C++ Firmware Engineer
Role details
Job location
Tech stack
Job description
Join our team to develop advanced firmware for next-generation autonomous underwater systems used in complex maritime environments. You'll work on low-level C++ development, hardware integration, and embedded debugging to ensure reliability, robustness, and mission-critical performance. This is an opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge underwater robotics programmes where your engineering directly impacts operational capability., * Develop, test, and maintain C++ firmware for autonomous underwater platforms.
- Interact closely with hardware teams to integrate sensors, actuators, and embedded electronics.
- Debug firmware and interpret schematic and hardware-level data.
- Use Linux, Python, and Bash for scripting, test automation, and tool creation.
- Support embedded integration into wider robotic control, autonomy, and communication systems.
- Participate in code reviews, documentation, and continuous improvement.
- Apply good practice for mission-critical environments, with awareness of DO-178 processes and regulated development., We are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant & actively encourage applications from members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, service leavers, and military spouses/partners. We recognise the value of military skills and experience and are committed to ensuring that no applicant is unfairly disadvantaged during our recruitment and selection processes.
Requirements
Seniority: 5+ years of experience Clearance: Candidates must be willing and eligible to obtain SC clearance., * Strong experience with C++ for embedded or firmware development.
- Hands-on experience with Linux, embedded debugging tools, and scripting (Python, Bash).
- Understanding of firmware-hardware interaction, boards, and low-level drivers.
- Ability to interpret electronic schematics and hardware documentation.
- Experience working with integrated systems involving sensors and embedded comms.
Soft Skills & Collaboration
- Strong communication skills for working with electronics, systems, and mechanical teams.
- Excellent analytical and debugging capability in fast-paced engineering environments.
- Proactive, structured, and quality-driven approach aligned to regulated systems.
- Comfortable collaborating in multi-disciplinary, hands-on lab settings., Bachelor's or Master's degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline, or relevant technical military background with equivalent experience. Must be eligible to hold or already hold UK SC Security Clearance.
Desirable Skills
- Experience with FPGAs and VHDL.
- Exposure to RTOS environments (FreeRTOS, VxWorks, ThreadX, etc.).
- Familiarity with safety or mission-critical standards (e.g., DO-178, MISRA).
- Experience in underwater systems, robotics, or defence environments.
- Knowledge of embedded sensors, autonomy modules, or maritime comms protocols.
- Use of Git, CMake, or CI/CD tooling.
Benefits & conditions
We bring together entrepreneurial, tech-driven people to deliver innovative solutions for leading companies.
At ALTEN, you'll work on exciting projects, supported by ongoing learning, mentoring, and clear career development tailored to your goals.
Join a passionate team and help build tomorrow, today.
In short you get:
- A personalised career path and a rewarding management style
- A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries
- Private Medical Insurance
- Cycle & Tech Scheme
- Employee assistance programme
- Life insurance & Pension Scheme
- Social atmosphere, regular gatherings & team buildings
- Flexible way of working (role dependent)
