Senior Advanced Software Engineer

Hyra; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 83,000 - 131,000; Full time

Job summary

Hyra is seeking a Senior Advanced Software Engineer to lead the development of next-generation quantum communications software. You will drive secure software design, testing strategies and integration for a space-focused program, coordinating with ESA and international partners.

You will mentor engineers, promote best practices, and ensure high-security standards across development and verification activities in a fast-paced, high-assurance environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• Proven experience leading software development teams or workstreams, ideally in high-security environments.
• Strong hands-on software engineering with Java, C++ and Python.
• Experience designing CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices.
• Knowledge of secure coding principles and software quality assurance.

Responsibilities

• Lead software development activities for advanced QKD software systems and ground segment applications.
• Drive high-level unit testing, test automation, system integration and performance testing.
• Coordinate with ESA and international partners on requirements and milestones.
• Establish Agile development workflows, including SCRUM practices.
• Design, implement and maintain CI/CD pipelines for reliable delivery.
• Mentor junior engineers and promote engineering best practices.
• Ensure secure coding practices and quality assurance.
• Develop automated testing frameworks with SDET resources.
• Oversee defect tracking, test management and verification activities.
• Identify opportunities to improve development efficiency and reliability.

Skills

Java

C++

Python

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering or related discipline

Tools

CI/CD pipelines

DevOps tooling

Test management tools

Defect tracking systems

Automated testing frameworks

Job description

Senior Advanced Software Engineer - Quantum Communications & Space Systems

Full time/ Contract between 6-9 months

Hours: Monday to Thursday 8.15am-5pm and Friday 8.15am to 1pm

Lead the development of next-generation secure quantum communication technology.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Advanced Software Engineer to play a leading role in the development, testing and integration of advanced Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) software systems as part of an innovative international space programme.

This is an exciting opportunity for a technically strong software engineering professional to take ownership of key development activities, drive software quality and automation strategies, and collaborate with the European Space Agency (ESA) and international project partners.

The successful candidate will combine strong software engineering expertise with leadership capabilities, a quality-driven mindset and experience delivering complex software solutions in secure or high-assurance environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead software development activities for advanced QKD software systems and associated ground segment applications.
• Drive high-level unit testing, test automation, system integration and performance testing activities.
• Coordinate with ESA and international partner countries to align technical requirements, project deliverable and development milestones.
• Establish and implement Agile development workflows, including SCRUM practices.
• Design, implement and maintain CI/CD pipelines to support efficient and reliable software delivery.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior software engineers, promoting best practices and high engineering standards.
• Ensure compliance with secure coding practices, software quality standards and development processes.
• Drive the development and continuous improvement of automated testing frameworks, working closely with Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) resources.
• Oversee defect tracking, test management and software verification activities.
• Identify opportunities to improve development efficiency, test coverage, software reliability and overall engineering performance.

Technical Skills & Expertise

Programming Languages

• Java
• C++
• Python

Tools & Technologies

• Test management tools and frameworks.
• Defect tracking and management systems.
• Automated software testing frameworks.
• Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) pipelines.
• DevOps tooling and software development automation.

Methodologies & Engineering Practices

• Agile software development (SCRUM).
• Advanced unit, integration and system testing.
• Performance and security testing.
• Test automation strategy and framework development.
• Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) principles.
• Secure software development and quality assurance.
• Continuous integration, delivery and improvement.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• Proven experience leading software development teams or technical workstreams, ideally within high-security or high-assurance environments.
• Strong hands-on software engineering experience with Java, C++ and Python.
• Demonstrable expertise in software testing strategies, automation frameworks and integration testing.
• Experience designing and implementing CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices.
• Strong understanding of secure coding principles, software quality assurance and performance testing.
• Experience coordinating technical activities across multidisciplinary or internationally distributed teams.li>
• Familiarity with ESA programmes, standards and engineering processes would be advantageous.
• Excellent problem-solving, leadership, stakeholder management and communication skills.
• A proactive approach to driving technical excellence, innovation and continuous improvement.

Why Join This Mission?

• Take a technical leadership role in an innovative international space programme.
• Contribute to the development of next-generation quantum key distribution and secure communication technologies.
• Work closely with ESA and international industry partners.
• Influence software engineering standards, testing strategies and development processes.
• Mentor engineering talent and shape the technical direction of a specialist software team.
• Play a key role in delivering advanced technology for the future of secure space communications.

Ready to lead the development of next-generation quantum communication systems? Join the mission and help shape the future of secure space technology.

Any offer is subject to full BPSS Screening ( Baseline Personnel Security Standard), including proof of Legal Right to Work, Criminal Records Check, and Drugs Screening.