Senior Software Developer - Defence Science and Technology Laboratory - SEO

Government Cyber Profession; Idmiston; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Specialist allowance £2,758 annually

Security clearance

Job summary

Dstl in Wiltshire is seeking a Senior Software Developer to join a multidisciplinary team delivering secure, scalable software solutions for national security and defence applications. You will influence architectural decisions and champion modern software engineering practices within complex operational environments.

The role involves full software lifecycle responsibilities, collaboration with scientists and engineers, and mentoring peers.

Qualifications

• Degree in a STEM-related subject such as Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or equivalent relevant experience.
• Experience using languages such as Python, C, C++, Java, Go or Rust.
• Strong understanding of software engineering best practices, including testing and maintainability.
• Experience using Git and collaborative development platforms such as GitHub or GitLab.
• Experience working within Linux environments, including scripting and automation.
• Experience working in Agile or iterative development environments.
• Ability to analyse complex technical challenges and develop effective software solutions.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop and maintain high-quality software applications, prototypes and technical capabilities.
• Translate user needs and technical requirements into practical software solutions.
• Contribute to software architecture, technical design decisions and technology selection.
• Develop secure, resilient, scalable and maintainable systems using modern engineering practices.
• Build, test, debug and support software throughout the development lifecycle.
• Use version control, automated testing and continuous improvement practices to enhance software quality and delivery.
• Work collaboratively with engineers, scientists, programme teams and operational stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities to improve tools, processes and development methodologies.
• Mentor and support colleagues, sharing technical knowledge and best practice.
• Keep up to date with emerging technologies and apply innovative approaches where they add value.
• Ensure all work is conducted in accordance with security, safety and governance requirements.

Skills

Python

C

C++

Java

Go

Rust

Git

Linux

Agile

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Education

Degree in STEM (e.g. Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Physics, Mathematics)

Tools

GitHub/GitLab

Job description

Location

Dstl Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 0JQ
At Dstl, our vision is to have a modern way of working efficiently, accommodating and enabling our people to create, collaborate and deliver. To do this successfully in this job will require attendance at a Dstl location, Government Departments including wider MoD or Delivery and Mission Partner premises for at least 80% of your working time.

About the job Job summary

Are you an experienced software developer who enjoys solving complex technical challenges and delivering innovative solutions with real-world impact?

We are looking for a Senior Software Developer to join our multidisciplinary team, developing software capabilities that support critical national security and defence outcomes. Working alongside scientists, engineers and operational stakeholders, you will design, build and deliver secure, scalable and maintainable software solutions that address challenging technical problems.

This is an exciting opportunity to work across the full software development lifecycle, from concept and prototyping through to implementation, integration and support. You'll have the opportunity to influence technical approaches, contribute to architectural decisions and help shape the future direction of software capabilities used within complex operational environments.

As a senior member of the team, you'll share your knowledge, support the development of colleagues and champion modern software engineering practices that drive quality, innovation and continuous improvement.

We're looking for someone with strong software development expertise, a collaborative mindset and a passion for delivering high-quality technical solutions that make a meaningful difference.

This role is eligible for an additional specialist allowance of £2758 annually subject to meeting extended onboarding requirements. The role may be eligible for additional skills allowances depending on the skills and experience of the applicant.

Dstl recognises the importance of diversity and inclusion as people from diverse backgrounds bring fresh ideas. We are committed to building an inclusive working environment in which each employee fulfils their potential and maximises their contribution.

Job description

What you'll do;

• Design, develop and maintain high-quality software applications, prototypes and technical capabilities.
• Translate user needs and technical requirements into practical software solutions.
• Contribute to software architecture, technical design decisions and technology selection.
• Develop secure, resilient, scalable and maintainable systems using modern engineering practices.
• Build, test, debug and support software throughout the development lifecycle.
• Use version control, automated testing and continuous improvement practices to enhance software quality and delivery.
• Work collaboratively with engineers, scientists, programme teams and operational stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities to improve tools, processes and development methodologies.
• Mentor and support colleagues, sharing technical knowledge and best practice.
• Keep up to date with emerging technologies and apply innovative approaches where they add value.
• Ensure all work is conducted in accordance with security, safety and governance requirements.

Person specification

What we're looking for

Qualifications

• Degree in a STEM-related subject such as Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or equivalent relevant experience.

Technical Knowledge and Skills

• Experience developing software using one or more languages such as Python, C, C++, Java, Go or Rust.
• Experience designing, developing, testing and debugging software within a professional environment.
• Strong understanding of software engineering best practices, including code quality, testing and maintainability.
• Experience using Git and collaborative development platforms such as GitHub or GitLab.
• Experience working within Linux environments, including scripting and automation.
• Experience working in Agile or iterative development environments.
• Ability to analyse complex technical challenges and develop effective software solutions.

Experience

• Experience delivering software solutions within engineering, science, technology or operational environments.
• Experience translating customer or stakeholder requirements into practical technical solutions.
• Experience working collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience balancing quality, risk, delivery timescales and customer requirements to achieve successful outcomes.
• Experience making sound technical decisions when evaluating multiple solution options.

Important Information:

Our work in defence, security and intelligence requires our employees to be UK Nationals who are able to gain a high level of security clearance to undertake the projects we are involved in to protect us from security threats.

For this reason, only UK Nationals will be able to apply for this role. If you are an international or dual-national candidate, and you think you have the skills we need, please consider applying to any of our government, security or defence partners.

This role will require Develop Vetting and you should have resided in the UK for the past 10 years.