ESS Software Developer

BAE Systems; Preston; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense contractor in the UK is seeking a Software Technical Lead to work on critical software for the Eurofighter Typhoon. The role includes responsibilities like analyzing system requirements, implementing new functionality, and mentoring junior developers. The ideal candidate will have experience in C# and VB6, a degree in a STEM field, and the ability to collaborate effectively in a dynamic team environment. This position offers competitive benefits and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Competitive pension scheme

Employee share plans

Flexible discounted health benefits

Qualifications

• A degree in a STEM subject or equivalent experience.
• Confidence writing robust, maintainable code in C# and VB6.
• Experience with Software Configuration Management Systems.

Responsibilities

• Analysis of system requirements to influence software design.
• Implementation and configuration of new functionality.
• Mentoring junior developers and providing support.

Skills

Proficiency in C#

Proficiency in Visual Basic 6 (VB6)

Experience administering Software Configuration Management Systems

Experience with Design Patterns

Experience with Test Driven Development

Exposure to Test-Driven Development (TDD)

Familiarity with Git

Understanding of Entity Framework

Education

Degree in a STEM subject

Tools

Team Foundation Server (TFS)

Azure DevOps

Job description

Job title: Software Technical Lead

Location: Warton - We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role

Salary: £54,793+ depending on experience

What you’ll be doing:

• 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
• Mentoring junior developers and provide instruction and support to colleagues

Your skills and experiences:

Essential:

• A degree in a STEM subject or equivalent experience
• Proficiency in C# and Visual Basic 6 (VB6) — you’ll be confident writing robust, maintainable code in both languages
• Experience administering Software Configuration Management Systems
• Experience with Design Patterns or Test Driven Development

Desirable:

• 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

Benefits:

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.

The Engineering Support System (ESS) Software Team:

At the heart of the Eurofighter Typhoon’s operational capability lies the Engineering Support System (ESS), the critical software that keeps the RAF’s frontline fleet mission-ready. ESS interfaces directly with the aircraft’s onboard monitoring and recording systems, allowing engineers to retrieve flight data, diagnose faults, and maintain peak aircraft performance, ensuring the UK’s skies remain protected 24/7.

Our team is also driving innovation through the development of a suite of advanced support tools, from ruggedised tablet applications to bespoke engineering utilities, offering a wide variety of exciting and technically challenging software projects.

As a Lead Software Engineer, you’ll guide a talented and collaborative team that takes pride in writing high-quality, well-structured, and maintainable code. We champion strong engineering principles, continuous improvement, and a culture of shared learning. If you’re motivated by solving complex technical problems, mentoring others, and contributing to software that directly supports national defence, this is the team to do it with.

Why BAE Systems?

This is a place where you’ll be able to make a real difference. You’ll be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity of thought, rewards integrity, and merit, and where you’ll be empowered to fulfil your potential. We welcome people from all backgrounds and want to make sure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible. If you have a disability or health condition (for example dyslexia, autism, an anxiety disorder etc.) that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.

Closing Date: 8th December 2025

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.