Deputy Chief Software Technologist - Future Combat Air System Software

Dstl; Salisbury; On-site; GBP 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Dstl is seeking a Deputy Chief Software Technologist for the Future Combat Air System programme. This pivotal role involves leading technical direction, influencing national defense strategies, and ensuring successful delivery of complex software outputs. The ideal candidate will exhibit strong leadership skills and thrive in dynamic environments, shaping pivotal advancements in UK defense capabilities.

Benefits

Exceptional pension scheme with up to 26% employer contribution

Flexible working options including compressed hours and remote work

Annual leave of 25 days, rising to 30 after 5 years

Fully funded apprenticeships up to level 7

Maternity, adoption or shared parental leave with full pay

Onsite parking and gyms

Qualifications

• Deep knowledge of the Software Development Lifecycle.
• Experience in delivering outputs in ambiguous settings.
• Proven track record in leading small to medium teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical direction in the FCAS Software programme.
• Influence defence policies and collaboration across teams.
• Drive delivery of strategic documents and proof-of-concept demonstrators.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Critical thinking

Cross-boundary collaboration

Education

Technical leadership experience

Understanding of Defence assurance practices

Job description

Dstl is looking for an exceptional individual to step into the role ofDeputy Chief Software Technologistwithin the UK’s Future Combat Air System (FCAS) programme — the most ambitious and complex software challenge the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has ever undertaken.

As the second-in-command to the Chief Technologist for FCAS Software, you’ll influence national and international defence strategies, shape sustainable capability, and help guide a once-in-a-generation digital transformation in air power.

Dstl recognises the importance of diversity and inclusion as people from diverse backgrounds bring fresh ideas. We are committed to building an inclusive working environment in which each employee fulfils their potential and maximises their contribution.

Job description

In this role you will:

• Act as the Deputy to the FCAS Chief Technologist – Software, leading technical direction and coordination as required
• Influence policy, practice, and priorities across UK Government, international partners, and UK defence industry
• Drive successful delivery of a wide range of outputs — from strategic documents to proof-of-concept demonstrators
• Lead and support cross-disciplinary collaboration with CEH, AI/ML, systems engineering, and other teams
• Apply and embed MOD-wide knowledge management strategies to ensure sustainability and legacy.
• Carry out technical deep-dives on topics such as cost modelling, software tooling performance, and automated pipelines
• Contribute to building a high-functioning, resilient software team, supporting planning, recruitment, and mentoring

Person specification

We are looking for someone who has:

Technical Skills

• Deep knowledge of the Software Development Lifecycle
• Understanding of Defence assurance practices for novel/emerging technologies
• Strong ability to lead through complexity, making progress in uncertain, fast-paced environments
• Experience in cross-boundary collaboration, both nationally and internationally
• Highly analytical with strong problem-solving and critical thinking abilities

Experience

• Proven ability to thrive in ambiguity, turning uncertainty into opportunity
• Track record of technical leadership, ideally within small-to-medium teams
• Capable of shaping strategic direction while applying sound engineering principles in complex, evolving programmes

Important Information

Our work in defence, security and intelligence requires our employees to be UK Nationals who are able to gain a high level of security clearance to undertake the projects we are involved in to protect us from security threats. For this reason, only UK Nationals will be able to apply for this role. If you are an international or dual-national candidate, and you think you have the skills we need, please consider applying to any of our government, security or defence partners.

This role will require full UK security clearance and you should have resided in the UK for the past 5 years. For some roles Developed Vetting will also be required, in this case you should have resided in the UK for the past 10 years

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Leadership
• Delivering at Pace
• Working Together
• Seeing the Big Picture

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Leadership

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £57,297, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory contributes £16,598 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Benefits

Dstl’s full range of great benefits can be found in the information pack which includes:

• Financial: An excellent pension scheme starting from 26% employer contribution (find out more here). In Year Rewarding Achievement bonuses and thank you vouchers. Rental deposit scheme and cycle to work scheme.

• Flexible working:Options include alternative working patterns such as; compressed hours (e.g. working a 4 day week/ 9 day fortnight), job shares and annualised hours (agreed number of hours per annum paid monthly i.e. working term-time only).

• Working hours:Flexibility around your working day (e.g. start time, finish time). Ability to bank hours in a 12 month reference period including the ability to accrue and use 3 days per calendar month.

• Where you work:Depending on your role, blended working may be available including remote working to suit you and your team. This can be discussed at interview.

• Annual leave:25 days pro rata (rising to 30 after 5 years) plus 8 public holidays with the ability to buy/sell 5 additional days per annum.

• Family:Maternity, adoption or shared parental leave of up to 26 weeks with full pay, an additional 13 weeks statutory pay and a further 13 weeks unpaid

• Learning and Development:Dstl encourages and supports charterships, accreditations and provides employees access to fully funded apprenticeships up to level 7 (Masters Degree). Dstl will pay for 2 memberships with relevant bodies/institutions. Employees also have access to Civil Service Learning.

• Facilities:Onsite parking, EV Charging points, restaurants, cafés and gyms.