Senior Real-Time Embedded Software Engineer

ALTEN; Reading; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private MedicalInsurance

Employee assistance programme

Life insurance & Pension Scheme

Social atmosphere, team events

Flexible working (role dependent)

Job summary

ALTEN is seeking a Senior Real-Time Embedded Software Engineer to design, develop and integrate mission-critical embedded software for advanced defence technologies. You will work with multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-performance systems and support full lifecycle activities from concept through deployment. Location: Reading, on-site 2-3 days per week.

Seniority: 5+ years. Willingness to obtain SC clearance is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or equivalent military tech background.
• Defence/aerospace or safety-critical industries experience.
• Software for resource-constrained embedded processors.
• Experience with Agile Scrum delivery.
• Familiar with configuration management, release management & baselining tools.
• Experience using static analysis, unit/integration testing, simulators & emulators.
• Contributed to software architecture, leadership or mentoring.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain real-time embedded software in C++.
• Integrate software components and third-party solutions into embedded products.
• Support software on target hardware and hardware-software bring-up activities.
• Collaborate with systems, hardware, and software teams on robust solutions.
• Translate requirements into software designs and implementations.
• Perform verification, debugging, testing, and fault investigations.
• Contribute to architecture reviews and technical decisions.
• Support Agile development and continuous improvement across software function.

Skills

Real-Time embedded C++

Embedded systems

RTOS knowledge

Hardware bring-up

Cross-functional teamwork

Problem solving

Agile

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Engineering/CS

Job description

Senior Real-Time Embedded Software Engineer

• Full-time
• Contract Type: Permanent
• Region: London
• Compensation: GBP 40,000 - GBP 60,000 - yearly

ALTEN is a global engineering and technology consultancy operating across over 35 countries worldwide. We partner with industry leaders across sectors including Aeronautics, Aerospace, Defence, Naval, Automotive, Energy, Rail, IT and many more to deliver innovative engineering solutions that drive technological advancement & 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.

Join us and start building tomorrow’s world today!

We're looking for a Senior Real-Time Embedded Software Engineer to support the development of mission-critical embedded systems for advanced defence technologies. Working as part of a multidisciplinary engineering team, you will be responsible for designing, developing, integrating, and debugging real-time software solutions, collaborating closely with hardware engineers to deliver high-performance embedded products. This role offers the opportunity to work on complex systems throughout the full software lifecycle, from concept and architecture through to integration, verification, and deployment.

Location:Reading
On-site Requirement: 2-3 Days Per Week
Seniority: 5+ Years Experience
Security Clearance: Candidates must be willing and eligible to obtain SC clearance.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain real-time embedded software using modern C++.
• Integrate software components, algorithms, and third-party solutions into embedded products.
• Support software integration onto target hardware, including board bring-up and hardware-software debugging activities.
• Collaborate with systems, hardware, and software engineering teams to develop robust technical solutions.
• Translate system and functional requirements into software designs and implementations.
• Perform software verification, debugging, testing, and fault investigation activities throughout the development lifecycle.
• Contribute to software architecture, design reviews, and technical decision-making.
• Support Agile development activities and drive continuous improvement across the software engineering function.

Required Skills

• Strong commercial experience developing embedded software using C++.
• Experience developing real-time software for embedded systems within complex engineering environments.
• Knowledge of embedded operating systems such as VxWorks, SafeRTOS, Embedded Linux, or similar RTOS platforms.
• Experience integrating software onto hardware platforms and supporting hardware bring-up activities.
• Understanding of low-level embedded communication interfaces such as UART, SPI, I2C, GPIO, CANbus, timers, and interrupt-driven systems.
• Experience debugging software on both target hardware and simulated development environments.
• Ability to work across the full software development lifecycle in a structured engineering environment.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain technical concepts to a range of stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Proactive and self-motivated approach with strong ownership of technical deliverables.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage technical complexity and ambiguity.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or relevant technical military background with equivalent experience.
• Experience working within defence, aerospace, or other safety-critical industries.
• Knowledge of software development for resource-constrained embedded processors.
• Experience with Agile Scrum delivery methodologies and participation in Agile ceremonies.
• Familiarity with configuration management, branching strategies, release management, and software baselining tools.
• Experience using static analysis, unit testing, integration testing, simulators, and emulators.
• Experience contributing to software architecture, technical leadership, or mentoring activities within engineering teams.

We bring together entrepreneurial, tech-driven people to deliver innovative solutions for leading companies.

At ALTEN, you’ll work on exciting projects, supported by ongoing learning, mentoring, and clear career development tailored to your goals.

Join a passionate team and help build tomorrow, today.

• A personalised career path and a rewarding management style
• A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries
• Private MedicalInsurance
• Employee assistance programme
• Life insurance & Pension Scheme
• Social atmosphere, regular gatherings &team buildings
• Flexible way of working (role dependent)

We are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant & actively encourage applications from members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, service leavers, and military spouses/partners. We recognise the value of military skills and experience and are committed to ensuring that no applicant is unfairly disadvantaged during our recruitment and selection processes.

ALTEN is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and values the strength that comes from a global mix of backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of background or protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

This role may require you to have or be willing to go through Security Clearance. As part of the onboarding process candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard; details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website Gov.UK. If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, then your employment may be delayed, or rejected . Details of this will be discussed with you at interview.

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