Principal Software Engineer (Embedded)

TL;DR

Principal Software Engineer (Embedded/C++): Architecting and developing high-security cryptographic and key management solutions for defense customers with an accent on embedded software, RTOS, and secure development lifecycles. Focus on technical leadership, defining software architecture, and ensuring compliance with strict government security standards.

Location: Maidenhead, UK. Must be a British Citizen who has been resident in the UK for the past 5-10 years to obtain SC and DV security clearance.

Company

hirify.global is a defense technology firm specializing in advanced cryptographic and key management solutions for tactical and strategic security.

What you will do

• Architect, design, and implement embedded and application software for high-security defense projects.
• Provide technical leadership to a software engineering team of 5-20 engineers and line manage up to 5 staff.
• Apply object-oriented design and modelling tools such as RSA and EA to ensure code re-use and quality.
• Drive the adoption of DevSecOps, TDD/BDD, and Continuous Integration practices to optimize development efficiency.
• Generate technical proposals and effort estimates for bids and proposals ranging from tens of thousands to several million pounds.
• Mentor junior engineers and chair technical reviews for significant software deliverables.

Requirements

• Degree in an engineering, mathematical, or science-based subject or equivalent experience.
• Significant experience in C and C++ development.
• Expertise in embedded product development, including bare-metal and RTOS (e.g., ThreadX, QNX, or Linux).
• Strong knowledge of Object-Oriented Design and Design Patterns such as SOLID.
• Must be a British Citizen resident in the UK for the last 5 years (for SC clearance) and 10 years (for DV clearance).
• Proven experience with software testing and design for test methodologies.

Nice to have

• Master’s degree in a relevant technical field.
• Experience with Rust, Javascript, Node.js, or React.
• Knowledge of communication protocols (e.g., TCP/IP) and defensive coding standards like MISRA.
• Proficiency with DOORS, RSA, Enterprise Architect, UML, and SysML.

Culture & Benefits

• Annual bonus scheme and private medical cover.
• 25 days of holiday plus bank holidays, with an option to purchase an additional 5 days.
• Pension contributions and 4x life assurance cover.
• Flexible working hours, including the possibility of a 1pm finish on Fridays.
• Security clearance allowance provided where applicable.