Firmware Engineer

Saab AB; Bedford; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence and security company in Bedfordshire seeks an experienced software developer to contribute to UAV systems. You will design and implement real-time embedded software, ensuring high standards of safety and security. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience with embedded Linux, strong programming skills in C/C++, and familiarity with development tools like Yocto and Buildroot. This role offers an exciting opportunity to work on cutting-edge autonomous systems.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years experience of embedded Linux.
• Sound understanding of Linux kernel configuration and tuning.
• Experienced user of Linux OS build toolchains such as Yocto and Buildroot.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement and test real-time embedded software.
• Support firmware lead with Firmware roadmaps.
• Deliver and maintain embedded systems software within the UAV.

Skills

Embedded Linux

C/C++ programming

Python scripting

Real-time systems

Firmware debugging

Tools

Yocto

Buildroot

Git

Job description

Introduction

Saab in UK is growing rapidly, with over 600 colleagues across eight sites. We bring together Swedish heritage and British expertise to drive innovation in areas such as software engineering, underwater robotics, radars, AI, and armed forces training. Joining Saab in UK means contributing to the security and resilience of society while building a career with real scope for personal and professional growth.

What you will be part of

Explore a wealth of possibilities. Take on challenges, create smart inventions, and grow beyond. This is a place for curious minds, brave pioneers, and everyone in between. Together, we achieve the extraordinary, each bringing our unique perspectives. Your part matters.

Saab is a leading defence and security company with an enduring mission, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 26,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable world.

Saab designs, manufactures and maintains advanced systems in aeronautics, weapons, command and control, sensors and underwater systems. Saab is headquartered in Sweden. It has major operations all over the world and is part of the domestic defence capability of several nations. Read more about us here.

The Role

This role is part of our BlueBear Business in Bedfordshire.

You will be required to support a mixture of R&D and product development activities within a leading autonomy and unmanned systems company. Blue Bear continuously innovate within core areas such as UAV autopilots, mission systems, ground control stations, and all supporting systems and infrastructure.

You will be keen to get involved in all development areas and have a good track history/proven track record in both problem solving and quality software development.

Working as part of a team in a multidisciplinary team you will have good communication skills. A can-do attitude and a genuine passion for innovative technology will be advantageous.

Development of low-level drivers for UAV for control of effectors, reading instrumentation and integration of novel sensors.

Key Responsibilities

• Primarily, your role will be the design, implementation and test of real time embedded software to support both experimental activities and product development, ensuring real-time safety, security and redundancy considerations are met.
• Support the firmware lead with Firmware roadmaps.
• Be a key member of a skilled team in the delivery of firmware for high-paced projects.
• The opportunity will enable the successful candidate to gain knowledge of cutting-edge autonomous systems.
• You will be responsible for delivery, reporting and presentation of technical work and writing and submitting any necessary documentation.
• Delivery and maintenance of the embedded systems software within the UAV specifically.
• Support development of automated HWIL test environments.

Skills/Experience

• Minimum 5+ years experience of embedded Linux.
• Sound understanding of Linux kernel configuration and tuning.
• Experienced user of Linux OS build toolchains such as Yocto and Buildroot.
• Programming languages: C, C++, Python, Scripting (including Bash).
• Ability to work from application code right down to bare metal.
• Experience with NXP iMX8, NXP S32K3 and larger MPSoC style application processors.
• Experience of working with core communication interfaces such as UART, Ethernet, SPI, I2C, CAN, PCIe.
• Experienced at firmware and hardware level debugging and fault finding (e.g. use of JTAG, examining schematics).
• Able to interpret relevant data from electronic schematics and component datasheets and application notes for the purposes code writing.
• Experience of Electronics design, development and testing.
• Awareness of FPGAs and VHDL is beneficial.
• RTOS coding and debugging.
• Awareness of assurance frameworks (DO-178C etc.) and secure by design.
• Conducting code reviews.
• Familiar with use of version control tools such as Git.
• Existing SC Clearance would be advantageous.

By submitting an application to Saab UK you consent to undertaking workforce screening activities that may include but are not limited to: Baseline Personnel Security checks, National Security Vetting, reference checks, verification of working rights and in all circumstances preferred candidates will be placed through a security interview