Description
Software Developer – Embedded Systems
Location: Bristol 3-4 days/week on customer site
Clearance: Must be eligible for DV clearance (British Citizen, UK residency last 10 years).
Are you an experienced software developer who loves building practical solutions on embedded hardware? Want to work closely with end-users and see the real-world impact of your code?
Join our National Security & Defence team, where you’ll design and deliver mission-critical software using platforms like ESP32, Raspberry Pi, and ARM-based microcontrollers (e.g., Zero, Pico). You'll work with Python and C++ to solve operational problems directly alongside our customers, typically on-site 4 days per week. This is a hands-on role for engineers who enjoy low-level work, problem-solving, and creating robust tools in challenging environments.
Develop bespoke software solutions on embedded platforms (ESP32, Raspberry Pi, ARM).
Write and maintain code in Python and/or C++, often interfacing directly with hardware.
Work with communication protocols to control and integrate peripheral devices.
Perform testing and debugging, both in the lab and at customer sites.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to refine requirements and implement features.
Occasionally support system integration and deployment of hardware/software stacks.
Engage with users to understand operational needs and adapt your solutions accordingly.
Contribute to technical documentation and version control (Git).
Support team knowledge sharing and mentor less-experienced developers when appropriate.
Essential:
Experience in hands-on software development.
Strong proficiency in C++ and/or Python.
Experience coding for embedded systems (e.g., ESP32, ARM Cortex-based boards).
Familiarity with low-level hardware interfacing, including serial comms, GPIO, USB, or SPI/I2C.
Comfort working in Linux development environments.
Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
Ability to adapt quickly to new hardware, tools, and use cases.
Familiarity with unit testing, debugging tools, and Git-based workflows.
Desirable:
Experience with security-focused projects (e.g., Government, MoD).
Exposure to cryptography and secure audio/data transport.
Knowledge of Bluetooth, Ultra-Wideband, or other wireless protocols.
Familiarity with USB device drivers or USB communication.
Use of RTOS or bare-metal development environments.
Degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field preferred.
Professional membership of BCS or IET is a plus.
We’re a global technology company tackling the UK’s toughest national security challenges. Our Capability Development team is known for delivering bespoke, high-performance solutions in complex environments. We value people who are curious, self-directed, and eager to get their hands dirty with code.
Competitive Salary & Financial Rewards: Pension, share options, car leasing, free parking, cycle scheme.
Private Medical Insurance
33 Days Annual Leave (incl. public holidays), with buy/sell options.
Flexible Benefits: Life assurance, gym memberships, health plans.
Work-Life Balance: 37.5-hour week + up to 2 TOIL days per month.
Learning & Development: TechX Academy, unlimited e-learning, career mobility.
Flexi time working
If you want to work on real-world systems, close to the mission, and in a role where your code directly impacts outcomes, we’d love to hear from you.
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.
Commitment to Diversity:
We welcome applications from every part of the community and are committed to a truly diverse and inclusive culture. We foster a sense of belonging, welcoming all perspectives and contributions, and providing equal access to opportunities and resources for everyone. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages please let us know, and we will respond in a way that best fits your needs.
Who We Are:
Leidos UK & EUROPE – we work to make the world safer, healthier, and more efficient through technology, engineering and science.
Leidos is a growing company delivering innovative technology and solutions focused on safeguarding critical capabilities and transformation in frontline services, our work in the United Kingdom includes addressing some of the most complex problems in defence, healthcare, government, safety and security, and transportation.
What Makes Us Different:
Purpose: you can use your passion and abilities at Leidos to keep the people you care about safe. We are at the forefront of machine learning, AI, cyber security and solutions. Using your skills in the technology frontline by helping to build a safer world. You can inspire change.
Collaboration: having flexibility to do your job is one of our core benefits, enabling you to become part of our extraordinary team. We have been empowering our people to work flexibly for years. Whether you work from home, the office or on customer sites, we will give you the digital tools and the flexibility to work smarter and align your needs and ours.
People: Leidos empowers people from every background to be themselves and gives you the tools to learn new skills by enabling growth whilst developing. We believe that extraordinary people need opportunities to grow, to be inspired and to inspire others. At Leidos, we invest in technical academies, career rotations and a career development plans that enhance your future. #INTNSD
If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
£61,500.00-£78,800.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.
About Leidos
Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.
Pay and Benefits
Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.
Securing Your Data
Beware of fake employment opportunities using Leidos’ name. Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information during any part of the employment application process (i.e., ask you for money), nor will Leidos ever advance money as part of the hiring process (i.e., send you a check or money order before doing any work). Further, Leidos will only communicate with you through emails that are generated by the Leidos.com automated system – never from free commercial services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or via WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. If you received an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information (e.g., about you or your previous employer), and you are concerned about its legitimacy, please make us aware immediately by emailing us at [email protected].
If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement and report the incident to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.
Commitment to Non-Discrimination
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.
