Lead Software Engineer - DO-178C / Embedded C

Matchtech; Gloucester; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Matchtech is seeking a Lead Software Engineer to develop mission- and safety-critical embedded software for defence and aerospace, focusing on DO-178C Level A compliance. The role requires strong real-time C/C++ expertise and leadership across the software lifecycle.

The contract is 6 months, located in Cheltenham with hybrid working; Inside IR35 applies. The candidate will collaborate with hardware, systems and test teams to deliver compliant, high-integrity software.

Qualifications

• Significant experience building bare-metal, real-time embedded systems using C.
• Strong proficiency in Embedded C/C++ and real-time software design.
• In-depth knowledge of DO-178C Level A standards, processes and documentation.

Responsibilities

• Derive high-level and low-level software requirements.
• Author software architectures and detailed design documentation.
• Develop bare-metal, real-time embedded software using C and C++.
• Implement safety-critical software for an embedded modular platform.
• Manage activities across the full software development lifecycle.
• Ensure DO-178C Level A compliance including traceability, testing and QA.
• Conduct design reviews, code reviews, verification and validation activities.
• Collaborate with hardware, systems and test engineering teams for integration.

Skills

Embedded C/C++

Real-time software design

DO-178C Level A

Safety-critical systems

RTOS concepts

Debugging hardware interfaces

Leadership

Job description

Location: Cheltenham (hybrid working)

Duration: 6 month contract

Inside IR35

Role details:

Our client is seeking a Lead Software Engineer to support the development of mission- and safety-critical systems within the defence and aerospace sector. This contract role is suited to an experienced embedded software professional with strong real-time programming expertise and comprehensive knowledge of DO-178C Level A compliance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Derive high-level and low-level software requirements
• Author software architectures and detailed design documentation
• Develop bare-metal, real-time embedded software using C and C++
• Implement safety-critical software for an embedded modular platform
• Manage activities across the full software development lifecycle
• Ensure compliance with DO-178C Level A processes, including traceability, testing and quality assurance
• Conduct design reviews, code reviews, verification and validation activities
• Collaborate with hardware, systems and test engineering teams to support effective integration

Job Requirements:

• Significant experience developing bare-metal, real-time embedded systems in C
• Strong proficiency in Embedded C/C++ and real-time software design
• In-depth knowledge of DO-178C Level A standards, processes and documentation
• Experience working with safety-critical systems and certification requirements, including MC/DC testing
• Understanding of RTOS concepts and embedded modular platforms
• Familiarity with debugging tools, hardware interfaces and safety analysis techniques
• Experience with software requirements, design, implementation, testing and verificationStrong leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills

Desirable Experience:

• Experience within aerospace, defence or another high-reliability engineering environment
• Knowledge of related safety-critical standards such as ARP4754, ARINC 653, DO-254 or DO-248
• Understanding of hardware and software integration and hardware-in-the-loop testing
• Experience reporting project status and contributing to programme reviews

This is an opportunity to contribute to the development of advanced safety-critical technology used across defence, aerospace and unmanned systems. If you have the required Embedded C/C++ and DO-178C expertise.