Principal Software & Hardware (CEH) Assurance Practitioner

QinetiQ Security & Defence Contractors; Farnborough; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology and defence firm in the UK is seeking a Principal Software & Hardware Assurance Practitioner. This role involves conducting independent technical assessments of software for safety-critical aircraft systems and ensuring compliance with CEH safety standards. Candidates should have a technical degree and experience in software engineering or aviation. You will work closely with cutting-edge technology and can enjoy a hybrid working pattern.

Benefits

Matched contribution pension scheme with life assurance

Generous holiday allowance with purchase option

Health Cash Plan

Private and Dental Insurance options

Employee discount portal

Volunteering Opportunities

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a technical assessor or strong software engineering/aviation background.
• Strong communication skills and ability to be pragmatic.
• SME understanding of High integrity hardware development (VHDL).
• SME understanding of different hardware chipsets (FPGA, ASIC and PLC).
• Strong understanding of hardware lifecycle and processes.
• Previous experience working with CEH standards (DO-254, EN 61508-2).

Responsibilities

• Assure hardware processes for complex hardware subsystems to applicable CEH Safety Standards.
• Perform assurance of CEH systems to high integrity software safety standards.
• Conduct audits and reviews as lead auditor and reviewer.
• Perform assessments of software/hardware lifecycle and artifacts against software safety standards.
• Mentor project team members and ensure delivery of technical output.
• Travel to Europe and the UK for customer and industry-facing meetings/workshops.

Skills

Continuous Integration

Docker

Jenkins

Python

System Design

Agile

C / C++

Go

Systems Engineering

Software Development

Java

Distributed Systems

Education

Technical Degree (Computer Science, Maths, Engineering or equivalent)

Job description

Package : Competitive Salary Benefits

Employment Type : Full Time

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1

Are you ready to be part of the future At QinetiQ where we are not just imagining tomorrow we are creating it. From cutting-edge defence technology to ground-breaking innovations our mission is to empower and protect lives. Join us as a Principal Software & Hardware (CEH) Assurance Practitioner at our Malvern Farnborough Bristol or Boscombe Down sites where you will have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology in partnership with some of the most brilliant minds.

The Role

As a Principal Software & Hardware (CEH) Assurance Practitioner you will be part of a team providing an Independent Technical Assessment of the software of safety critical aircraft systems leading the assessment of third party software for safety and conformance to standards.

Day‑to‑day you’ll provide SME level Hardware Assurance for QinetiQ and other external organisations in the Land Maritime Space Air Weapons and other sectors covering Complex Electronic Hardware Independent Technical Evaluation.

Your responsibilities will include :

• Assuring the hardware processes for a complex hardware sub‑system to the applicable CEH Safety Standard e.g. DO-254 BS EN 61508-02 at the right assurance level
• Performing the assurance of CEH systems to the agreed High Integrity Software safety standard at the applicable assurance level
• Conducting audits and reviews as the lead auditor and reviewer
• Performing assessments of the software / hardware lifecycle and artefact against software safety standards
• Mentoring project team members and ensuring delivery of technical output
• Traveling to Europe and the UK for customers and industry‑facing meetings / workshops

Essential experience of the Principal Software & Hardware (CEH) Assurance Practitioner :

• Previous experience as a technical assessor or a strong software engineering / aviation background
• Strong communication skills and the ability to be pragmatic
• SME understanding of High integrity hardware development (VHDL)
• SME understanding of different hardware chipsets (FPGA ASIC and PLC)
• A strong understanding of hardware lifecycle and processes
• Previous experience working with CEH standards (DO-254 EN 61508-2)

Essential qualifications for the Principal Software & Hardware (CEH) Assurance Practitioner :

• A Technical Degree (Computer Science Maths Engineering or equivalent) or relevant technical experience

We value difference and we dont have a fixed idea when it comes to background or education provided you can show the required level of experience and willingness to learn then we would like to hear from you.

This role is 37 hours per week based at either our Malvern Boscombe Down Farnborough or Bristol site. Hybrid working patterns are available.

QinetiQ operates state-of-the‑art facilities across the UK that focus on defence security and technology innovation. These facilities enable QinetiQ to conduct a wide range of research testing and development activities that support both military and civilian applications helping to advance technology and support national security.

Why Join QinetiQ

As we continue to grow into new markets around the world theres never been a more exciting time to join QinetiQ. The formula for success is our appetite for innovation and having the courage to take on a wide variety of complex challenges.

As a QinetiQ employee youll experience a unique working environment where teams from different backgrounds disciplines and experience enjoy collaborating widely and openly as we undertake this exciting and rewarding journey. Through effective teamwork and pulling together youll get to experience what happens when we all share different perspectives blend disciplines and link technologies; constantly discovering new ways of solving complex problems in a diverse and inclusive environment where you can be authentic feel valued and realise your full potential.

Visit our website to read more about our diverse and inclusive workplace culture.

Our Benefits

• Matched contribution pension scheme with life assurance
• Generous holiday allowance with the option to purchase additional days
• Options to join Health Cash Plan Private Medical Insurance and Dental Insurance
• Employee discount portal : Personal Accident Insurance Travel Insurance Restaurants Cinema Tickets and much more
• We are proud to support the Armed Forces community by honouring the Armed Forces Covenant and maintaining our Gold Award standard in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme
• Volunteering Opportunities - helping charities and local community

Our Recruitment Process

We want to make sure that our recruitment process is as inclusive as possible and we aspire to bring out the best in our candidates by creating an environment where everyone feels value heard and supported. If you have a disability or health condition that may affect your performance in certain assessment types please speak to your Recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments.

Many roles in QinetiQ are subject to national security vetting. Applicants who already hold the appropriate level of vetting may be able to transfer it upon appointment. A number of roles are also subject to additional restrictions which mean factors such as nationality or previous nationalities may affect the roles that you can be employed in.

Please note that all applicants for this role must be eligible for SC clearance as a minimum.

UKSV National Security Vetting Solution : guidance for applicants - ()

Key Skills

Continuous Integration, Docker, Jenkins, Python, System Design, Agile, C / C++, Go, Systems Engineering, Software Development, Java, Distributed Systems