Software Engineer

Leidos; Bristol; On-site; GBP 62,000 - 79,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

Private Medical Insurance

Leave entitlement

Flexible benefits

Work-life balance

Tech training

Flexi time

Job summary

Leidos UK is seeking a Software Developer – Embedded Systems in Bristol, with 4 days on customer sites. You’ll design and deliver embedded software on platforms such as ESP32, Raspberry Pi and ARM Cortex, using Python and C++ to solve real-world problems at the edge.

This role requires eligibility for DV clearance and hands-on experience with low‑level hardware interfacing, Linux development and on-site collaboration with end users.

Qualifications

• Hands-on software development experience.
• Proficiency in C++ and/or Python.
• Embedded systems development on ESP32/ARM Cortex boards.
• Low-level hardware interfacing (serial, GPIO, USB, SPI/I2C).
• Linux development environment experience.
• Strong problem-solving and attention to detail.
• Adaptability to new hardware, tools and use cases.
• Unit testing, debugging tools, and Git workflows.

Responsibilities

• Develop bespoke software on embedded platforms.
• Write and maintain code in Python and/or C++ interfacing with hardware.
• Work with communication protocols to control peripherals.
• Testing and debugging in lab and customer sites.
• Collaborate across teams to refine requirements.
• Support system integration and deployment of stacks.
• Engage with users to understand needs and adapt solutions.
• Contribute to documentation and version control.
• Mentor junior developers and share knowledge.

Skills

C++

Python

Embedded systems

Linux

Git

Testing

Problem solving

Education

Degree in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering

Tools

ESP32

Raspberry Pi

ARM Cortex

Git

Job description

Description

Software Developer – Embedded Systems

Location: Bristol 3-4 days/week on customer site

Clearance: Must be eligible for DV clearance (British Citizen, UK residency last 10 years).

Are you an experienced software developer who loves building practical solutions on embedded hardware? Want to work closely with end-users and see the real-world impact of your code?

Join our National Security & Defence team, where you’ll design and deliver mission-critical software using platforms like ESP32, Raspberry Pi, and ARM-based microcontrollers (e.g., Zero, Pico). You'll work with Python and C++ to solve operational problems directly alongside our customers, typically on-site 4 days per week. This is a hands-on role for engineers who enjoy low-level work, problem-solving, and creating robust tools in challenging environments.

What You’ll Do

• Develop bespoke software solutions on embedded platforms (ESP32, Raspberry Pi, ARM).

• Write and maintain code in Python and/or C++, often interfacing directly with hardware.

• Work with communication protocols to control and integrate peripheral devices.

• Perform testing and debugging, both in the lab and at customer sites.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to refine requirements and implement features.

• Occasionally support system integration and deployment of hardware/software stacks.

• Engage with users to understand operational needs and adapt your solutions accordingly.

• Contribute to technical documentation and version control (Git).

• Support team knowledge sharing and mentor less-experienced developers when appropriate.

What You’ll Bring

Essential:

• Experience in hands-on software development.

• Strong proficiency in C++ and/or Python.

• Experience coding for embedded systems (e.g., ESP32, ARM Cortex-based boards).

• Familiarity with low-level hardware interfacing, including serial comms, GPIO, USB, or SPI/I2C.

• Comfort working in Linux development environments.

• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to adapt quickly to new hardware, tools, and use cases.

• Familiarity with unit testing, debugging tools, and Git-based workflows.

Desirable:

• Experience with security-focused projects (e.g., Government, MoD).

• Exposure to cryptography and secure audio/data transport.

• Knowledge of Bluetooth, Ultra-Wideband, or other wireless protocols.

• Familiarity with USB device drivers or USB communication.

• Use of RTOS or bare-metal development environments.

Education & Qualifications

• Degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field preferred.

• Professional membership of BCS or IET is a plus.

Why Leidos?

We’re a global technology company tackling the UK’s toughest national security challenges. Our Capability Development team is known for delivering bespoke, high-performance solutions in complex environments. We value people who are curious, self-directed, and eager to get their hands dirty with code.

What We Offer

• Competitive Salary & Financial Rewards: Pension, share options, car leasing, free parking, cycle scheme.

• Private Medical Insurance

• 33 Days Annual Leave (incl. public holidays), with buy/sell options.

• Flexible Benefits: Life assurance, gym memberships, health plans.

• Work-Life Balance: 37.5-hour week + up to 2 TOIL days per month.

• Learning & Development: TechX Academy, unlimited e-learning, career mobility.

• Flexi time working

Pay Range: £61,500.00-£78,800.00

If you want to work on real-world systems, close to the mission, and in a role where your code directly impacts outcomes, we’d love to hear from you.

At Leidos we are PASSIONATE about customer success, UNITED as a team and INSPIRED to make a difference. We offer meaningful and engaging careers, a collaborative culture, and support for your career goals, all while nurturing a healthy work-life balance. We provide an employment package that attracts, develops and retains only the best in talent.

Commitment to Diversity:

We welcome applications from every part of the community and are committed to a truly diverse and inclusive culture. We foster a sense of belonging, welcoming all perspectives and contributions, and providing equal access to opportunities and resources for everyone.If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages please let us know, and we will respond in a way that best fits your needs.

Who We Are:

Leidos UK & EUROPE – we work to make theworldsafer,healthier,andmore efficient through technology, engineering andscience.

Leidosis agrowing company delivering innovative technology and solutions focused on safeguarding critical capabilities and transformation in frontline services, our work in the United Kingdom includes addressing some of the most complex problems in defence, healthcare, government, safety and security, and transportation.

What Makes Us Different:

Purpose:you can use your passion and abilities at Leidos to keep the people you care about safe. We are at the forefront of machine learning, AI, cyber security and solutions. Using your skills in the technology frontline by helping to build a safer world. You can inspire change.

Collaboration:having flexibility to do your job is one of our core benefits, enabling you to become part of our extraordinary team. We have been empowering our people to work flexibly for years. Whether you work from home, the office or on customer sites, we will give you the digital tools and the flexibility to work smarter and align your needs andours.

People:Leidos empowers people from every background to be themselves and gives you the tools to learn new skills by enabling growthwhilst developing. We believe that extraordinary people need opportunities to grow, to be inspired and to inspire others. At Leidos, we invest in technical academies, career rotations and a career development plans that enhance your future. #INTNSD

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.