Software Developer- Low-Level and Embedded (Defence)

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

A solid grounding in software engineering best practices and a desire to maintain high engineering standards in all your work

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Experience working effectively as part of a team and enthusiasm for knowledge-sharing and collaboration

Ability to work effectively with ambiguity, while maintaining a disciplined, outcome-focussed approach

Strong academic foundations, typically a first-class or 2:1 degree from a leading university in Computer Science, Engineering, Physics or Mathematics, or a related discipline

Experience in defence or national security is a strong plus

What you can achieve

Contribute to systems that strengthen UK defence and national security

Build a strong foundation in systems engineering and high-assurance practices that will shape your career

Develop your skills across the hardware and software boundary and a variety of platforms

Learn from experienced systems and software engineers who are invested in your growth

Contribute to meaningful technical decisions as part of a collaborative, low-ego engineering team

Why join us

Work on a wide variety of interesting problems alongside high-calibre colleagues. Our culture is collaborative and supportive. Neptune North is a place where people help each other grow and feel a real sense of belonging

25 days’ holiday allowance plus bank holidays

Matching pension contributions up to 6%

Private health insurance through Bupa

Discretionary bonus

Travel

Neptune North works with clients across the UK’s defence sector. Many engagements involve regular travel and time on client site. This could mean two to three days per week over an entire assignment, or shorter periods of full-time on-site working anywhere in the UK, at sites including Cheltenham, Bristol, Glasgow, Portsmouth or other defence hubs. We support travelling staff with full expenses and hotel arrangements, and we discuss client placements with you in advance. We are looking for engineers who see this variety as part of the appeal of consultancy work rather than a downside.

Interview process

Our interview process is rigorous because the standard internally is high. For this role, it has three stages:

Written questions, which you complete at a time that suits you

A first interview covering your CV, experience and career aspirations

A technical interview with members of our engineering team

Equity, diversity and inclusion

At Neptune North we are committed to a work environment that embraces diversity, equity and inclusion. We believe diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences help us attract, develop and retain the best talent. We do not discriminate on the basis of gender, age, race or ethnicity, identification as an LGBTQIA+ individual, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by relevant local law.