Principal Software Assurance Engineer

Searchability; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 82,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A global defence and security innovator is seeking a Principal Software Assurance Practitioner to provide independent technical assessment of high-integrity aircraft software systems. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in verifying compliance with safety-critical standards and evaluating software development processes. Strong knowledge of C++ and Ada, as well as experience in safety-critical environments and adherence to DO-178 standards, are essential. This role offers a competitive salary and hybrid working opportunities across various UK locations.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of aircraft software development and recognised software standards.
• Extensive experience in Safety Critical Software engineering.
• Background as an Independent Technical Evaluator or similar assurance function.

Responsibilities

• Verify that software is developed to recognised safety-critical standards.
• Assess software development processes and verification activities.
• Evaluate code-level changes, including C++ and Ada.

Skills

Knowledge of aircraft software development

Experience in Safety Critical Software engineering

Experience as Independent Technical Evaluator

Experience as software engineer in safety-critical environment

Experience with standards aligned to DO-178

Tools

C++

Ada

Job description

Principal Software Assurance Practitioner

KEY BULLET POINTS

• £82,000–£85,000 salary + excellent benefits
• Hybrid working – based at Malvern, Boscombe Down, Farnborough or Bristol
• Work on safety-critical aircraft software across major defence programmes
• Lead Independent Technical Evaluation of high-integrity software systems
• Occasional travel to Europe
• SC Clearance required

ABOUT THE CLIENT

Our client is a globally recognised defence and security innovator, developing advanced technology solutions across air, land, maritime and space domains. Their engineering and assurance capabilities support some of the UK’s most critical aerospace programmes, ensuring safety, compliance and reliable performance in demanding environments. Due to growth across their software assurance function, they are looking for an experienced Principal Software Assurance Practitioner to join their specialist evaluation team.

THE PRINCIPAL SOFTWARE ASSURANCE PRACTITIONER ROLE

As a Principal Software Assurance Practitioner, you will provide Independent Technical Assessment of high-integrity aircraft software systems, ensuring compliance with recognised development standards. You will evaluate third-party software, verify development processes, and assess changes down to source-code level, forming structured safety arguments for major aerospace programmes.

Key responsibilities include:

• Verifying that software is developed to recognised safety-critical standards
• Assessing software development processes and verification activities
• Evaluating code-level changes, including C++ and Ada
• Producing Independent Technical Evaluation reports and structured safety arguments
• Working closely with internal systems and safety SMEs
• Raising recommendations and supporting engagement with customer stakeholders

PRINCIPAL SOFTWARE ASSURANCE PRACTITIONER – ESSENTIAL SKILLS

• Strong knowledge of aircraft software development and recognised software standards
• Extensive experience in Safety Critical Software engineering
• Background as an Independent Technical Evaluator or similar assurance function
• Experience as a software engineer in a high-integrity, safety-critical environment
• Experience working to standards aligned to DO-178

TO BE CONSIDERED

Please apply through this advert or email [e-mail]. For further information, call 0203 854 0120. By applying for this role, you give express consent for us to process and submit (subject to required skills) your application to our client in conjunction with this vacancy only.