Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Senior C++ Software EngineerManchester | National Security | High-Performance Systems | Up to £80,000 Gross Operating at the cutting edge of defence, aerospace, and national security technology, delivering advanced, mission-critical solutions for government and international customers. Teams work across highly secure, high-impact programmes, developing and supporting systems that protect critical infrastructure and national interests. The environment is fast-paced and technically demanding, with a strong emphasis on innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Engineers are trusted to take ownership, challenge assumptions, and contribute directly to systems deployed in real operational environments. As a Senior C++ Software Engineer, you will work on the development, enhancement, and support of high-performance national security systems, collaborating with international customers and internal teams to deliver new capabilities and maintain mission-critical platforms.

You'll be part of an agile, collaborative engineering team, working across the full software lifecycle in a Linux-based environment. The work is technically challenging and varied, requiring strong problem-solving skills, performance-focused development, and the ability to operate comfortably in complex, production systems. Your background:Strong commercial experience developing software in modern C++, including performance-critical and concurrent systemsSolid understanding of Linux-based development, including build systems, compilers, tooling, and low-level system behaviourExperience working with computer networking concepts and protocols, particularly TCP/IP and related technologiesExposure to packet-level or network-focused systems, such as traffic analysis, inspection, or monitoring platformsExperience using complementary scripting or automation languages such as Python, Ruby, Bash, or similarComfortable working in Agile / Scrum environments, using tools such as Jira or equivalentExperience diagnosing, troubleshooting, and supporting complex systems, including remote fault-findingAbility to work autonomously while contributing effectively within a high-performing engineering teamStrong communication skills and a proactive approach to problem-solving Desired:Experience with deep packet inspection or network analysis technologiesFamiliarity with networking protocols beyond TCP/IP (e.g. HTTP, DNS, DHCP, tunnelling technologies)Exposure to configuration management or infrastructure tooling (e.g. Puppet or similar)Experience supporting deployed or operational systems in a secure or mission-critical contextWillingness to travel occasionally to support customer engagement and system deployment