Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Location: Commutable to Herfordshire, Cheltenham, and Bristol - mostly on-site (4 days/week on customer site, 1 day remote where appropriate)

Clearance: Must be eligible and willing to undergo DV clearance (British Citizen, UK residency last 10 years)

Are you a proven embedded software engineer who thrives on hard problems and real-world constraints? Want to design and deliver operational tooling directly alongside end users in National Security & Defence?

We’re looking for a senior technical contributor who can take ownership of embedded deliveries, guide technical direction, and mentor others-working across ESP32, Raspberry Pi, and ARM platforms.

What You’ll Do

• Lead development of bespoke embedded solutions across multiple platforms.

• Design, implement, and maintain production-quality C, C++ and/or Python code interfacing with hardware.

• Architect solutions involving comms protocols, peripheral integration, and performance/robustness constraints.

• Lead debugging, testing, and optimisation across lab and field environments.

• Shape requirements with stakeholders; propose approaches and influence delivery plans.

• Support integration, configuration, and deployment into secure operational environments.

• Produce high-quality documentation and enforce consistent Git workflows and review standards.

• Mentor junior engineers and raise team capability through coaching and knowledge sharing.

• Extensive hands-on embedded software development experience.

• Strong proficiency in C/C++ (and/or Python where appropriate).

• Deep experience with embedded systems (ESP32, ARM Cortex, SBCs).

• Strong understanding of low-level interfacing (UART, GPIO, USB, SPI/I2C).

• Confident in Linux-based development environments and toolchains.

• Strong debugging skills (JTAG/SWD, logic analysers, profiling, etc.) and disciplined engineering practice.

• Ability to communicate clearly and influence technical decisions across teams.

Desirable:

• Experience delivering in secure/defence environments.

• Knowledge of cryptography, secure transport, or secure system design.

• Wireless experience (Bluetooth, UWB, Wi-Fi).

• USB device drivers / advanced USB comms.

• RTOS / bare-metal expertise.

• Embedded Rust experience or strong interest.

Education & Qualifications

• Degree in a relevant discipline preferred (or equivalent experience).

• Professional membership (BCS, IET) is a plus.

At Leidos we are PASSIONATE about customer success, UNITED as a team and INSPIRED to make a difference. We offer meaningful and engaging careers, a collaborative culture, and support for your career goals, all while nurturing a healthy work-life balance.

We provide an employment package that attracts, develops and retains only the best in talent. Our reward scheme includes:

• Contributory Pension Scheme

• Private Medical Insurance

• 33 days Annual Leave (including public and privilege holidays)

• Access to Flexible benefits (including life assurance, health schemes, gym memberships, annual buy and sell holidays and a cycle to work scheme)

• Flexi-Time