Embedded Firmware Engineer

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 & 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!

Shape the future of maritime technology as an Embedded Firmware Engineer, where your expertise in C++ and STM32 microcontrollers will drive innovation in critical systems. You’ll tackle exciting challenges—from bare-metal programming to Linux Ubuntu-based development—to deliver high-performance firmware for capacitive touch sensors and LED navigation lanterns. Join a team at the forefront of embedded systems, where your skills will directly impact the reliability and efficiency of next-generation maritime hardware.

Location: Portsmouth

On-site: 4 days per week

Seniority: Senior

Clearance: Candidates must be eligible and willing to hold BPSS clearance.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop firmware for STM32 microcontrollers (or similar) using C++ and bare-metal programming.
• Develop and maintain Linux BSP (Board Support Packages), including firmware and drivers.
• Create C/C++ applications and unit tests for embedded systems.
• Support qualification for standard compliance testing and ensure adherence to industry regulations.
• Perform system analysis, load balancing, and performance improvement for embedded applications.
• Provide production support and troubleshooting for deployed firmware.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate firmware into broader system architectures.

Required Skills

• Proven experience in embedded firmware development for STM32 microcontrollers (or similar).
• Proficiency in C++ and bare-metal programming.
• Strong background in Linux Ubuntu and Docker for embedded development and testing.
• Experience with Linux BSP development, including firmware and driver development.
• Knowledge of system analysis, load balancing, and performance optimization for embedded systems.
• Experience in qualification for compliance testing and industry standards.

Soft Skills & Collaboration

• Excellent problem-solving and debugging skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Proactive approach to quality, compliance, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, regulated environment.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or relevant technical/military background with equivalent hands-on experience.

Desirable Skills

• Experience with maritime hardware systems.
• Familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS) and embedded Linux.
• Knowledge of communication protocols (e.g., CAN, SPI, I2C, UART).
• Exposure to automated testing and CI/CD pipelines for embedded systems.

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. 

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.