Senior Infrastructure Software Engineer

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Play a key role in delivering the core infrastructure behind next-generation defence systems.

ALTEN is seeking experienced Infrastructure Software Engineers to support the development and porting of high-integrity software on a long-term UK defence programme. You’ll be working on complex Linux-based environments to deliver robust, low-level systems supporting mission-critical platforms.

This is an opportunity to take ownership of technical delivery in a secure, high-performance setting where your expertise ensures system reliability, resilience, and readiness.

Location: Manchester (On-Site)

Clearance Required: UK Nationals only / SC Clearable

Experience Level: Senior (5+ years)

Key Responsibilities:

• Own and deliver platform-level software components across the development lifecycle.
• Develop and maintain infrastructure-level services, drivers, and low-level tools within Linux environments.
• Lead porting activities (e.g. RH9 porting) and ensure compatibility with evolving hardware/software baselines.
• Implement and uphold best practices in performance, security, and code robustness.
• Collaborate with systems, platform and integration teams to support effective build and deployment workflows.
• Work with minimal oversight while ensuring on-time, high-quality delivery in line with defence requirements.

Skills & Experience Required:

• 5+ years' experience in software engineering, ideally in platform or infrastructure development.
• Proficiency in C/C++, Bash, and Python in Linux environments.
• Experience with device drivers, kernel-level programming, or real-time systems.
• Familiarity with Linux build systems like Yocto, Buildroot, or similar.
• Understanding of system integration, networking, and low-level interfaces.
• Strong experience with version control (Git) and automated build/test pipelines.
• Prior exposure to defence, aerospace, or similarly regulated engineering domains.
• Must be a UK national and eligible for SC clearance.

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor's degree (minimum) in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electronics, or a related technical field.
• Experience from the UK Armed Forces with applied low-level software expertise is equally valued.
• Additional certifications or training in secure coding, embedded systems, or real-time OSs is a plus.

Why join us? 

We foster a community of dually talented individuals who are both entrepreneurs and technology specialists. Our teams embody the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship, enabling us to develop solutions most efficiently. 

Our commitment to sustainable growth is unwavering, and we continuously strive for accelerated transformation and continuous improvement. Through ALTEN labs, mentoring programs, internal universities, and more, we are always pushing boundaries and embracing new possibilities. 

We offer incredible opportunities to join inspiring projects in the most innovative companies. 

We prioritise your career development with personalised support plans tailored to your own aspirations. We're here to empower you and help you reach your full potential. 

Join our passionate team and start building tomorrow, today! 

In short you get: 

• A personalised career path and a rewarding management style 
• A chance to work on the most exciting engineering projects and technologies along with Premium Customers
• A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries
• A competitive salary
• Private Medical Insurance
• Pension Scheme
• Cycle-to-work Scheme among many additional benefits
• Social atmosphere, regular gatherings, and team buildings
• Flexible way of working (role dependent)