Embedded Software Engineer (C)

Meritus; Stevenage; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading defence technology company in Stevenage is seeking a skilled Software Engineer to develop safety-critical embedded systems. This hands-on role involves working across the full software development lifecycle with an hourly rate of £70, a 6-month contract with likely extensions, and some hybrid flexibility.

Benefits

Competitive hourly rate

Potential contract extensions

Opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects

Qualifications

• Proven experience developing bare-metal embedded software in C/C++.
• Strong understanding of the full software lifecycle, including requirements and verification.
• Excellent attention to detail and structured approach to documentation.

Responsibilities

• Develop, test, and verify embedded software in C/C++ for safety-critical real-time systems.
• Support system integration and debugging using lab equipment.
• Ensure compliance with safety-critical standards such as DO-178C Level B.

Skills

Embedded software development

C/C++ programming

Attention to detail

Problem-solving

Tools

DOORS

GIT

RTC

Job description

Software Engineer - Embedded Systems (Safety-Critical)

📍 Stevenage | Onsite (some hybrid flexibility)

💰 £70 per hour via umbrella | 6-month contract (extensions likely)

Overview

A leading defence technology company is seeking a skilled Software Engineer to join their development team in Stevenage. You'll play a key role in designing and delivering safety‑critical, real‑time embedded software for next‑generation missile and defence systems.

This is a hands‑on role working across the full software development lifecycle – from requirements and design through to testing, verification, and delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, test, and verify embedded software in C/C++ for safety‑critical real‑time systems.
• Work across the full software lifecycle, including requirements capture, design, implementation, integration, and formal verification.
• Support system integration and debugging using lab equipment such as oscilloscopes and logic analysers.
• Create and maintain accurate technical documentation to meet safety and quality standards.
• Collaborate closely with systems, electronics, and integration engineers.
• Ensure compliance with safety‑critical standards such as DO‑178C Level B or equivalent.

Skills & Experience Required

Essential

• Proven experience developing bare‑metal embedded software in C/C++.
• Strong understanding of the full software lifecycle, including requirements and verification.
• Experience with requirements management and version control tools (e.g., DOORS, GIT, RTC).
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and solve complex technical issues.
• Excellent attention to detail and structured approach to documentation.

Desirable

• Experience working to DO‑178C, SIL‑4, or similar safety integrity standards.
• Familiarity with tools such as LDRA, RAPITA, or SCADE.
• Knowledge of defence or aerospace systems and microcontroller‑based development.
• Experience in Python, C++, or modelling tools for simulation or testing.

What's on Offer

• £70 per hour (via umbrella)
• 6-month contract with likely extensions
• Onsite in Stevenage (some hybrid flexibility)
• Opportunity to work on cutting‑edge defence and aerospace projects