Principal Software and Hardware Assurance Engineer

Searchability; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 82,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global defence technology organisation is seeking a Principal Software & Hardware Assurance Practitioner in Bristol. In this hybrid role, you will lead independent technical assessments of safety-critical aircraft systems, ensuring compliance with rigorous standards. The ideal candidate will have a background in technical assessment and expertise in high-integrity hardware development, particularly VHDL. This position offers a salary between £82,000 and £85,000 along with excellent benefits and occasional travel to Europe.

Qualifications

• Proven background as a technical assessor or strong software/aviation engineering experience.
• Expertise in high‑integrity hardware development (VHDL).
• Strong understanding of FPGA, ASIC and PLC architectures.

Responsibilities

• Lead assurance activities for CEH subsystems in line with DO‑254, BS EN 61508-2 or equivalent.
• Conduct audits, reviews and independent evaluations as lead assessor.
• Assess software and hardware lifecycle artefacts for compliance.

Skills

Technical assessment

High-integrity hardware development

FPGA architecture

ASIC architecture

PLC architecture

Communication skills

Mentoring

Education

Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Maths or similar

Job description

Principal Software & Hardware Assurance Practitioner

• £82,000–£85,000 salary + excellent benefits
• Hybrid working – based from Malvern or Boscombe Down (with flexibility for Farnborough or Bristol)
• Work on cutting‑edge safety‑critical aircraft and defence systems
• Occasional travel to Europe
• SC clearance required to start

ABOUT THE CLIENT

Our client is a leading global defence and security technology organisation, renowned for delivering complex, mission‑critical engineering solutions across air, land, maritime and space systems. You’ll join an expert team working at the forefront of safety‑critical digital systems, supporting high‑profile UK defence programmes. Due to significant demand across their assurance and evaluation functions, they are looking for a Principal Software & Hardware (CEH) Assurance Practitioner to strengthen their capability.

THE PRINCIPAL SOFTWARE & HARDWARE (CEH) ASSURANCE PRACTITIONER ROLE

As a Principal CEH Assurance Practitioner, you will lead the independent technical assessment of safety‑critical aircraft systems, ensuring compliance with rigorous software and hardware safety standards. Your work will directly influence the safety, airworthiness and integrity of complex systems across defence aviation, weapons, land platforms and space assets.

You will act as a subject matter expert in Complex Electronic Hardware (CEH), guiding engineers, conducting lifecycle assessments, and shaping the assurance strategy for major defence programmes.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading assurance activities for CEH subsystems in line with DO‑254, BS EN 61508-2 or equivalent
• Conducting audits, reviews and independent evaluations as lead assessor
• Assessing software and hardware lifecycle artefacts for compliance
• Providing SME‑level hardware assurance across VHDL, FPGA, ASIC and PLC‑based systems
• Supporting High Integrity Software assurance at the appropriate safety level
• Mentoring junior engineers and ensuring quality of technical output
• Attending UK and European customer workshops and review meetings

PRINCIPAL CEH ASSURANCE PRACTITIONER – ESSENTIAL SKILLS

• Proven background as a technical assessor or strong software/aviation engineering experience
• Expertise in high‑integrity hardware development (VHDL)
• Strong understanding of FPGA, ASIC and PLC architectures
• Experience with CEH safety standards (DO‑254, EN 61508‑2)
• Strong knowledge of hardware lifecycle processes
• Excellent communication skills and pragmatic decision‑making ability
• Ability to lead audits, reviews and technical assessments
• Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Maths or similar (or equivalent experience)

TO BE CONSIDERED

Please apply through this advert or email [e-mail]. For further information, call 0203 854 0120. By applying for this role, you give express consent for us to process and submit (subject to required skills) your application to our client for this vacancy only.