Embedded Software / Firmware Engineer

Company: Ultra Intelligence & Communications

Cyber (UK) Business

Powering Decision

Join the team redefining defense technology. From engineering systems that save lives to leading programs that change the battlefield—find your place in the future of defense.

Cyber Business

Our Cyber business unit is at the forefront of pioneering advanced cryptographic and key management solutions, facilitating the confidential exchange of vital information for customers operating at both tactical and strategic echelons. Join our team and participate in the innovation that ensures the highest security and trust worldwide.

The Ultra Engineering function manages a portfolio of specialist capabilities, generating highly differentiated solutions and products by applying electronic, mechanical, and software technologies in demanding and critical environments to meet customer needs.

Working in a small multi-disciplined engineering team you will bring your knowledge and creativity to help us develop innovative solutions to complex customer problems.  Development will range from early research and ideation, prototyping & derisking, experimentation to full product development. 

We are looking for embedded development engineers at a range of levels primarily skilled in software and FPGA development with an appreciation of hardware engineering and RF.  We are seeking creative people who love to research and build new technologies; people who are keen to continually learn new things. People who understand the current state of the art in physics and technology, and who have a real interest in exploiting the latest developments in the national interest.

Essential Skills

• Software development covering some of the following areas:
  • C/C++, Rust, Python.
  • Embedded Linux.
  • AI and ML.
  • Bare-metal MCU.

Desirable Skills

We would love to hear from anyone with core skills in some of the following and desire to learn more of the others.  For senior applicants we would seek an increasing number of the following skills:

• Full stack embedded software engineering from device-drivers to GUIs and WebApps.
• FPGA development (Vivado, Vitis and Modelsim), Digital Signal Processing.
• Electronic design including schematic capture, PCB design and mechanical design.
• Radio technologies, including Software Defined Radios, GNU Radio, RFNoC.
• Blue-sky thinking and ability to define and construct solutions to customer problems.
• Manage security of information as defined in the Security manual to ensure compliance with Government regulations.

Role requirements

• Essential:
  • Willing and able to obtain, and maintain, DV security clearance (following attainment of SC clearance).

Qualifications

• Degree in an engineering, mathematical or science-based subject or equivalent experience.

Notice

Due to the nature of the programs we deliver for our customers, candidates may need to obtain the relevant security clearance or handle export-controlled material as defined by the role's requirements. Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate level of security clearance for the role. Due to the nature of our work, you must be a British Citizen who has been resident in the UK for the past 5 years in order to apply for SC clearance and 10 years for DV. For more information, please visit the UKSV website.

Our Benefits

Every employee is critical to our success, and as such, we offer a range of flexible employee benefits, including:

• Participation in an Annual Bonus Scheme

• Private Medical Cover

• 25 days’ holiday (plus Bank Holidays) with the option to buy an extra 5 days

• Pension Contribution

• 4 x Life Assurance Cover

• Flexible working hours with opportunity for a 1pm finish on a Friday

• Flexible benefits including cycle to work scheme, will writing and more

• Security Clearance Allowance – where relevant and subject to you holding the required security clearance

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Statement

At Ultra I&C, we are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity and inclusivity. Underpinned by our values, behaviours, and policies, we want you to feel empowered to be the best version of yourself. We also believe that people from different backgrounds and cultures will increase our diversity of thinking, ensuring we successfully deliver to our customers. We, therefore, do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We also support requests for flexible working arrangements wherever possible. If you have any issues with your application, please email us at [email protected]