Senior C++ Software Engineer - Linux Based Systems

ALTEN; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

ALTEN is seeking a Software Engineer to design high-integrity C++ software for mission-critical defense systems. Join a collaborative Agile team in Reading or Crawley, working with modern technologies to deliver impactful solutions for key national programs. The role offers flexible working, a competitive salary, and numerous professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Private Medical Insurance

Pension Scheme

Cycle-to-work Scheme

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Strong experience with modern C++ (17 minimum, 20 preferred) and Python.
• Experience developing in a Linux environment.
• Comfortable with CI/CD tooling and unit testing.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain software for mission-critical systems.
• Create and integrate automated test frameworks.
• Contribute to technical documentation and version control.

Skills

C++

Python

Linux

Agile methodologies

Multi-threaded software

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline

Relevant technical military background with equivalent hands-on engineering experience

Tools

CMake

JIRA

Confluence

GIT

GoogleTest

Coverity

SonarQube

Job description

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Company Description

ALTEN is a global engineering and technology consultancy operating across over 30 countries worldwide. We partner with industry leaders across sectors including Aeronautics, Aerospace, Defence, Naval, Automotive, Energy, Rail, and many more to deliver innovative engineering solutions that drive technological advancement and support sustainable transformation. Our teams of passionate and agile engineers work on cutting-edge projects that shape the future of technology and sustainability. At ALTEN, we empower talented engineers to innovate, solve complex challenges, and deliver impactful solutions that build tomorrow's world-today.

Job Description

Design high-integrity C++ software for mission-critical defence systems.
Work in a collaborative, forward-thinking team using modern C++ (C++17/20) to build resilient solutions for real-world operational platforms. You'll help implement automated test pipelines, contribute to secure software design, and deliver to the highest engineering standards in a fast-paced, Agile development environment. Hybrid working is available from Reading or Crawley, and you'll be contributing to a long-term UK programme with national-level importance.

Location: Reading or Crawley (Hybrid Working)
Security Clearance: Must be eligible for UK SC Clearance
Experience Level: 5+ years

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain software using C++17 or C++20 and Python in a Linux-based environment
• Create and integrate automated test frameworks as part of CI/CD pipelines
• Work with multi-threaded systems and modern build systems such as CMake
• Implement secure, scalable features following safety/security-conscious development principles
• Collaborate within a Scrum-based Agile team using tools like JIRA and Confluence
• Contribute to technical documentation, configuration management and version control using GIT
• Support ongoing improvements to code quality using tools like Coverity or SonarQube

Qualifications

Required Skills

• Strong experience with modern C++ (17 minimum, 20 preferred) and Python
• Comfortable developing in Linux (e.g. RHEL 8.10+) and using CMake
• Experience with unit testing (e.g. GoogleTest) and CI/CD tooling (e.g. Jenkins, Bitbucket)
• Experience with WebSockets, SNMP, or other communication protocols
• Familiarity with Agile methodologies and working in structured, safety-critical environments
• Confident working with multi-threaded software in a collaborative team setting

Desirable Skills

• Experience with embedded systems or low-level driver development
• Exposure to UML modelling tools (e.g. Enterprise Architect)
• Familiarity with CyberSecurity tools (SAST/DAST/SCA) and secure coding standards
• Awareness of containerisation (e.g. Docker) and software traceability practices

Required Qualifications

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline
• OR a relevant technical military background with equivalent hands-on engineering experience
• Must be eligible for UK SC Security Clearance (Minimum 5 Years in the UK)

Additional Information

Why join us?

We foster a community of dually talented individuals who are both entrepreneurs and technology specialists. Our teams embody the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship, enabling us to develop solutions most efficiently.

Our commitment to sustainable growth is unwavering, and we continuously strive for accelerated transformation and continuous improvement. Through ALTEN labs, mentoring programs, internal universities, and more, we are always pushing boundaries and embracing new possibilities.

We offer incredible opportunities to join inspiring projects in the most innovative companies.

We prioritise your career development with personalised support plans tailored to your own aspirations. We're here to empower you and help you reach your full potential.

Join our passionate team and start building tomorrow, today!

In short you get:

• A personalised career path and a rewarding management style
• A chance to work on the most exciting engineering projects and technologies along with Premium Customers
• A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries
• A competitive salary
• Private Medical Insurance
• Pension Scheme
• Cycle-to-work Scheme among many additional benefits
• Social atmosphere, regular gatherings, and team buildings
• Flexible way of working (role dependent)

Videos To Watch
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