C++ Software Engineer

Join our team as an Software Engineer and contribute to the development of complex, safety‑critical embedded software for defence and other highly regulated engineering environments. You will be involved in the design, development, and integration of high‑integrity software, working on technically challenging systems where quality, robustness, and reliability are critical.

This is a hands‑on, on‑site role within a fast‑moving programme, working alongside multi‑disciplinary engineering teams to deliver embedded software solutions that meet demanding functional and safety requirements.

Location: Central belt of Scotland (Multiple sites)
On-site: 3-4 days per week
Seniority: Mid–Senior (5+ years’ experience)
Clearance: Candidates must be willing and eligible to obtain SC clearance.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain embedded C++ software for complex, safety‑critical systems
• Apply structured and model‑based design approaches to support scalable and maintainable software architectures
• Collaborate closely with systems and hardware engineers to integrate software onto target platforms
• Ensure compliance with safety and coding standards such as DO‑178C and MISRA C/C++
• Support system integration, verification, and validation activities within lab‑based environments
• Contribute to delivery within an Agile development framework, supporting continuous improvement and quality

Required Skills

• Strong experience developing C++ software within embedded or safety‑critical environments
• Solid grasp of object‑oriented design (OOD) principles
• Background working in defence, aerospace, or similarly regulated industries
• Familiarity with safety‑critical development standards (e.g. DO‑178C, MISRA C/C++)
• Experience working in Agile teams, using tools such as Jira, Confluence, and Git‑based version control

Soft Skills & Collaboration

• Analytical mindset with strong problem‑solving ability
• Confident communicator within cross‑disciplinary engineering teams
• Comfortable working in high‑assurance, process‑driven environments
• Proactive approach to quality, compliance, and technical ownership

Required Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline or relevant technical military background with equivalent hands-on experience.
• Must be eligible for or already hold UK Security Clearance (SC) 

Desirable Skills

• Exposure to model‑based or UML‑driven development, using tools such as IBM Rhapsody or similar
• Experience with requirements or configuration management tools (e.g. DOORS, Dimension)
• Hands‑on involvement in software integration, verification, or lab‑based testing
• Background in real‑time systems, embedded platforms, or complex system development

Why join us? 

We bring together entrepreneurial, tech-driven people to deliver innovative solutions for leading companies.

At ALTEN, you’ll work on exciting projects, supported by ongoing learning, mentoring, and clear career development tailored to your goals.

Join a passionate team and help build tomorrow, today.

In short you get: 

• A personalised career path and a rewarding management style
• A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries
• 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)

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.