Embedded Software Lead

About the Position

We are seeking an Embedded Software Lead to join ALTEN Ltd in Portsmouth, UK. In this Lead Role, you will design and deliver high-performance software that enables complex sensor-driven systems to understand their surroundings and present information clearly through intuitive graphical interfaces. You will work across embedded, real-time, and performance-critical environments, combining modern C++ development with Qt/QML user interfaces to deliver robust, production-ready solutions.

Location: Portsmouth

On-site: Hybrid

Seniority: Lead Role

Security Clearance: Candidates must be willing to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS)

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and maintenance of embedded and backend software using modern C++ (C++14/17/20)
• Develop and integrate real-time software components for performance-critical systems
• Implement algorithms for sensor data processing and fusion, combining inputs from multiple sources
• Design and integrate Qt/QML user interfaces with C++ back-end systems
• Ensure software quality through code reviews, testing, debugging, and performance optimization
• Collaborate closely with systems, embedded, and UI/UX engineers
• Contribute across the full software lifecycle, from requirements and architecture through to implementation and documentation
• Provide technical leadership and guidance within the software team

Requirements

Required Skills

• Strong experience in embedded software development
• C++ experience within real-time, embedded, or performance-critical environments
• Qt / QML development experience (mandatory)
• Experience designing software that interfaces with sensors and hardware-level systems
• Strong understanding of software architecture and system performance considerations

Soft Skills & Collaboration

• Confident technical communicator with leadership capability
• Comfortable working across multidisciplinary engineering teams
• Proactive, quality-focused mindset
• Able to balance technical delivery with mentoring and guidance

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, or relevant technical military background with equivalent experience

Nice to Have

• Experience with sensor-based systems (e.g., vision, radar, navigation, or perception)
• Background in real-time or safety-critical environments
• Exposure to embedded Linux or performance-optimised systems
• Experience leading or mentoring engineers within a software team

We Offer

• Competitive salary: GBP 50,000 - GBP 65,000 per year
• Private Medical Insurance
• Cycle & Tech Scheme
• Employee assistance programme
• Life insurance & Pension Scheme
• Social atmosphere, regular gatherings & team buildings
• Flexible way of working (role dependent)

About the Company

ALTEN is a global engineering and technology consultancy operating across over 35 countries worldwide. We partner with industry leaders across sectors including Aeronautics, Aerospace, Defence, Naval, Automotive, Energy, Rail, IT, and many more to deliver innovative engineering solutions that drive technological advancement and support sustainable transformation.

Our teams of passionate and agile engineers work on cutting-edge projects that shape the future of technology and sustainability. At ALTEN, we empower talented engineers to innovate, solve complex challenges, and deliver impactful solutions that build tomorrow’s world-today.

Join us and start building tomorrow’s world today!

We are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant & actively encourage applications from members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, service leavers, and military spouses/partners. We recognise the value of military skills and experience and are committed to ensuring that no applicant is unfairly disadvantaged during our recruitment and selection processes.

ALTEN is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and values the strength that comes from a global mix of backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of background or protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

This role may require you to have or be willing to go through Security Clearance. As part of the onboarding process, candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard; details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website Gov.UK. If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, then your employment may be delayed, or rejected. Details of this will be discussed with you at interview.

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