ESS Software Developer

BAE Systems; Nog Tow; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense contractor in the UK seeks an ESS Software Developer to enhance defense software capabilities. The role involves analyzing system requirements, implementing features, and producing tests for maintainable code. Candidates should be proficient in C# or VB6 and have experience with modern UI development. A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package are offered.

Benefits

Competitive pension scheme

Employee share plans

Flexible health, wellbeing, and lifestyle benefits

Shopping discounts

Qualifications

• Proficiency in C# or Visual Basic 6 (VB6) with robust code writing.
• Experience with Modern UI Development, particularly WPF.
• Familiarity with version control tools such as Git or ClearCase.

Responsibilities

• Analyze system requirements to influence software design.
• Implement new functionality ensuring maintainable code.
• Produce Unit/Module Tests & Software Documents.

Skills

C#

Visual Basic 6 (VB6)

Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF)

Version Control (Git, ClearCase)

Test-Driven Development (TDD)

Entity Framework

SQL (Oracle)

Team Foundation Server (TFS)

Design Patterns

Job description

Overview

At the heart of the Eurofighter Typhoon's operational capability lies the Engineering Support System (ESS), the vital software that keeps the RAF's frontline fleet mission-ready. ESS connects directly with the aircraft's integrated monitoring and recording systems, enabling engineers to retrieve flight data, diagnose faults, and maintain aircraft performance, ensuring the UK's skies are protected 24/7. Our team is also developing a suite of innovative support tools, including ruggedized tablet applications and specialist utilities, offering a diverse range of exciting software challenges. As an ESS Software Developer, you'll be part of a collaborative, forward-thinking engineering team that takes pride in high-quality, well-structured code and strong software engineering principles. We value curiosity, teamwork, and a drive to continuously improve, and we're looking for someone who shares those values to help us shape the next generation of defence software.

Responsibilities

• Analysis of system requirements to influence the software design and contribute to project planning
• Implementation and configuration of new functionality ensuring a maintainable code base
• Production of Unit/Module Tests & Software Documents with the appropriate coverage
• Provision of internal technical support to the Systems Build, Integration & Test Teams during formal qualification activities

Qualifications and Desirable Skills

• Proficiency in C# or Visual Basic 6 (VB6) - you'll be confident writing robust, maintainable code in one or both languages
• Modern UI Development - experience with Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) or WinForms
• Version Control - familiarity with Git, ClearCase, or similar tools for collaborative development
• Testing Mindset - exposure to Test-Driven Development (TDD) and Automated Testing frameworks such as Coded UI or Rational Robot
• Data and Persistence - understanding of Entity Framework, SQL (Oracle), and XML technologies like XSD/XSLT
• DevOps Practices - experience using Team Foundation Server (TFS) or Azure DevOps for CI/CD and project tracking
• Software Craftsmanship - appreciation for Design Patterns and SOLID principles to create clean, scalable, and maintainable code

Other Information

Salary: £41,361+ depending on experience. As well as a competitive pension scheme, BAE Systems also offers employee share plans, an extensive range of flexible discounted health, wellbeing and lifestyle benefits, including a green car scheme, private health plans and shopping discounts - you may also be eligible for an annual incentive.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to security and export control restrictions. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Some roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting, typically requiring 5 to 10 years of continuous UK residency depending on the vetting level. Nationality or place of birth may affect eligibility for certain roles. If you have a disability or health condition that may affect performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your recruiter about reasonable adjustments.

We welcome people from all backgrounds and aim to make our recruitment processes as inclusive as possible. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture that values diversity of thought, integrity, and merit.