Lead Software Engineer

Ultra PCS Limited; Gloucester; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A technology solutions provider in the UK is seeking an experienced Software Team Lead to manage the development of a safety-critical embedded C application. The role centers on steering software engineering activities across the full development lifecycle while ensuring compliance with DO-178C Level A standards. Candidates should demonstrate strong technical and leadership skills, particularly in safety-critical or aerospace domains.

Qualifications

• Proven experience developing bare-metal real-time embedded systems in C.
• In-depth knowledge of DO-178C Level A standards and documentation.
• Experience with safety-critical systems and MCDC testing.

Responsibilities

• Lead the requirements definition, design, development, and verification of a real-time software system.
• Ensure adherence to DO-178C Level A processes.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for software and hardware integration.

Skills

Bare-metal real-time embedded systems in C

DO-178C Level A standards

Safety-critical systems experience

Real-time software design

Debugging tools and hardware interfaces

Job description

Ultra PCS is a leader in providing solutions for aerospace and defence systems. We are seeking an experienced Software Team Lead to join our team. This is an exciting opportunity to lead the development of a real time, safety critical, embedded C application which controls a nose wheel steering system.

As the Software Team Lead, you will oversee a team of software engineers to derive requirements, compose a spoftware system design, implement, and test a high-reliability safety critical software solution. You will take responsibility for the full software development lifecycle, ensuring compliance with DO-178C level A while pioneering innovation and efficiency. This role requires a combination of technical expertise and strong leadership skills.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership:

• Lead the requirements definition, design, development, and verification of a bare-metal, real-time software system written in C.
• Ensure adherence to DO-178C Level A processes, including traceability, rigorous testing, and quality assurance.
• Conduct design and code reviews to maintain high-quality standards.

Project Management/Team Leadership:

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (hardware, systems, and test engineering) to ensure seamless integration of software with hardware systems.
• Report project status to stakeholders and contribute to program reviews.
• Ensure effective communication across the team.

Required Skills and Experience

Technical Expertise:

• Proven experience developing bare-metal real-time embedded systems in C.
• In-depth knowledge of DO-178C Level A standards, processes, and documentation.
• Experience with safety-critical systems and familiarity with certification requirements including MCDC testing.
• Proficiency in real-time software design and RTOS (optional) concepts.
• Familiarity with debugging tools, hardware interfaces, and safety analysis techniques.

Leadership and Management:

• Demonstrated success leading software teams, ideally in safety-critical or aerospace domains.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of effectively liaising with technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience with aerospace systems or similar high-reliability domains.
• Familiarity with other safety-critical standards (e.g., ARP4754, ARINC 653, DO-254, DO-248).
• Understanding of hardware/software integration and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing.