Lead Software Engineer (C++)

Matchtech; England; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology firm in the UK is seeking an experienced Lead Software Engineer to develop safety-critical embedded applications. You will oversee a team, ensuring compliance with DO-178C standards while driving innovation. The ideal candidate has proven experience in C programming and real-time systems, with strong communication and leadership skills. This role offers flexible working options and a supportive environment.

Benefits

Flexible working within core hours

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Life assurance

Flexible benefits package

Pension Scheme

Supportive working environment

Qualifications

• Experience with MCDC testing and certification requirements.
• Familiarity with debugging tools and hardware interfaces.
• Demonstrated success leading software teams in safety-critical domains.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Proven experience developing bare-metal real-time embedded systems in C

In-depth knowledge of DO-178C Level A standards

Experience with safety-critical systems

Proficiency in real-time software design and RTOS concepts

Strong organizational skills

Excellent communication skills

Job description

Important: All applicants must be able to obtain Security Clearance (minimum 5 years UK residency)

Working: Possible Flexible and Hybrid working available.

We are looking for an experienced Lead Software Engineer to join one of our leading defence clients. 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 Lead Software Engineer, you will oversee a team of software engineers to derive requirements, compose a software 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Experience needed

• 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 concepts.
• Familiarity with debugging tools, hardware interfaces, and safety analysis techniques.
• 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

• 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.

Company Benefits

• Flexible working within core working hours
• 25 days holiday (185hrs) with the option to buy/sell 5 days (37hrs) plus bank holidays
• 4 times your annual salary in life assurance
• Flexible benefits package
• Pension Scheme
• Sports and Social clubs
• Supportive and friendly working environment with regular team events