Principal Software and Hardware Assurance Engineer

As a Principal CEH Assurance Practitioner, you will lead the independent technical assessment of safety-critical aircraft systems, ensuring compliance with rigorous software and hardware safety standards. Your work will directly influence the safety, airworthiness and integrity of complex systems across defence aviation, weapons, land platforms and space assets.

You will act as a subject matter expert in Complex Electronic Hardware (CEH), guiding engineers, conducting lifecycle assessments, and shaping the assurance strategy for major defence programmes., * Leading assurance activities for CEH subsystems in line with DO-254, BS EN 61508-2 or equivalent

• Conducting audits, reviews and independent evaluations as lead assessor
• Assessing software and hardware lifecycle artefacts for compliance
• Providing SME-level hardware assurance across VHDL, FPGA, ASIC and PLC-based systems
• Supporting High Integrity Software assurance at the appropriate safety level
• Mentoring junior engineers and ensuring quality of technical output
• Attending UK and European customer workshops and review meetings

• Proven background as a technical assessor or strong software/aviation engineering experience
• Expertise in high-integrity hardware development (VHDL)
• Strong understanding of FPGA, ASIC and PLC architectures
• Experience with CEH safety standards (DO-254, EN 61508-2)
• Strong knowledge of hardware lifecycle processes
• Excellent communication skills and pragmatic decision-making ability
• Ability to lead audits, reviews and technical assessments
• Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Maths or similar (or equivalent experience)

Our client is a leading global defence and security technology organisation, renowned for delivering complex, mission-critical engineering solutions across air, land, maritime and space systems. You'll join an expert team working at the forefront of safety-critical digital systems, supporting high-profile UK defence programmes. Due to significant demand across their assurance and evaluation functions, they are looking for a Principal Software & Hardware (CEH) Assurance Practitioner to strengthen their capability.