Lead Software Engineer

Software Team Lead Real-Time Embedded C (Safety-Critical)

Location: Cheltenham
Salary: Competitive, DOE
Security Clearance: SC Required

The Opportunity

My Client is a leader in aerospace and defence solutions, and they are seeking an experienced Software Team Lead to drive the development of a real-time, safety-critical embedded C application for a nose wheel steering system.

You ll lead a team of talented engineers through the full software lifecycle: deriving requirements, designing, implementing, and verifying a high-reliability, DO-178C Level A compliant system.

This role blends technical excellence and leadership, ensuring safety, quality, and innovation in a cutting-edge aerospace system.

What You ll Do

Technical Leadership:

• Lead the design, development, and verification of bare-metal real-time software in C

• Ensure DO-178C Level A compliance including traceability, testing, and documentation

• Conduct design and code reviews, maintain coding standards and quality

Project Management & Team Leadership:

• Collaborate with hardware, systems, and test teams for seamless integration

• Report progress to stakeholders and support program reviews

• Foster effective communication and knowledge sharing within the team

What they are looking for.

Technical Expertise:

• Proven experience in bare-metal real-time embedded C development

• Deep understanding of DO-178C Level A standards and safety-critical certification

• Familiarity with MCDC testing, debugging tools, hardware interfaces, and safety analysis

Leadership Skills:

• Experience leading software teams in safety-critical or aerospace environments

• Strong organizational and project management skills

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities

Desirable:

• Aerospace or high-reliability system experience

• Knowledge of other safety-critical standards (ARP4754, ARINC 653, DO-254, DO-248)

• Experience with hardware/software integration and HIL testing

Why Join Us:

• Lead innovative projects in aerospace and defence

• Work with a highly skilled, collaborative team

• Opportunity to influence safety-critical software development at the forefront of technology