Lead Software Engineer

Matchtech; England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace solutions provider in the UK is seeking an experienced Software Team Lead to guide the development of a safety-critical embedded C application for aircraft systems. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in real-time systems, strong leadership skills, and knowledge of DO-178C standards. This role offers a competitive benefits package, including holidays, pension contributions, and a flexible working environment.

Benefits

25 days holiday plus option to buy/sell days

Flexible benefits package

Pension with up to 7.5% employer contribution

Sports and social club

Supportive environment with regular team events

Qualifications

• Proven experience developing bare-metal real-time embedded systems in C.
• Strong knowledge of DO-178C Level A standards and certification processes.
• Experience with safety-critical systems and MCDC testing.
• Familiarity with debugging tools and hardware interfaces.

Responsibilities

• Lead requirements definition, design, development, and verification of a bare-metal, real-time C software system.
• Ensure strict adherence to DO-178C Level A processes, including traceability and quality assurance.
• Conduct design and code reviews to maintain high-quality standards.
• Collaborate with hardware, systems, and test teams for smooth software-hardware integration.
• Report project status to stakeholders and participate in program reviews.
• Foster clear communication and teamwork within your group.

Skills

Software Engineering

Leadership

C++

C

bare-metal real-time embedded systems in C

RTOS

DO-178C Level A

MCDC testing

Job description

Overview

My client is a leader in providing innovative solutions for aerospace and defence systems. They pride themselves on delivering cutting-edge technology and value highly skilled, motivated engineers to join their dynamic team.

Key Skills

• Software Engineering
• Leadership
• C++
• C
• bare-metal real-time embedded systems in C
• RTOS
• DO-178C Level A
• MCDC testing

Important

All applicants must be able to obtain Security Clearance, and as a minimum be living in the UK 5 years.

Role Overview

We are looking for an experienced Software Team Lead to join our client's team and lead the development of a real-time, safety-critical embedded C application that controls the aircraft's nose wheel steering system.

In this key leadership role, you will guide a team of software engineers through requirements gathering, design, implementation, and rigorous testing. You will take ownership of the full software development lifecycle and ensure compliance with DO-178C Level A safety standards, while driving innovation and quality.

Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership: Lead requirements definition, design, development, and verification of a bare-metal, real-time C software system.
• Ensure strict adherence to DO-178C Level A processes, including traceability and quality assurance.
• Conduct design and code reviews to maintain high-quality standards.
• Collaborate with hardware, systems, and test teams for smooth software-hardware integration.
• Report project status to stakeholders and participate in program reviews.
• Foster clear communication and teamwork within your group.

Qualifications

• Technical: Prove experience developing bare-metal real-time embedded systems in C.
• Strong knowledge of DO-178C Level A standards and certification processes.
• Experience with safety-critical systems and MCDC testing.
• Familiarity with debugging tools and hardware interfaces.
• Optional: Experience with RTOS concepts.

Leadership

• Demonstrated success leading software teams, preferably in aerospace or safety-critical fields.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills with both technical and non-technical audiences.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience with aerospace or other high-reliability industries.
• Familiarity with safety-critical standards like ARP4754, ARINC 653, DO-254, DO-248.
• Understanding of hardware/software integration and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing.
• Flexible working within core hours.

Benefits

• 25 days holiday plus option to buy/sell days, and bank holidays.
• Flexible benefits package.
• Pension with up to 7.5% employer contribution.
• Sports and social club.
• Supportive environment with regular team events.

Matchtech is a STEM Recruitment Specialist, with over 40 years’ experience