Principal Cyber Digital Signal Processing and Embedded Engineer

Are you an experienced DSP or Embedded Systems engineer looking to influence the future of cyber capability at a national level?

We are seeking a Principal Cyber DSP and Embedded Engineer to provide technical leadership across a diverse portfolio of complex and mission-critical cyber programmes. Working within multidisciplinary teams of engineers, scientists and technical specialists, you will play a leading role in the development of advanced signal processing, embedded software and FPGA-based solutions that deliver real operational impact.

Why join us?

This role offers the opportunity to tackle challenging technical problems, shape the direction of future capabilities and influence the application of emerging technologies across cyber and national security domains. As a recognised technical authority, you will contribute to technical strategy and roadmaps, guide architectural decisions, and drive innovation across both software and hardware disciplines.

You will work closely with customers, stakeholders and delivery teams to ensure solutions are robust, high-performing and aligned to operational needs. Alongside your technical contribution, you will help develop engineering capability within the organisation by coaching colleagues, sharing knowledge and promoting engineering best practice.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone with deep technical expertise, strong leadership skills and a passion for solving complex problems in a collaborative environment. Whether your background is in signal processing, embedded software, FPGA development or systems engineering, you'll have the opportunity to shape innovative solutions that make a meaningful contribution to UK defence and security.

This role is eligible for an additional specialist allowance of £2758 annually subject to meeting extended onboarding requirements. The role may be eligible for additional skills allowances depending on the skills and experience of the applicant.

What you'll do

• Lead the development and delivery of advanced digital signal processing, embedded software and FPGA-based solutions across complex cyber programmes.
• Act as a recognised technical authority, providing expert advice and technical leadership across projects, teams and stakeholders.
• Shape technical strategies, roadmaps and capability plans to ensure engineering activities align with future customer and organisational needs.
• Drive innovation across software and hardware domains, influencing system architectures and technology choices.
• Solve complex technical challenges by working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams of engineers, scientists and specialists.
• Develop high-performance solutions using DSP, embedded software, FPGA and related technologies to improve operational effectiveness.
• Communicate complex technical concepts clearly to customers, stakeholders and senior decision-makers.
• Mentor and coach engineers, helping to develop future technical leaders and strengthen organisational capability.
• Champion engineering excellence through the adoption of improved tools, methods, standards and best practices.
• Identify opportunities to improve delivery performance, technical quality and organisational effectiveness.

Relevant STEM-based degree such as Electronic Engineering, Embedded Systems, Computer Science, Physics or Mathematics. Individual with equivalent skills qualifications or experience are also actively encouraged to apply.

Open to UK nationals only.

This job is not open to candidates who hold a dual nationality.

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.

We want you to have your best chance of success in our recruitment process, so If at any stage of the application process you would like help or assistance please contact the Dstl Recruitment Team dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk and we will do all we can to support you.

At the application stage, we will assess your submitted application against the essential criteria set out in the job profile.

Sifting will take place week commencing the 19th of October with interviews taking place from the 2nd of November.

Your interview will consist of behavioural and technical competency-based questions. You will also be required to deliver a 10-minute presentation. Further details for the presentation will be provided to candidates invited to interview.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.