance, 4–5 days onsite, and strong Python for tooling. The position offers a rate of £65–£85 per hour for an initial 6-month assignment with potential extension.

Qualifications

• Active SC clearance is mandatory.
• Strong C++ development experience with embedded C and Linux.
• Experience in defence, aerospace or national security environments.
• Ability to work onsite in Cambridge 4–5 days per week.

Responsibilities

• Development of software in Linux-based environments.
• C++ application development for complex systems
• Embedded C development for hardware-adjacent systems
• Python development for tooling, automation and test
• Development and maintenance of GUI applications
• Integration, debugging and system-level testing
• Working closely with electronics and systems engineers in a multidisciplinary team
• Supporting delivery within a secure, defence environment

Skills

C++ development

Embedded C

Linux development

Python scripting

GUI development (Qt)

Tools

Qt

Job description

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:

• Development of software in Linux-based environments
• C++ application development for complex systems
• Embedded C development for hardware-adjacent systems
• Python development for tooling, automation and test
• Development and maintenance of GUI applications
• Integration, debugging and system-level testing
• Working closely with electronics and systems engineers in a multidisciplinary team
• Supporting delivery within a secure, defence environment

Essential Experience:

• Active SC clearance
• Strong C++ development experience
• Embedded C experience
• Linux development environment experience
• Python scripting and automation experience
• GUI development experience (Qt or similar beneficial)
• Experience working within defence, aerospace or national security environments
• Ability to work onsite in Cambridge 4-5 days per week

Desirable Experience:

• Experience integrating software with custom hardware
• Real-time systems exposure
• Knowledge of secure development practices
• Experience working within consultancy or R&D environments

Candidate Profile:

• Broad technical exposure across systems and software
• Able to contribute quickly with minimal supervision
• Strong debugging and problem-solving capabilityComfortable working in fast-paced, technically demanding environments