Lead Software Engineer - Eligible for eDV

Searchability; Greater Manchester; On-site; GBP 72,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

Searchability in Manchester is seeking experienced Software Engineers to join the Operational Cyber Group. This hands-on role focuses on high-assurance software development for government and national security customers, with training and mentorship provided.

You'll work across C++, Java or C#, Python/JavaScript, and CI/CD with a strong security mindset, performing design, development, testing, code reviews and vulnerability mitigation.

Qualifications

• Strong commercial Software Engineering experience.
• Proficiency in at least one development language such as C++, Java or C#.
• Experience with a utility language such as Python, JavaScript, Perl or PowerShell.
• Strong understanding of core computing principles.
• Experience with development tools including IDEs, debuggers and source control.
• Understanding of software testing, TDD, mocking and CI/CD.
• Experience working across multiple operating systems.
• Strong understanding of software development methodologies.
• Ability to identify and mitigate security risks within software.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test and document robust, high-assurance software solutions.
• Apply security principles throughout system design, development and testing.
• Work collaboratively within multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Conduct constructive code reviews and share knowledge with junior engineers.
• Identify security vulnerabilities and risks during development and implement appropriate mitigations.
• Use modern development methodologies including TDD, unit testing, mocking and CI.
• Work across different operating systems, tools and development environments.
• Adapt to emerging technologies, programming languages and development practices.
• Take ownership of technical tasks and contribute to wider engineering delivery.

Skills

C++

Java

C#

Python

JavaScript

Perl

PowerShell

Linux/Windows

CI/CD

TDD

Security mindset

Code reviews

Debugging

Source control

Tools

IDEs

Debuggers

Source control

Job description

Organisation

• Location: Manchester – On site
• Salary: £85,000 DOE
• Clearance: SC clearance required / must be eligible to achieve eDV
• Type: Permanent
• Experience: C++, Java or C#, Python, JavaScript, Perl or PowerShell, Linux/Windows, CI/CD, TDD

Role Opportunity

I'm currently working with a leading organisation specialising in high-assurance development, cybersecurity, reverse engineering and vulnerability research across the National Security space.
They're looking for experienced Software Engineers to join their Operational Cyber Group, working on technically challenging projects supporting government and national security customers.
This is a hands-on engineering role suited to developers who enjoy solving complex problems, working with emerging technologies and applying a strong security mindset throughout the development lifecycle.
You don't necessarily need previous cybersecurity experience, with dedicated training, mentorship and a training budget available to support your development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, test and document robust, high-assurance software solutions.
• Apply security principles throughout system design, development and testing.
• Work collaboratively within multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Conduct constructive code reviews and share knowledge with junior engineers.
• Identify security vulnerabilities and risks during development and implement appropriate mitigations.
• Use modern development methodologies including TDD, unit testing, mocking and CI.
• Work across different operating systems, tools and development environments.
• Adapt to emerging technologies, programming languages and development practices.
• Take ownership of technical tasks and contribute to wider engineering delivery.

Key Skills Required:

• Strong commercial Software Engineering experience.
• Proficiency in at least one development language such as C++, Java or C#.
• Experience with a utility language such as Python, JavaScript, Perl or PowerShell.
• Strong understanding of core computing principles.
• Experience with development tools including IDEs, debuggers and source control.
• Understanding of software testing, TDD, mocking and CI/CD.
• Experience working across multiple operating systems.
• Strong understanding of software development methodologies.
• Ability to identify and mitigate security risks within software.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Desirable:

• High-assurance software development experience.
• Cybersecurity, vulnerability research or reverse engineering experience.
• Experience working within National Security, Defence or Government environments.
• Experience leading technical tasks or mentoring junior engineers.
• Knowledge of operational security principles.
• Previous experience working with classified or security-sensitive projects.
• Existing eDV clearance.

Security Requirements:

You do not need to hold security clearance before applying. However, you must be eligible to work in the UK and able to successfully achieve UK eDV security clearance as part of the recruitment process.