Embedded Software Engineer- Secure Radio Comms

Thales; Reading; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology company in the UK is seeking an experienced Embedded Software Engineer specialized in Secure Radio Communications. The role involves developing innovative embedded software solutions and collaborating closely with technical leadership to ensure high-quality software delivery. The ideal candidate will have proven experience throughout the software lifecycle and expertise in C programming, along with a commitment to secure coding practices. This position offers flexible working options and opportunities for personal and career development.

Benefits

Hybrid working

28 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Pension scheme

Life cover

Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications

• Full development lifecycle experience in embedded software.
• Strong experience in C, with beneficial knowledge in C++.
• Experience with multi-process and multi-threaded systems.

Responsibilities

• Deliver tested and maintainable software components.
• Produce clear design specifications for functionalities.
• Ensure compliance with governance and secure coding practices.

Skills

C programming

Embedded systems development

Multi-process and multi-threaded programming

Test harness and automated testing

RTOS knowledge

Communication protocols

Job description

Location: Reading, United Kingdom Thales people architect solutions at the heart of the defence-security continuum. Interoperable and secure information and telecommunications systems for defence, security, and civil operators, are based upon innovative use of radiocommunications, networks, and cybersecurity. We are ground breaking new digital technologies such as 4G mobile communications, cryptography, cloud computing and big data for use in physical protection systems, and critical information systems. Together we offer fantastic opportunities for committed employees to learn and develop their career with us. At Thales UK, we research, develop, and supply technology and services that impact the lives of millions of people each day to make life better, and keep us safer. We innovate across the major industries of Aerospace, Defence, Security and Space. Your health and well-being matters to us and that’s why we offer you the flexibility to do what’s important to you; whether that’s part time hours, job sharing, home working, or the ability to flex your start and finish times. Where possible, we support a working pattern that suits your lifestyle and helps you reach your ambitions.

Embedded Software Engineer- Secure Radio Comms

Green Park, Reading (Minimum 3 days onsite)

Our Opportunity:

At Thales Secure Information and Communication Systems (SIX), we have an exciting opportunity and are looking to recruit an experienced Embedded Software Engineer with a focus on Secure Radio Comms. Here you will play a crucial role in the development of innovative embedded software solutions.

You will collaborate with the technical leadership to design, implement, and support high-quality software that meets current engineering standards and delivery practices.

The role and overview of key responsibilities:

• Deliver fully tested, maintainable software components in line with defined task objectives
• Contribute to the production of clear and traceable design specifications for new or modified functionality
• Ensure all development complies with governance, secure coding practices, and design review procedures
• Report progress to the Software Lead and Software Engineering Delivery Manager, supporting team-level delivery goals

About You:

We would love to hear from you if have:

• Full development lifecycle experience, including requirements capture, design, implementation, testing, integration, verification and validation
• Strong experience in developing software for embedded systems using the C programming language (C++ would also be beneficial, but not essential)
• Experience in multi-process and multi-threaded software development
• Proven capability in the development of test harnesses and the design and implementation of automated tests
• Knowledge of RTOS, e.g. FreeRTOS, TI DSP BIOS
• Experience developing low-level drivers and working with embedded systems or hardware components
• Familiarity with communication protocols and serial interfaces
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office for technical documentation and communication

Desirable:

• Genuine interest in secure radio communications with aspirations to innovate in this field
• Radio waveform development experience
• Experience developing low-level drivers and working with embedded systems or hardware components
• Familiarity with communication protocols, I2C, SPI and USB
• Experience in using modern build systems, automated using Make
• Familiarity with Enterprise Architect or equivalent UML design tools
• Working knowledge of Agile practices such as Scrum, including toolchains like JIRA
• Hands‑on experience with GIT/Bitbucket for version control and configuration management (Previous use of Subversion would also be beneficial)
• Familiarity with using and editing in Atlassian Confluence
• Awareness of software quality and static analysis tools, e.g., Coverity, SonarQube
• Experience configuring and maintaining CI pipelines using Jenkins or similar automation platforms
• Understanding of secure coding standards and safety/security-critical development requirements
• Familiarity with SAST/DAST/SCA in a modern Cyber Security conscious environment

Security Clearance statement:

Due to the nature of the work that we do at Thales, many of our roles are subject to security restrictions. This role requires you to be a UK National and achieve Security Clearance (SC) without any caveats. It would be advantageous if currently held, however, if not currently held, it is a requirement that the successful applicant undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance prior to commencing employment. If approved by the MOD, a dual national from a Non‑ITAR country may be considered. Please visit the UKSV website for further guidance.
To be eligible for full SC, you generally need to have resided in the UK for the last 5 years. In some circumstances, a minimum of 3 years’ residence in the UK over the last 5 years may be accepted, with additional overseas checks.

What we can offer:

We are committed to giving you opportunities to be your best. We believe in embracing the passion and potential of our people, and to achieve this we offer market leading training, development and experiences, along with the opportunity to be mentored and coached by some of the smartest minds in the industry. We hire from within as our first priority, so you will have a myriad of opportunities within our diverse, global organisation.

Flexibility

Your health and well-being matters to us and that’s why we offer you the flexibility to do what’s important to you; whether that’s part time hours, job sharing, home working, or the ability to flex your start and finish times. Where possible, we support a working pattern that suits your lifestyle and helps you reach your ambitions.

Benefits at Thales

• Half day every Friday, usually finishing around 13:00pm
• Hybrid working
• Pension Scheme
• 28 days annual leave (Plus Bank Holidays)
• Life Cover
• Progression and Development Opportunities
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Program and access to mental wellbeing app
• Employee discount shopping schemes on major brands and retailers
• Development focused targets and relocation support can be provided if required along with a variety of learning, development and career enhancement opportunities.

Thales is an equal opportunities employer and diversity and inclusion are integral to the success of Thales.

#LI-RS1

In line with Thales' Baseline Security requirements, candidates will be asked to provide evidence of identity, eligibility to work in the UK and employment and/or education history for up to three years. Some vacancies may require full Security Clearance which can require further evidence to be provided. For further details of the evidence required to apply for Baseline and Security Clearance please refer to the Defence Business Services National Security Vetting (DBS NSV) Agency.

At Thales we provide CAREERS and not only jobs. With Thales employing 80,000 employees in 68 countries our mobility policy enables thousands of employees each year to develop their careers at home and abroad, in their existing areas of expertise or by branching out into new fields. Together we believe that embracing flexibility is a smarter way of working.

Thales UK is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier‑free recruitment process. We will provide reasonable adjustments and support to ensure neuro‑diverse applicants or those with a disability or long‑term condition can be their best during the recruitment process. To request an adjustment, if you need this job advert in an alternative format or if you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Resourcing Ops for mid to senior roles, or the Early Careers Team for graduate and apprentice roles.

Great journeys start here, apply now!