Lead Maritime AI and Autonomous Defense Software Engineer

Skdse; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Stark Defence seeks a Lead Software Engineer to drive multi-domain software across autonomous vessels and ground systems. You will coordinate with design teams in the UK and Europe, lead roadmaps, and manage third-party subcontractors and suppliers.

Expect work across front-end GUIs, middleware, embedded, firmware, and deep simulation technologies. You will scale activities across hardware and software domains, embracing modern automation and new capabilities while guiding teams to robust,

Qualifications

• Experience leading complex integration and development programs.
• Solid software engineering principles and best practices.
• Knowledge of software engineering standards (defence/automotive/civilian).
• Experience with validation and verification techniques.
• Experience with simulation techniques and HW-in-the-Loop platforms.
• Understanding of real-time control techniques and limitations.
• Experience with Linux-based applications, embedded and firmware.
• Strong problem-solving in high-pressure, resource-constrained environments.
• Excellent communication and collaboration in multi-disciplinary teams.
• UK Security Clearance eligibility and willingness to travel to the South West England area.

Responsibilities

• Technical coordination and leadership across multiple product developments.
• Best-practice design and implementation of emergent technology software solutions.
• Process management and improvement on software engineering practices.
• High-level conceptual design of new software products - application and embedded level.
• Make-vs-buy tradeoff studies, negotiating with suppliers and subcontractors.
• Interfacing with Systems and Electrical teams to advise on hosting platforms.
• Support and participate in regular field testing and demonstrations with defence partners.

Skills

Leadership

Software engineering

Defence standards

Validation & Verification

Simulation

Real-time control

Linux/Embedded

Problem solving

Communication

Security clearance eligible

Tools

HW-in-the-Loop platforms

Simulation software

Job description

Stark Defence seeks a Lead Software Engineer to drive multi-domain software across autonomous vessels and ground systems. You will coordinate with design teams in the UK and Europe, lead roadmaps, and manage third-party subcontractors and suppliers.

Expect work across front-end GUIs, middleware, embedded, firmware, and deep simulation technologies. You will scale activities across hardware and software domains, embracing modern automation and new capabilities while guiding teams to robust,