Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Our client is seeking a Senior Embedded Software Developer to join their engineering team and contribute to the development of the platform software and mission systems behind cutting-edge autonomous aerial technologies. The role plays a key part in bringing together embedded platforms, flight hardware, perception modules and multi-vehicle behaviours for real operational scenarios.

This is a hands-on position suited to an experienced engineer who enjoys tackling complex embedded challenges, working closely with multidisciplinary teams, and taking ownership of software that directly influences autonomous missions.

The role involves:

• Translating system requirements into embedded software architecture, defining interfaces, middleware and flight-control components

• Developing driver packages for sensors, actuators and communication modules, and linking firmware with application-level mission logic

• Supporting prototype bring-up alongside hardware and firmware teams, using JTAG/SWD, logic analysers and lab equipment

• Designing HIL/HITL test environments, scripting scenarios, injecting faults and producing performance reports

• Implementing real-time communication pathways between AI perception modules and the flight-control unit, including failsafes and secure logging

• Building multi-vehicle communication middleware and protocols for swarm coordination and distributed behaviours

• Developing mission-planning tools with offline GCS capability, pre-flight validation and waypoint optimisation

• Implementing secure bootloaders, tamper-evident logging and controlled update mechanisms

• Leading integration with firmware, hardware, RF and external partners, maintaining version control through Git and tracking progress via standard tools

What our client is looking for:

Essential:

• A Master’s degree in Electronic Engineering, Computer Science or similar (or a Bachelor’s with equivalent experience)

• At least five years’ embedded software experience within aerospace, robotics or UAV systems

• Strong capability in C, C++ and Python, plus experience with embedded Linux, RTOS and middleware such as ROS 2, MAVLink or UAVCAN

• Good knowledge of ARM-based platforms (e.g. STM32 families, Cortex-Mx/Ax) and companion computers

• Experience in HIL/HITL testbench development and use of flight simulators

• Strong understanding of hardware interfaces (I2C, SPI, UART, CAN, Ethernet) and driver implementation

• Experience with embedded toolchains, cross-compiling and custom bootloaders

• Knowledge of secure boot mechanisms, cryptographic libraries and controlled update processes

• Proficiency with Git, CI/CD pipelines for embedded systems and project management tools

• Ability to lead engineering activities and coordinate across disciplines

• Strong written and spoken English

Preferred:

• Background in mission-planning, optimisation methods or swarm-coordination protocols

• Familiarity with PX4/ArduPilot ecosystems and flight-control tuning

• Knowledge of edge-AI deployment and perception-module integration

• Experience with embedded Linux build systems such as Yocto or Buildroot

• Previous involvement in PCB bring-up with electronics engineers

• Understanding of safety and coding standards (DO-178C, MISRA C)

• Experience with RF links and wireless driver stacks

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced embedded developer who wants to work on technically demanding, mission-critical systems. If you’d like to discuss the role or find out more about the organisation, please get in touch.