Lead Software Engineer - DO-178C / Embedded C

Location: Cheltenham (hybrid working)

Duration: 6 month contract

Inside IR35

Role details:

Our client is seeking a Lead Software Engineer to support the development of mission- and safety-critical systems within the defence and aerospace sector. This contract role is suited to an experienced embedded software professional with strong real-time programming expertise and comprehensive knowledge of DO-178C Level A compliance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Derive high-level and low-level software requirements


• Author software architectures and detailed design documentation


• Develop bare-metal, real-time embedded software using C and C++


• Implement safety-critical software for an embedded modular platform


• Manage activities across the full software development lifecycle


• Ensure compliance with DO-178C Level A processes, including traceability, testing and quality assurance


• Conduct design reviews, code reviews, verification and validation activities


• Collaborate with hardware, systems and test engineering teams to support effective integration

Job Requirements:

• Significant experience developing bare-metal, real-time embedded systems in C


• Strong proficiency in Embedded C/C++ and real-time software design


• In-depth knowledge of DO-178C Level A standards, processes and documentation


• Experience working with safety-critical systems and certification requirements, including MC/DC testing


• Understanding of RTOS concepts and embedded modular platforms


• Familiarity with debugging tools, hardware interfaces and safety analysis techniques


• Experience with software requirements, design, implementation, testing and verification


• Strong leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills

Desirable Experience:

• Experience within aerospace, defence or another high-reliability engineering environment


• Knowledge of related safety-critical standards such as ARP4754, ARINC 653, DO-254 or DO-248


• Understanding of hardware and software integration and hardware-in-the-loop testing


• Experience reporting project status and contributing to programme reviews

This is an opportunity to contribute to the development of advanced safety-critical technology used across defence, aerospace and unmanned systems. If you have the required Embedded C/C++ and DO-178C expertise,