Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Viceroy Engineering; Hemel Hempstead; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Smiths Detection in Hemel Hempstead is seeking a Senior Embedded Software Engineer to own software components within an Agile team, developing embedded solutions for mission-critical detection products used in security environments.

You'll design and optimise embedded software in C/C++ for Linux/RTOS, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate with hardware, systems and electronics teams while driving engineering best practices. Regular on-site work is required due to hardware integration.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' experience developing software for embedded systems.
• Strong expertise in modern C++ and C for embedded Linux/RTOS environments.
• Experience with microcontrollers, peripherals and hardware debugging tools.
• Knowledge of SPI, I2C, UART, CAN and USB communication.
• Proficient in Git and modern CI/CD practices.
• Ability to analyse, optimise and troubleshoot system performance.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop and maintain embedded software in C/C++.
• Work across RTOS and Linux-based environments.
• Lead technical investigations and mentor junior engineers.
• Collaborate with hardware, systems and cross-functional teams.
• Conduct code reviews and ensure high-quality software testing.

Skills

Embedded software

C/C++

RTOS concepts

Linux debugging

Git & CI/CD

Agile teamwork

Tools

Git

CI/CD

Linux

Debugging tools

Job description

Job Description

At Smiths Detection, we develop cutting-edge technologies that help protect people, critical infrastructure and national security interests around the world. We're looking for a talented Senior Embedded Software Engineer to join our Technology team and play a key role in developing the next generation of chemical and explosive trace detection products used in mission-critical environments.

Job Description

At Smiths Detection, we develop cutting-edge technologies that help protect people, critical infrastructure and national security interests around the world. We're looking for a talented Senior Embedded Software Engineer to join our Technology team and play a key role in developing the next generation of chemical and explosive trace detection products used in mission-critical environments.

This is an opportunity to work on sophisticated embedded systems that directly contribute to the safety and security of military and civilian users worldwide.

The Opportunity

As a Senior Embedded Software Engineer, you'll take technical ownership of software components within a highly skilled Agile team, contributing to the design, development and optimisation of embedded solutions. Working closely with Software, Systems and Electronics engineers, you'll help deliver robust, high-performance products while driving engineering best practice and mentoring junior colleagues.

What You'll Be Doing

• Designing, developing and maintaining embedded software in C and C++
• Working across RTOS and Linux-based embedded environments
• Leading technical investigations and solving complex engineering challenges
• Collaborating with hardware, systems and cross-functional engineering teams
• Conducting code reviews and ensuring high-quality software through rigorous testing
• Supporting software architecture, documentation and design decisions
• Contributing to Agile ceremonies including sprint planning and retrospectives
• Mentoring and supporting the development of junior engineers
• Driving continuous improvement in software development tools, processes and practices
• Supporting Linux system configuration, optimisation and troubleshooting activities

Why Join Smiths Detection?

You'll be joining a business whose technology makes a genuine difference to global safety and security. We offer the opportunity to work on technically challenging products, collaborate with highly experienced engineering teams and contribute to innovations that have real-world impact.

If you're passionate about embedded software engineering, enjoy solving complex technical problems and have strong expertise in modern C++, we'd love to hear from you.

Please note: This position requires successful BPSS screening and the ability to obtain UK Security Check (SC) clearance. Due to the nature of the work, regular on-site attendance at our Hemel Hempstead facility is required.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' experience developing software for embedded systems
• Strong expertise in embedded software development using modern C++ (latest/current standards) and C
• Proven experience developing software within embedded Linux and/or RTOS environments
• Experience working with microcontrollers, peripherals and hardware debugging tools
• Knowledge of communication protocols such as SPI, I2C, UART, CAN and USB
• Strong understanding of real-time systems and RTOS concepts
• Experience using Git and modern CI/CD practices
• Ability to analyse, optimise and troubleshoot system performance
• Working knowledge of Linux operating systems, including Red Hat, CentOS or Rocky Linux
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills
• Ability to work effectively within a collaborative Agile environment
• Willingness to work regularly on-site in Hemel Hempstead due to hardware integration requirements

Desirable

• Python or other scripting languages for automation
• Experience with RTOS platforms such as FreeRTOS, ThreadX or Keil RTX
• Experience within safety-critical, regulated or highly engineered environments
• Open-source software contribution experience
• Advanced Linux configuration and optimisation experience

Join us and we’ll help build your career, with excellent training and opportunities for career growth across the business, both locally and globally. You’ll experience an inclusive environment, with strong leadership and a focus on safety and wellbeing. You’ll also have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of benefits to suit your lifestyle, offering you and your family support from a health and wellbeing, financial and lifestyle perspective.

Join us and work for a world-leader, with the benefits and training to reward your dedication and skills. Be part of a team where we are making the world a safer place.

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Detection, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation – including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career’s website.