Lead Software Engineer (All genders)

STARK; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

STARK, a premier defence technology company, seeks a Lead Software Engineer to guide multi-domain software for autonomous vessels and ground systems. You’ll coordinate across UK and Europe teams, directing product roadmaps and engaging with subcontractors to push automation and modern simulation technologies.

You will scale from front-end GUIs to embedded firmware, applying software standards and best practices while ensuring collaboration with Systems and Electrical teams for hosting platforms.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in leading complex integration and development programmes.
• Knowledge of software standards in defence/automotive contexts.
• Experience with multi-stage validation and simulation targets.
• Familiarity with embedded systems, Linux apps and firmware.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical coordination and leadership across multiple product developments.
• Apply best-practice design and implementation for emergent technology software solutions.
• Manage and improve software engineering processes and practices.
• Deliver high-level conceptual designs for new software products at application and embedded levels.
• Conduct make-vs-buy tradeoff studies and negotiate with suppliers and subcontractors.
• Interface with Systems and Electrical teams to advise on hosting platforms from PCs to embedded systems.
• Support and participate in regular field testing and demonstrations with defence partners.

Skills

Leadership

Software engineering

Validation & Verification

Embedded systems

Linux

Team collaboration

Security clearance

Job description

At Stark, we forge the future of European and national security through cutting-edge, AI-driven technology and unmatched engineering precision. As a premier defence technology company, our mission is clear: to equip NATO Allies and their partners with next-generation autonomous defence platforms and advanced AI-driven software built to perform in the world’s most demanding environments.

We believe that true security stems from relentless innovation. By combining elite engineering talent with agile technology and an AI-native operational culture, Stark turns complex defence challenges into field-tested, multi-domain solutions.

WHY JOIN US

• The software and systems you work on directly protect personnel and defend European and national sovereignty.
• You will work alongside industry-leading minds on autonomous systems, advanced propulsion, and secure cyber platforms.
• We foster a fast-paced, collaborative environment where bold ideas are supported by serious R&D backing.

About The Team

Our maritime family of systems is AI-enabled and built for reliable performance in the harshest seas, delivering NATO a fully integrated hardware–software capability for scalable ISR and strike operations.

YOUR MISSION

As the Lead Software Engineer, you will be responsible for leading complex multi-domain software developments for deployment on our growing fleet of autonomous vessels and ground systems. Interfacing with design teams across the UK and Europe, you will be the single coordination and point of contact for all things Maritime Software. This includes directing the roadmap of existing products, leading new developments and interfacing to 3rd party subcontractors and suppliers. You will need to scale between front-end GUIs, middleware, embedded systems, firmware and deep simulation technologies, working at the forefront of modern technology to increase levels of automation and push frontiers when required.

What You Will Do At Stark

• Lead technical coordination and leadership across multiple product developments.
• Apply best-practice design and implementation for emergent technology software solutions.
• Manage and improve software engineering processes and practices.
• Deliver high-level conceptual designs for new software products at both the application and embedded levels.
• Conduct make-vs-buy tradeoff studies and negotiate with suppliers and subcontractors.
• Interface with Systems and Electrical teams to advise on hosting platforms from PCs to embedded systems.
• Support and participate in regular field testing and demonstrations with defence partners.

What You Bring To The Mission

• Proven experience in leading complex integration and development programmes.
• Solid Software Engineering principles and best-practices, alongside knowledge of software standards (civilian/automotive/defence).
• Knowledge of multi-stage Validation & Verification techniques and simulation techniques/targets (from software-regression to Hardware-in-Loop platforms).
• Understanding of communication pathways (Ethernet/Fieldbus), real-time control techniques/limitations, and appreciation of Application (Linux), Embedded, and Firmware platforms.
• Excellent problem-solving ability in high-pressure, resource-constrained environments and strong collaborative communication skills.
• Eligibility for UK Security Clearance and ability to travel to South West England when required.

SECURITY CLEARANCE

Due to the nature of our work in the defence sector, candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance required for this position. Details will be provided during the recruitment process.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

We are an equal-opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.