Software Engineer

Leidos; West of England; On-site; GBP 62,000 - 79,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

Private Medical Insurance

33 days annual leave

Flexible benefits

Learning & Development

Flexi time

Job summary

Leidos is seeking a Software Developer – Embedded Systems in Bristol, with 4 days per week on customer site and eligibility for DV clearance (British Citizen, UK residency).

You’ll develop embedded software on ESP32, Raspberry Pi and ARM Cortex boards in Python and C++, interfacing with hardware and collaborating with end users.

Qualifications

• Hands‑on software development experience.
• Proficiency in C++ and/or Python.
• Experience coding for embedded systems such as ESP32 or ARM Cortex boards.
• Familiarity with low‑level hardware interfacing (serial, GPIO, USB, SPI/I2C).
• Comfort in Linux development environments.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to learn new hardware/tools quickly.
• Familiarity with unit testing, debugging, and Git workflows.

Responsibilities

• Develop bespoke software on embedded platforms (ESP32, Raspberry Pi, ARM).
• Write and maintain Python/C++ code interfacing with hardware.
• Work with communication protocols to control peripheral devices.
• Perform testing and debugging in lab and customer sites.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to refine requirements.
• Support system integration and deployment of hardware/software stacks.
• Engage with users to understand operational needs and adapt solutions.
• Contribute to documentation and version control.
• Mentor less‑experienced developers when appropriate.

Skills

C++

Python

Embedded systems

Linux

Git

Testing

Hardware interfacing

RTOS

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering

Tools

ESP32

Raspberry Pi

ARM Cortex

Job 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

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 the world safer, healthier, and more efficient through technology, engineering and science.

Leidos is a growing 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 and ours.

People: Leidos empowers people from every background to be themselves and gives you the tools to learn new skills by enabling growth whilst 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.

Pay Range

£61,500.00-£78,800.00

Pay And Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.