Software Engineer

UK Space Jobs; Bicester; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

33 days annual holiday (pro rata)

Employee Assistance Programme

Health Cash Plan

Cycle to Work Scheme

Company Discounts and Rewards

Pension Salary Sacrifice Scheme

Gym Discounts

Enhanced Maternity Leave

Company Paid Sick Leave

Paid Jury Service

CPD support

Job summary

Flare Bright, a fast-growing software company in Oxford/Bicester, seeks a Software Engineer to contribute across the complete development lifecycle for flight safety and GPS-free navigation systems. You will design, implement and test high-performance embedded software with a focus on autonomy and safety-critical requirements.

The role requires a 2:1+ degree in software engineering, at least 3 years in real-time embedded systems, and strong C++ skills.

Qualifications

• 2.1 or higher degree in Software Engineering or related discipline with programming.
• A minimum of 3 years' professional experience in real-time embedded software design, development and testing.
• Strong grasp of C++, real-time systems, event-driven execution, OOP and verification.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement complex navigation and safety-critical software in C/C++ for uncrewed systems.
• Test, troubleshoot, upgrade and maintain high quality code.
• Support hardware-in-the-loop and software-in-the-loop testing.
• Contribute to algorithm ideas focused on autonomy with low SWaP considerations.
• Analyze simulation and test data and support flight test activities.
• Follow engineering processes, ensure documentation and reviews are thorough.
• Produce clear design docs and test reports; collaborate with engineers and technicians.
• Engage with customers to translate requirements into design specs.

Skills

C++

Real-time systems

Event-driven execution

Object oriented programming

Formal design methods

Verification techniques

Test-driven development

PNT techniques

Real-time operating systems

Machine Learning techniques

Software engineering best practices

Python scripting

HTML5/JavaScript UI development

DO-178C awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering

Job description

About Flare Bright

Flare Bright is a fast-growing software company specialising in Flight Safety and GPS-free Navigation Systems for the Aerospace, Defence, and Urban Air Mobility sectors. With a team of around 30 professionals, we operate from Oxford/Bicester and White City, London. Our culture is professional, flexible, and inclusive, offering excellent benefits and a proven track record of success. This is a rare opportunity to join an expanding, cutting-edge team.

The Role

Reporting to the Senior Engineering Manager, the Software Engineer will contribute towards the complete development lifecycle, from concept and algorithm design to system integration, testing and troubleshooting. You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to deliver high-performance flight safety and navigation solutions, maintaining excellence through thorough design documentation and technical reports.

Key Responsibilities

• Concept, algorithm design and coding implementation of complex alternative navigation, autonomy and safety-critical software solutions for the uncrewed autonomous market across aerial and other domains, using C/C++, in line with aerospace standards.
• Independently test, troubleshoot, upgrade and maintain high quality code.
• Support development of software and hardware in the loop test capabilities.
• Contribute to novel algorithm idea generation to solve autonomy challenges using low size, weight, power and cost solutions.
• Analyse simulation and physical test data, and support active flight test activities.
• Follow and improve engineering processes, design methodologies, and software libraries to increase development efficiency and product quality.
• Produce comprehensive, high-quality documentation. This specifically includes well-articulated design documentation and test reports.
• Collaborate effectively with fellow engineers and technicians to achieve and deliver complete, operational solutions.
• Engage with customers to translate key user requirements to design requirements and to support customer integration and project engagements.

Skills And Experience

• Qualifications: 2.1 or higher Degree in Software Engineering (or equivalent) in a related discipline which included programming.
• Required Experience:
  • A minimum of 3 years of professional experience focused on the design, development, and testing of real-time embedded software algorithms.
  • A strong and demonstrable grasp of C++, real-time systems, event-driven execution, object oriented programming, formal design methods, verification techniques and test-driven development.
  • Specific expertise in at least one of the following disciplines:
    • PNT techniques.
    • Real-time operating systems.
    • Machine Learning techniques.
  • Practical experience of software engineering best practices including design, change control, coding standards, documentation, code review, source control management, build processes, releases and testing.
  • Able to write well-structured, efficient, documented and tested software to high quality standards following coding conventions.

Desirable Experience

• Experience with uncrewed aerial system flight controllers, such as Ardupilot.
• Familiarity with DO-178C aerospace design standards.
• Knowledge of python/bash scripting and HTML5/JavaScript UI development.
• Good knowledge of and ability to apply modern AI and ML technologies.

Location:

• This is an onsite position at our Head Office & Workshop in Westcott Venture Park (15 minutes drive from Bicester or Aylesbury, 30 minute drive NE of Oxford).
• This is not a remote position, although hybrid working may be considered.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a rapidly growing company at the forefront of cutting-edge technology in the defence sector.
• Enjoy a flexible, professional, and inclusive work culture.
• Work with a talented team shaping the future of Autonomous Aviation, Machine Learning & Digital Twin technology.
• Competitive pro rata salary and benefits.
• Competitive pro rata salary and benefits including; 33 days annual holiday (pro rata), Employee Assistance Programme, Health Cash Plan, Cycle to Work Scheme, Company Discounts and Rewards, Technology Salary Sacrifice Scheme, Pension Salary Sacrifice Scheme, Company Paid Flu Jabs, Gym Discounts, Enhanced Maternity Leave, Company Paid Sick Leave, Paid Jury Service, support for Continuous Professional Development.

We work in defence as well as commercial and ‘blue light’ sectors, so you must be comfortable working within the defence industry, and be eligible to work in the UK.