Lead Embedded Software Engineer

Bright Purple; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK-based space technology company is seeking a Lead Embedded Software Engineer for a senior, hands-on technical leadership role. You will guide the technical direction of flagship flight software for multiple space missions, influence product development, and lead a team of engineers. Strong experience in embedded software engineering and C programming is essential. This position offers competitive salary up to £65,000, flexible hybrid working, and a supportive culture where employees impact real spacecraft missions.

Benefits

Salary up to £65,000

Flexible hybrid working

36 days’ annual leave

6% employer pension contribution

Health cash plan and life assurance

Ongoing investment in learning and development

Qualifications

• Strong background in embedded software engineering with significant professional experience.
• Excellent C programming skills, including work on embedded platforms.
• Experience leading technical design and solving complex engineering problems.

Responsibilities

• Guide the technical direction of a flagship flight software product.
• Lead and develop a team of flight software engineers.
• Ensure the software meets demanding real-world needs.

Skills

Embedded software engineering

C programming

Operating systems & multitasking

Technical design leadership

Linux environment

Confident communication

Job description

Lead Embedded Software Engineer- Edinburgh, Hybrid

A UK-based space technology company is building advanced software used on real spacecraft missions worldwide. Its products help organisations develop reliable, reusable flight software more quickly, using modern engineering approaches. The business is employee-owned, growing rapidly, and driven by a strong culture of technical excellence, collaboration and long-term thinking.

What is in it for you:

• Salary up to £65,000
• Flexiblehybrid working
• 36 days’ annual leave
• 6% employer pension contribution
• Health cash plan, life assurance and enhanced sick pay
• Employee ownership and a genuine voice in the business
• Ongoing investment in learning, development and conferences
• A supportive, inclusive culture where your work directly impacts space missions

The Role:

• This is a senior, hands-on technical leadership role with responsibility for a flagship flight software product used across multiple space missions.
• You’ll guide its technical direction, influence future product development, and work closely with engineers, customers and commercial teams to ensure the software continues to meet demanding real-world needs.
• Alongside product ownership, you’ll lead and develop a team of flight software engineers, setting technical standards, supporting career growth and creating an environment where high-quality engineering thrives.

Must-Have Skills & Experience:

• Strong background in embedded software engineering, with significant professional experience
• Excellent C programming skills, including work on embedded platforms (e.g. ARM-based systems)
• Solid understanding of operating systems, multitasking and low-level hardware interaction
• Experience leading technical design and solving complex engineering problems
• Comfortable working across the full software lifecycle, from requirements to delivery
• Experience working in a Linux-based development environment with version control and CI principles
• Ability to communicate clearly, lead by example and support the growth of other engineers
• Confident communication skills

Please APPLY NOW with your most up-to-date CV for consideration.

Bright Purple is an equal opportunities employer: we are proud to work with clients who share our values of diversity and inclusion in our industry.