Software Developer- Low-Level and Embedded (Defence)

Neptune North; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Pension up to 6%

Private health insurance

Discretionary bonus

Job summary

Neptune North in Newcastle upon Tyne is seeking Software Engineers to work close to the metal on defence systems, using C++, Rust and C. This hands-on role offers impact across diverse projects, including embedded, real-time and resource-constrained platforms.

You will collaborate across hardware and software, optimise performance, and contribute to PoCs and engineered solutions while upholding high engineering standards and security practices.

Qualifications

• Strong programming in C/C++, Rust or C for embedded, real-time systems.
• Experience developing for embedded, real-time or resource-constrained environments.
• Familiarity with peripheral interfaces (SPI, I2C, UART, CAN).
• Experience with industrial computing platforms and SBC standards.
• Linux or macOS development with low-level toolchains and build systems.

Responsibilities

• Design, build and test software for embedded, real-time or resource-constrained environments.
• Work across hardware and software boundary, integrating with peripherals and computing platforms.
• Profile and optimise for performance, latency and resource use.
• Provide technical expertise within the organisation and client engagements.
• Demonstrate flexibility with evolving company priorities.
• Share expertise to raise and reuse capability.

Skills

C++

Rust

C

Embedded development

Real-time systems

Linux/macOS development

Education

First-class or 2:1 degree in CS/Engineering/Physics/Math

Tools

SPI

I2C

UART

CAN bus

Single-board computers

Job description

• Location: Newcastle upon Tyne


• Security clearance: must be eligible for UK SC-level security clearance (UK national)


• Visa sponsorship: we are not able to sponsor visas for this role


• Closing date: applications reviewed on a rolling basis

About Neptune North

Neptune North is a high-performing technical consultancy. We build data, AI and software solutions for clients in defence, financial services and private capital, working on demanding problems in challenging environments.

We were founded in 2024 as a joint venture between Oliver Wyman and Rokos Capital Management. We're headquartered in the centre of Newcastle upon Tyne, with a growing international footprint, and we're recruiting exceptional engineers across every level.

The role

We're looking for Software Engineers to work close to the metal on defence systems, in C++, Rust and C. This is a hands-on engineering role where you will have impact across a wide variety of projects.

Potential projects might include fully engineered solutions, developing Proof of Concepts (POCs), and applied work on embedded, real-time and resource-constrained platforms.

Responsibilities

• Design, build and test software for embedded, real-time or resource-constrained environments


• Work across the hardware and software boundary, integrating with peripherals and industrial computing platforms


• Profile and optimise for performance, latency and resource use


• Provide technical expertise when it is required within the organisation and in client engagements


• Demonstrate flexibility in taking on work aligned to evolving company priorities


• Play an active role in sharing expertise to raise and re-use capability

What makes a great candidate

• Excellent programming skills in one or more low-level languages, such as C++, Rust or C


• Experience developing for embedded, real-time or resource-constrained environments


• Familiarity with peripheral interfaces, such as SPI, I2C, UART and CAN bus


• Experience with industrial computing platforms and single-board computer standards


• Linux or macOS development, including low-level toolchain and build system knowledge


• Some or all of the following would be a plus: real-time operating systems; high-assurance engineering practices such as safety-related standards or secure development lifecycles; high-performance computing, low-latency systems, or performance profiling and optimisation


• A solid grounding in software engineering best practices and a desire to maintain high engineering standards in all your work


• Excellent verbal and written communication skills


• Experience working effectively as part of a team and enthusiasm for knowledge-sharing and collaboration


• Ability to work effectively with ambiguity, while maintaining a disciplined, outcome-focussed approach


• Strong academic foundations, typically a first-class or 2:1 degree from a leading university in Computer Science, Engineering, Physics or Mathematics, or a related discipline


• Experience in defence or national security is a strong plus

What you can achieve

• Contribute to systems that strengthen UK defence and national security


• Build a strong foundation in systems engineering and high-assurance practices that will shape your career


• Develop your skills across the hardware and software boundary and a variety of platforms


• Learn from experienced systems and software engineers who are invested in your growth


• Contribute to meaningful technical decisions as part of a collaborative, low-ego engineering team

Why join us

• Work on a wide variety of interesting problems alongside high-calibre colleagues. Our culture is collaborative and supportive. Neptune North is a place where people help each other grow and feel a real sense of belonging


• 25 days' holiday allowance plus bank holidays


• Matching pension contributions up to 6%


• Private health insurance through Bupa


• Discretionary bonus

Travel

Neptune North works with clients across the UK's defence sector. Many engagements involve regular travel and time on client site. This could mean two to three days per week over an entire assignment, or shorter periods of full-time on-site working anywhere in the UK, at sites including Cheltenham, Bristol, Glasgow, Portsmouth or other defence hubs. We support travelling staff with full expenses and hotel arrangements, and we discuss client placements with you in advance. We are looking for engineers who see this variety as part of the appeal of consultancy work rather than a downside.

Interview process

Our interview process is rigorous because the standard internally is high. For this role, it has three stages:

• Written questions, which you complete at a time that suits you


• A first interview covering your CV, experience and career aspirations


• A technical interview with members of our engineering team

Equity, diversity and inclusion

At Neptune North we are committed to a work environment that embraces diversity, equity and inclusion. We believe diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences help us attract, develop and retain the best talent. We do not discriminate on the basis of gender, age, race or ethnicity, identification as an LGBTQIA+ individual, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by relevant local law.