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# Lead Software Engineer - DO-178C / Embedded C

- **Company:** Gattaca Plc
- **Location:** Cheltenham, UK
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** £68,248.0
- **Contract:** Temporary contract
- **Skills:** C++ (Programming Language), Code Review, Software Debugging, Embedded C, Embedded Software, Hardware Interface Design, Hardware-In-The-Loop Simulation, Software Architecture, Real-Time Operating Systems, Software Engineering, Software Requirements Analysis, Verification and Validation (Software), Systems Integration, Real Time Systems, Safety Critical Systems, Bare Metal, DO-178B
- **Published:** September 19, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.adzuna.co.uk/jobs/details/5889781317

## About the Role

* Significant experience developing bare-metal, real-time embedded systems in C
 * Strong proficiency in Embedded C/C++ and real-time software design
 * In-depth knowledge of DO-178C Level A standards, processes and documentation
 * Experience working with safety-critical systems and certification requirements, including MC/DC testing
 * Understanding of RTOS concepts and embedded modular platforms
 * Familiarity with debugging tools, hardware interfaces and safety analysis techniques
 * Experience with software requirements, design, implementation, testing and verification
 * Strong leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills

Desirable Experience:

 * Experience within aerospace, defence or another high-reliability engineering environment
 * Knowledge of related safety-critical standards, such as ARP4754, ARINC 653, DO-254 or DO-248
 * Understanding of hardware and software integration and hardware-in-the-loop testing
 * Experience reporting project status and contributing to programme reviews

This is an opportunity to contribute to the development of advanced safety-critical technology used across defence, aerospace and unmanned systems. If you have the required Embedded C/C++ and DO-178C expertise, apply now.

## Description

Our client is seeking a Lead Software Engineer to support the development of mission- and safety-critical systems within the defence and aerospace sector. This contract role is suited to an experienced embedded software professional with strong real-time programming expertise and comprehensive knowledge of DO-178C Level A compliance., * Derive high-level and low-level software requirements

 * Author software architectures and detailed design documentation
 * Develop bare-metal, real-time embedded software using C and C++
 * Implement safety-critical software for an embedded modular platform
 * Manage activities across the full software development lifecycle
 * Ensure compliance with DO-178C Level A processes, including traceability, testing and quality assurance
 * Conduct design reviews, code reviews, verification and validation activities
 * Collaborate with hardware, systems and test engineering teams to support effective integration


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