Embedded Software Engineer

Trades Workforce Solutions; Melbourn; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer for a position in Cambridge, UK. This role requires strong expertise in C++ and embedded systems development, as well as active SC clearance. The engineer will be responsible for developing and maintaining software in Linux environments, integrating with hardware, and debugging complex systems. This position offers competitive pay of £65 - £85 per hour and requires onsite work 4-5 days per week, with strong potential for contract extension.

Qualifications

• Active SC clearance required.
• Strong experience in C++ and Embedded C.
• Experience in Linux development environments.
• Proficiency in Python scripting and automation.
• Experience in GUI development is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Develop software in Linux-based environments.
• C++ application development for complex systems.
• Embedded C development for hardware-adjacent systems.
• Python development for tooling and automation.
• Integrate and debug systems in a secure environment.

Skills

C++ development

Embedded C experience

Linux development

Python scripting

GUI development

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 capability
• Comfortable working in fast-paced, technically demanding environments