CMC have been given a requirement from one of our key clients in the defence sector. We are looking for an Embedded Software Engineer, Outside IR35, for a hybrid working arrangement. The main office will be based in Bristol, where the occasional onsite visit will be required.

You will be working on secure, real-time software solutions integrated into advanced defence platforms including UAVs, Radar Systems and electronic warfare applications. This role is part of a multi-disciplinary engineering team focused on delivering reliable, secure and performant software within strict safety and regulatory constraints.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain embedded software for real-time systems (bare-metal and RTOS)
• Work on safety-critical and security-sensitive applications in compliance with MOD and NATO standards
• Collaborate with systems, hardware, and test engineers to deliver robust software under stringent requirements
• Implement and verify communication protocols (CAN, Ethernet, SPI, MIL-STD-1553, etc.)
• Develop documentation to support certification and audits (DO-178C, DEF STAN 00-55)
• Perform low-level debugging, performance tuning, and integration testing
• Participate in formal reviews, risk assessments, and safety case support

Required Skills and Experience

• 5+ years of experience in embedded C/C++ development
• Strong knowledge of ARM-based microcontrollers and real-time systems
• Experience with RTOS (e.g. FreeRTOS, VxWorks, or INTEGRITY)
• Familiar with low-level hardware interaction, board bring-up, and peripheral control
• Working knowledge of defence industry standards (e.g. DEF STANs, MISRA C)
• Ability to produce clear and maintainable technical documentation

Desirable Experience

• Experience with DO-178C, DO-254, or ISO 26262 standards
• Exposure to secure boot, crypto modules, and trusted execution environments
• Familiarity with version control and CI/CD (Git, Jenkins, Bitbucket)
• Working knowledge of signal processing or control systems is a plus
• Prior work with UK MOD, NATO, or Tier 1 defence contractors

Contract Details

• Outside IR35
• Hybrid working: Remote with some on-site presence required for classified work (frequency depends on project phase)
• SC Clearance / Eligibility of SC Clearance is required
• Dual Nationality is eligible
• Contract Length is 12 Months (Potential to extend)
• Start date in October

If you feel you could be a good fit, please get in touch!

CMC provide expert engineering solutions on an international capacity for advanced engineering projects. Established in 2016, we set out our mission to be the best service-driven consulting business in global STEM markets, and after rapid growth in just a few years, we’re already delivering true expertise to major technology brands and leading companies around the world.

As we expand our reach and take on new projects, we have assignments available for experienced embedded technology professionals to join our consultancy and deliver the expert solutions and high level of service we’re known for across multiple ventures.

By partnering with CMC you get the chance to work with some of the world’s leading technology specialists. From our global offices we support you with each new project, providing a complete scope of work definition ahead of any engagement so you know exactly what’s required by the assignment, before you land on-site. As the project is completed we can continue to work with you by setting up your next project from our global network of leading technology companies.

No terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate on the grounds of age or experience, and we confirm that we are happy to accept applications from persons of any age or experience for this role.