Software Developer- Low-Level and Embedded (Defence)
Hands-on low-level software engineering on UK defence systems in C++, Rust and C: designing, building and testing software for embedded, real-time and resource-constrained platforms, working across the hardware/software boundary, and optimising for performance and latency. Based in Newcastle upon Tyne with regular travel to UK defence client sites.
- Compensation
- Not disclosed
- Location
- Newcastle
- Work setup
- Not specified
- Seniority
- Not specified
- Employment
- Full time
- Experience
- Not specified
- Category
- Embedded
- Posted
Skills
Must have
- Must be eligible for UK SC-level security clearance (UK national)
- Excellent programming skills in one or more low-level languages such as C++, Rust or C
- Experience developing for embedded, real-time or resource-constrained environments
- Familiarity with peripheral interfaces such as SPI, I2C, UART and CAN bus
- Experience with industrial computing platforms and single-board computer standards
- Linux or macOS development, including low-level toolchain and build system knowledge
- Solid grounding in software engineering best practices
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Experience working effectively as part of a team with enthusiasm for knowledge-sharing and collaboration
- Ability to work effectively with ambiguity while maintaining a disciplined, outcome-focused approach
- First-class or 2:1 degree from a leading university in Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or a related discipline
- Willingness to travel regularly to UK defence client sites (e.g. 2-3 days per week or full-time periods)
Nice to have
- Real-time operating systems
- High-assurance engineering practices such as safety-related standards or secure development lifecycles
- High-performance computing, low-latency systems, or performance profiling and optimisation
- Experience in defence or national security
Full description
- Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
- Security clearance: must be eligible for UK SC-level security clearance (UK national)
- Visa sponsorship: we are not able to sponsor visas for this role
- Closing date: applications reviewed on a rolling basis
About Neptune North
Neptune North is a high-performing technical consultancy. We build data, AI and software solutions for clients in defence, financial services and private capital, working on demanding problems in challenging environments.
We were founded in 2024 as a joint venture between Oliver Wyman and Rokos Capital Management. We’re headquartered in the centre of Newcastle upon Tyne, with a growing international footprint, and we’re recruiting exceptional engineers across every level.
The role
We’re looking for Software Engineers to work close to the metal on defence systems, in C++, Rust and C. This is a hands-on engineering role where you will have impact across a wide variety of projects.
Potential projects might include fully engineered solutions, developing Proof of Concepts (POCs), and applied work on embedded, real-time and resource-constrained platforms.
Responsibilities
- Design, build and test software for embedded, real-time or resource-constrained environments
- Work across the hardware and software boundary, integrating with peripherals and industrial computing platforms
- Profile and optimise for performance, latency and resource use
- Provide technical expertise when it is required within the organisation and in client engagements
- Demonstrate flexibility in taking on work aligned to evolving company priorities
- Play an active role in sharing expertise to raise and re-use capability
What makes a great candidate
- Excellent programming skills in one or more low-level languages, such as C++, Rust or C
- Experience developing for embedded, real-time or resource-constrained environments
- Familiarity with peripheral interfaces, such as SPI, I2C, UART and CAN bus
- Experience with industrial computing platforms and single-board computer standards
- Linux or macOS development, including low-level toolchain and build system knowledge
- Some or all of the following would be a plus: real-time operating systems; high-assurance engineering practices such as safety-related standards or secure development lifecycles; high-performance computing, low-latency systems, or performance profiling and optimisation