Senior Real-Time Embedded Software Engineer

Job Description

We're looking for a Senior Real-Time Embedded Software Engineer to support the development of mission-critical embedded systems for advanced defence technologies. Working as part of a multidisciplinary engineering team, you will be responsible for designing, developing, integrating, and debugging real-time software solutions, collaborating closely with hardware engineers to deliver high-performance embedded products. This role offers the opportunity to work on complex systems throughout the full software lifecycle, from concept and architecture through to integration, verification, and deployment.

Location: Reading
On-site Requirement: 2-3 Days Per Week
Seniority: 5+ Years Experience
Security Clearance: Candidates must be willing and eligible to obtain SC clearance.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain real-time embedded software using modern C++.
• Integrate software components, algorithms, and third-party solutions into embedded products.
• Support software integration onto target hardware, including board bring-up and hardware-software debugging activities.
• Collaborate with systems, hardware, and software engineering teams to develop robust technical solutions.
• Translate system and functional requirements into software designs and implementations.
• Perform software verification, debugging, testing, and fault investigation activities throughout the development lifecycle.
• Contribute to software architecture, design reviews, and technical decision-making.
• Support Agile development activities and drive continuous improvement across the software engineering function.

Qualifications

Required Skills

• Strong commercial experience developing embedded software using C++.
• Experience developing real-time software for embedded systems within complex engineering environments.
• Knowledge of embedded operating systems such as VxWorks, SafeRTOS, Embedded Linux, or similar RTOS platforms.
• Experience integrating software onto hardware platforms and supporting hardware bring-up activities.
• Understanding of low-level embedded communication interfaces such as UART, SPI, I2C, GPIO, CANbus, timers, and interrupt-driven systems.
• Experience debugging software on both target hardware and simulated development environments.
• Ability to work across the full software development lifecycle in a structured engineering environment.

Soft Skills & Collaboration

• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain technical concepts to a range of stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Proactive and self-motivated approach with strong ownership of technical deliverables.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage technical complexity and ambiguity.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or relevant technical military background with equivalent experience.

Desirable Skills

• Experience working within defence, aerospace, or other safety-critical industries.
• Knowledge of software development for resource-constrained embedded processors.
• Experience with Agile Scrum delivery methodologies and participation in Agile ceremonies.
• Familiarity with configuration management, branching strategies, release management, and software baselining tools.
• Experience using static analysis, unit testing, integration testing, simulators, and emulators.
• Experience contributing to software architecture, technical leadership, or mentoring activities within engineering teams.

Additional Information

Why join us? 

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)

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. 

ALTEN is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and values the strength that comes from a global mix of backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of background or protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know. 

This role may require you to have or be willing to go through Security Clearance. As part of the onboarding process candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard; details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website Gov.UK. If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, then your employment may be delayed, or rejected . Details of this will be discussed with you at interview.

Compensation: 40000 to 60000 (GBP) (YEARLY)