Senior Embedded Software Engineer - Real-Time Systems (PNT, RF & Sensors)

Forwardrole; England; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology recruitment agency in the UK is looking for a Senior Embedded Software Engineer to join a skilled team developing advanced real-time embedded systems. Responsibilities include designing and implementing software solutions and providing technical leadership. Ideal candidates should have strong proficiency in C/C++, experience with embedded operating systems, and a degree in Electronics or Software Engineering. The position offers a salary of £70,000 - £80,000, with a hybrid working model.

Qualifications

• Strong proficiency in C and/or C++ for embedded and real-time systems.
• Experience developing software for embedded operating systems.
• Understanding of Digital Signal Processing (DSP) algorithms.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and verify efficient real-time embedded software solutions.
• Capture and refine embedded software requirements.
• Support the full product lifecycle from R&D through to deployment.

Skills

C and/or C++

Embedded operating systems

SoC architectures

DevOps practices

Digital Signal Processing (DSP)

MATLAB and/or Python

Collaboration skills

Education

BSc/BEng, MSc or equivalent in Embedded Systems, Electronics, Software Engineering, or Computer Science

Job description

Senior Embedded Software Engineer – Real-Time Systems (PNT, RF & Sensors)

Location: Hampshire / hybrid
Salary: £70,000 - £80,000
Job Type: Permanent / Full-time

Security Clearance – You will already hold an active SC clearance or be willing to go through the process.

We are seeking an experienced Embedded Software Engineer to join a highly skilled engineering team developing advanced real-time embedded systems across the domains of Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT), RF communications, and sensor technologies.

This is a senior-level role combining hands‑on embedded software development with opportunities for technical leadership. You will work on cutting‑edge electronics platforms supporting robust navigation, communications, and sensing systems, contributing across projects ranging from early‑stage prototypes to full product development.

The role offers exposure to complex, mission‑critical technologies including communications systems, radar, ground surveillance, GNSS resilience, anti‑jam and anti‑spoofing solutions, and long‑range navigation platforms.

Key Responsibilities

As a Senior Embedded Software Engineer, you will:

• Capture and refine embedded software requirements and system specifications
• Design, implement, and verify efficient real‑time embedded software solutions
• Develop bespoke data processing and control algorithms
• Apply advanced DSP techniques within robust PNT and sensor systems
• Contribute to rapid prototyping for urgent operational requirements
• Support the full product lifecycle from R&D through to deployment and support
• Provide technical leadership within project teams and customer engagements
• Participate in system integration, validation, and acceptance testing

Essential Skills & Experience

You will ideally have:

• Strong proficiency in C and/or C++ for embedded and real‑time systems
• Experience developing software for embedded operating systems and real‑time platforms
• Knowledge of System on Chip (SoC) architectures and Software Defined Radio (SDR) platforms
• Experience with modern DevOps practices and collaborative development workflows
• Understanding of Digital Signal Processing (DSP) algorithms
• Experience modelling or simulating algorithms using MATLAB and/or Python
• Strong collaboration skills across system design, integration, and verification teams
• BSc/BEng, MSc or equivalent in Embedded Systems, Electronics, Software Engineering, or Computer Science

Desirable Experience

Experience in one or more of the following would be beneficial:

• Embedded systems security and secure software design
• Electronics design and hardware bring‑up
• FPGA firmware development
• Open‑source frameworks such as OpenCPI
• Defence, aerospace, or high‑reliability domains
• Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT), Electronic Warfare, RF, radar, or sensor systems