Operational Cyber Software Engineer

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

Job summary

A leading defense and security firm in Gloucester is seeking talented software developers to join their Operational Cyber Group. You will be responsible for designing, developing, and implementing high-assurance code while ensuring compliance with security protocols. With strong emphasis on collaborative teamwork and ongoing training, this role offers a dedicated budget for professional development and unique project opportunities in national security. Competitive benefits and flexible working arrangements are included.

Benefits

Dedicated training budget

Comprehensive benefits package

Flexible working options

Supportive team environment

Clear career progression

Qualifications

• Familiarity with various development tools and techniques.
• Knowledge of high-assurance development principles.
• Intermediate to advanced understanding of computing principles.
• Proficiency with at least one solution language and one utility language.
• Ability to pick up new languages and technologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead mentorship and collaboration to deliver high-assurance code.
• Design, develop, test, and document software following best practices.
• Identify security flaws and devise mitigations.

Skills

Development tools familiarity

High-assurance development principles

Understanding of computing principles

Proficiency in solution languages (C++, Java, C#)

Proficiency in utility languages (Python, JavaScript)

Ability to communicate technical topics

Team leadership skills

Education

Eligibility to work in the UK

Tools

IDEs

Debuggers

Source control systems

Job description

Responsibilities

• Understand and use various development methodologies to deliver solutions, factoring in operational security into system design, development, and testing.
• Lead mentorship and collaboration, working in teams to deliver high-assurance code, conducting constructive peer reviews, and sharing knowledge with junior team members.
• Design, develop, test, and document software in accordance with business & industry best practices, leveraging continuous integration where appropriate.
• Embrace emerging technology, tools, and language trends while identifying risks they could present.
• Identify security flaws during solution design and implementation, and devise mitigations.

Qualifications

• Familiarity with a variety of development tools (IDEs, debuggers, source control) and techniques (unit testing, mocking, continuous integration, test‑driven development).
• Knowledge of high‑assurance development principles and awareness of the importance of IT security for companies and governments.
• Intermediate to advanced understanding of computing principles (e.g., stack/heap distinction, compiled/interpreted languages).
• Proficiency with at least one solution language (e.g., C++, Java, C#) and one utility language (e.g., Python, JavaScript, Perl, PowerShell).
• Ability to use and configure more than one major operating system.
• Ability to pick up new languages and technologies easily.
• Ability to communicate technical topics to a variety of audiences, including non‑technical stakeholders.
• Experience working with teams and leading technical tasks.
• Eligible to work in the UK and able to achieve an eDV UK security clearance; no prior clearance required but eligibility is mandatory.

Benefits & Opportunities

• Dedicated training budget for the first year, covering major cybersecurity conferences such as Black Hat and specialist training.
• Operational Cyber Group focuses on National Security, working on critical cyber challenges and providing mission‑changing capability to governments and businesses.
• Work‑life balance with flexible working options, part‑time arrangements, and a minimum of 25 days holiday per year.
• Comprehensive benefits package including private medical and dental insurance, competitive pension scheme, cycle‑to‑work scheme, childcare vouchers, discount cards, and more.
• Supportive, inclusive and friendly team committed to learning and success, with diversity and support groups covering gender diversity to mental health and wellbeing.
• Clear career progression pathways, mentorship, and ongoing training throughout your career.
• Additional leave to cover Reservist and Cadet Force Adult Volunteer duties.

About the Team

Operational Cyber Group is a team of industry‑leading experts in high‑assurance development, research, reverse engineering, and vulnerability research. BAE Systems Digital Intelligence is home to 4,500 digital, cyber and intelligence experts working collaboratively across 10 countries, collecting, connecting and understanding complex data to unlock digital advantage for governments, nation states, armed forces and commercial businesses.

Inclusivity Statement

We welcome people from all backgrounds and aim to make our recruitment processes inclusive. If you have a disability or health condition (e.g., dyslexia, autism, an anxiety disorder) that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments.