Software Engineer

Software Engineer (UAV / Embedded Systems)

Swindon - Hybrid

£40,000 – £60,000 - flexible for the right experience

We’re partnering with a high-growth UK engineering team building next-generation unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems. This is a hands-on Software Engineer role sitting at the heart of a multidisciplinary environment where software, electronics, and avionics converge to deliver complex, real-world systems.

This is not a siloed development role. You’ll be working across the full lifecycle of embedded and systems software - designing, building, testing, and integrating solutions that directly interact with hardware and flight systems.

The Environment

You’ll join a small, fast-moving engineering team operating at pace, with significant demand driven by rapid growth. The culture is highly collaborative, technically curious, and energetic.

Flexibility, adaptability, and a willingness to step outside traditional lanes are essential. Engineers here don’t just write code - they own outcomes.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Designing and developing embedded software and firmware for UAV systems
• Working across greenfield development and enhancement of existing architecture
• Collaborating closely with avionics, electronics, and mechanical engineers
• Supporting system integration and hands-on testing with hardware
• Contributing to architecture, design decisions, and technical direction
• Ensuring compliance with aerospace-grade standards (including DO-178C considerations)

⚙️ Tech & Tools

We’re looking for strong fundamentals in embedded and systems engineering, including:

• Strong C++ development experience (essential)
• Python and MATLAB for tooling, modelling, and analysis
• Experience with Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS)
• UNIX/Linux-based development environments
• Version control using Git
• Exposure to UAV flight control ecosystems such as:
• ArduPilot
• PX4

✈️ Domain Experience (Critical)

• Proven experience in UAV, aerospace, defence, or robotics environments
• Strong understanding of flight dynamics, control systems, and embedded systems
• Experience with PID controllers and tuning methods
• Comfort working close to hardware (debugging, testing, integration)

What Success Looks Like

• You enjoy building systems that cross hardware and software boundaries
• You’re comfortable switching between coding, testing, and debugging in the same day
• You proactively solve problems rather than just identifying them
• You thrive in a highly collaborative, high-accountability engineering culture

⚠️ Important Note

This is a UK-based role requiring full UK working rights and a UK-centric project environment. No visa sponsorship is available.

If you're an embedded Software Engineer who enjoys complex systems, hands-on problem solving, and working at the intersection of software and hardware, this is a rare opportunity to make a tangible impact.