Software Engineer

C Programmer / Telecom Protocol Engineer – 3GPP

Contract: 6 months, with potential for extension

Location: Farnborough, UK – Client Site

Work Arrangement: Hybrid but on-site as required

Eligibility: Candidates must already be based in the UK and be able to work from the Farnborough client site.

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced C Programmer / Telecom Protocol Engineer to support a client project based in Farnborough. The successful candidate will combine strong software development expertise in C with practical knowledge of telecommunications networks, signalling and 3GPP standards.

This role will involve developing and enhancing telecom software, investigating complex protocol and software issues, and supporting integration and testing activities within a telecommunications environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, maintain and enhance telecommunications software using C.
• Analyse, troubleshoot and resolve complex software and protocol-related issues.
• Work with telecom signalling protocols, network interfaces and communication technologies.
• Review 3GPP specifications and translate technical requirements into software implementations.
• Contribute across the full development lifecycle, including design, coding, debugging, unit testing and integration testing.
• Investigate software defects, conduct root-cause analysis and implement appropriate fixes.
• Support software integration, system testing and deployment within telecom/network environments.
• Collaborate closely with client engineering teams and other technical stakeholders on-site.
• Produce and maintain relevant technical and engineering documentation.
• Participate in technical discussions and contribute to continuous improvement of software and development processes.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Strong commercial experience developing software using C.
• Solid understanding of telecommunications and mobile network architecture.
• Practical knowledge of 3GPP standards and protocols across 3G, 4G/LTE and/or 5G.
• Experience working with telecom signalling protocols and network interfaces.
• Strong analytical, debugging and problem-solving capabilities.
• Hands-on experience working in Linux/Unix environments.
• Good understanding of networking concepts, including TCP/IP.
• Experience with software development lifecycle processes, version control and defect/issue management.
• Ability to interpret complex technical specifications and convert requirements into robust software solutions.

Desirable Skills

• Experience programming in C++.
• Knowledge of 4G/LTE and/or 5G Core and RAN technologies.
• Exposure to telecom protocols/interfaces such as SIP, Diameter, GTP, SCTP, NGAP, S1AP and NAS.
• Experience working with protocol stacks, signalling platforms or real-time telecommunications applications.
• Understanding of multi-threaded, concurrent or distributed software systems.
• Scripting experience using Python and/or Shell.
• Previous experience working for or directly with a telecom operator, network equipment vendor or client engineering team.