Principal Software Engineer

Description

The team is an operations and maintenance group supporting advanced national security and defence systems.

You will help keep mission-critical capabilities running, maintain operational readiness and work through complex technical problems in real time.

The company builds aerospace and defence solutions for military, civil, commercial and national security customers worldwide.

You will work alongside engineers, operators and technical specialists in a fast-moving operational setting on systems that feed directly into mission success.

The role combines software engineering, systems operations and technical problem-solving, suited to someone who likes working where technology meets real mission delivery.

Responsibilities

• Track system and subsystem performance, analyse operational data and write status and performance reports.
• Look into system anomalies, diagnose them and respond to keep readiness and service availability high.
• Build and deploy software, scripts and process changes that improve system performance and operational effectiveness.
• Support system reconfigurations, mode changes and non-routine operational work.
• Review and improve standard operating procedures, technical documentation and redundancy management processes.
• Keep building your core engineering skills through training, continuous learning and advanced development programmes.
• Work in a shift-based operation: occasional 12-hour shifts, weekends and on-call duty when needed.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in a STEM subject (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics), combined with relevant technical or engineering experience.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills in complex technical environments.
• Ability to lead technical discussions, give briefings and clearly present recommendations to stakeholders and decision-makers.
• Experience contributing to or leading projects and teams in demanding operational or engineering settings.
• A collaborative approach and the ability to work well across multidisciplinary teams.
• Desirable: previous experience in operations engineering, systems engineering or software engineering roles.
• Desirable: experience with Linux operating systems.
• Desirable: knowledge of scripting languages such as Python, Perl or similar.
• Desirable: experience using Atlassian tools, including Jira and Confluence.
• Desirable: experience working in geographically dispersed teams and matrix organisations.
• Desirable: exposure to aerospace, defence, mission systems, cyber or other highly regulated industries.
• Candidates who do not match every requirement are still encouraged to apply if they believe their experience adds value.
• Security clearance: you must be a sole UK national and currently hold the highest level of UK Government security clearance required for the job role.

Conditions

Flexible and hybrid working is available where operational needs allow.

Travel: 25% of the time.

UK citizenship is required for this position.

Relocation assistance may be available.

Questions about the process can go to.

Benefits

• Optional compressed fortnight with every other Friday off, depending on the role.
• Private healthcare, dental cover, life assurance and a pension scheme.
• Flexible benefits package including critical illness cover and a health cash plan.
• Holiday buy and sell scheme.
• Annual performance incentive programme.
• Career development, mentoring and learning opportunities.
• Employee wellbeing initiatives and discount programmes.
• Access to employee networks and STEM outreach and community initiatives.
• Access to varied projects, ongoing development, mentoring and technical training to shape your career.