Senior Cyber Digital Signal Processing and Embedded Engineer

Dstl; Salisbury; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Specialist allowance

Job summary

Dstl is seeking a Senior Cyber Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and Embedded Engineer to design and deliver DSP, embedded software and FPGA-based solutions with real-world impact. You will work within multidisciplinary teams to solve complex problems across software and hardware domains, influencing direction and mentoring others.

The role emphasizes practical problem-solving, systems thinking and continuous improvement of engineering practices, tools and ways of working.

Qualifications

• Experience in DSP, embedded engineering and hardware/software integration.
• Strong background in C/C++ for performance-critical applications.
• Experience with FPGA development and VHDL is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop and deliver advanced DSP, embedded software and FPGA-based solutions for cyber and defence challenges.
• Develop high-performance algorithms and real-time signal processing to improve system performance.
• Shape architectures and influence software/hardware design decisions.
• Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams and deliver outcomes to cost, quality, and schedule.
• Translate customer requirements into robust technical solutions and produce high-quality docs.

Skills

Digital Signal Processing

Embedded systems

C/C++ development

FPGA development

Software-hardware integration

Education

STEM degree or equivalent

Tools

VHDL

Job description

Why join us?

As a Senior Cyber Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and Embedded Engineer, you will work on complex and technically challenging projects, designing and delivering innovative signal processing, embedded software and FPGA-based solutions that have a real-world operational impact.

Working within multidisciplinary teams of engineers, scientists and technical specialists, you'll solve complex problems across software and hardware domains, influence technical direction, and help shape future capabilities. You'll have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies, contribute to mission-critical programmes, and collaborate with partners across government, industry and academia.

This role is ideal for engineers who enjoy tackling difficult technical challenges, combining deep technical expertise with practical problem-solving and systems thinking. Alongside delivering innovative solutions, you'll help develop technical capability across the organisation through mentoring, technical leadership and knowledge sharing.

You'll be supported to maintain and grow your professional expertise, explore emerging technologies and contribute to the continuous improvement of engineering practices, tools and ways of working.

This role is eligible for an additional specialist allowance of £2758 annually subject to meeting extended onboarding requirements. The role may be eligible for additional skills allowances depending on the skills and experience of the applicant.

What you'll do;

• Design, develop and deliver advanced DSP, embedded software and FPGA-based solutions to support complex cyber and defence challenges.


• Develop and implement high-performance algorithms and real-time signal processing capabilities that improve operational effectiveness and system performance.


• Shape technical architectures and make significant contributions to software and hardware design decisions.


• Work across multidisciplinary teams to solve complex engineering problems and deliver technical outcomes to cost, quality and schedule requirements.


• Translate customer and stakeholder requirements into practical, robust and scalable technical solutions.


• Produce high-quality technical documentation, provide authoritative technical advice and support technical reviews.


• Support integration, testing and debugging activities across software and hardware environments.


• Share knowledge, mentor colleagues and contribute to developing engineering capability within the wider team.


• Drive continual improvement by identifying opportunities to enhance tools, processes and engineering approaches.


• Maintain high standards of security, safety and professional engineering practice throughout your work.

What we're looking for;

You should have experience in at least two of the following areas:

• Digital Signal Processing, including filtering, FFTs and real-time signal analysis.


• Embedded systems development using microcontrollers, RTOS or embedded Linux platforms.


• C/C++ software development for performance-critical applications.


• FPGA development using VHDL.


• Software-hardware integration, debugging and system optimisation.

You will also be able to demonstrate:

• Experience delivering DSP and embedded engineering solutions within a professional engineering, science or technology environment.


• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work on complex and non-routine technical challenges.


• Experience engaging with customers and stakeholders to develop effective technical solutions.


• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.


• A relevant STEM degree, or equivalent qualifications and experience.