Senior Software Engineer

Thales; Cheadle; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense technology company is seeking a Senior Software Engineer / Architect in Cheadle, UK. In this full-time role, you will guide system architecture and engage with customers while participating in software development. Key skills include C++ and experience in defense technologies with a focus on software architecture. Eligible candidates must be UK nationals with security clearance capabilities.

Benefits

Flexible working patterns

Career development opportunities

Inclusive recruitment process

Qualifications

• Ability to lead coding efforts and provide guidance.
• Experience with C++ and real-time systems is mandatory.
• Security clearance eligibility is required.

Responsibilities

• Define and update technical solutions and contribute to system requirements.
• Engage with customers and stakeholders.
• Participate in software development as needed.

Skills

Self-driven problem solver

Demonstrable experience with software architecture of large systems

Confident presentation skills

Ability to tailor technical detail

Confidence using modelling tools

Strategic awareness in decision-making

System-wide consideration

Tools

C++

Java

Python

Networking

Linux

Hardware knowledge

Job description

Overview

Location: Cheadle, United Kingdom

Thales people provide armed forces customers with operational advantage at every decisive moment throughout the mission. Defence and armed forces customers rely on us to deliver the full range of defence mission systems solutions at land, sea, and air. Our platforms extend across the battlespace including Above and Sonar, Electronic Combat, and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance systems. Thales UK supports a flexible working pattern where possible to suit lifestyle and ambitions.

Applications for an exciting role are now open in our Underwater Systems Business Line: Senior Software Engineer / Architect - Linux & C++ & Python

The job

Due to business growth and increased demand, an additional Senior Software Engineer / Architect is required to support the business in delivering the current and next generation of Mine Counter Measures capabilities. The successful applicant will be involved in a wide range of activities from defining and updating the technical solution, contributing to system requirements, meeting with customers and key stakeholders, guiding and advising the development team, and supporting the entire project team from start to end.

In this instance, due to the small scale of the team, the Software Architect will be expected to participate in some of the software development activities. Training and mentoring will be provided, however this is a senior role and the individual is expected to be self-driven and able to drive others rather than be told what to do. This role will involve bids, architecture and design, development, and support. Occasional travel to sister company and client sites is expected, as projects demand. The role is a full-time on-site role based at our site in Cheadle Heath. The candidate will report to the portfolio Chief Software Architect and Head of Software Delivery, with inputs to senior management, customers, engineering delivery managers, project managers, and developers.

Responsibilities

• Define and update technical solutions and contribute to system requirements.
• Engage with customers and key stakeholders; guide and advise the development team; support the entire project lifecycle.
• Participate in software development activities as needed due to team size; mentor and lead others.
• Support bids, architecture and design, development, and operational support.

Core skills

• Self-driven problem solver; take ownership and coordinate with experts to unblock others and provide steerage.
• Demonstrable experience with software architecture of large systems or development of large, complex systems.
• Confident and commercially aware when presenting to senior management and senior customers.
• Ability to tailor technical detail to the audience; work closely with developers, engineering delivery managers, other architects, product line architects, and customers.
• Confidence using modelling tools such as Enterprise Architect; training provided if necessary.
• Ability to show strategic awareness and make balanced, defendable decisions; confident to challenge others and open to being challenged.
• Consider the whole system, understanding the impact of software on system and hardware requirements and behavior.
• Ability to describe and discuss in detail from development and component interaction to architecture, hardware interaction, system interaction, and business strategy.
• Ability to balance short-term project goals with longer-term product roadmap goals.

Technical skills (mandatory)

• C++, Java, Python (detailed knowledge of C++ with appreciation of Java and Python)
• Networking (routing, firewalls, switch configuration)
• Linux (ideally Red Hat)
• Hardware (basic knowledge of components, connectors and hardware architecture)
• Software development and architecture of real-time systems

Beneficial skills

• Containerisation (podman / kubernetes)
• Security (SELinux, STIG / CIS lockdown, cryptographic principles, TPM)
• Software build processes (Make, CMake, Maven, Gradle, Jenkins, git, Artifactory)
• Embedded software development
• Rhapsody or Enterprise Architect

Industry experience

• Experience in Defence, Telecommunications or other Engineering industry
• Experience of Radio Communication systems

Role expectations

The Software Architect is responsible for defining a feasible, maintainable and scalable software architecture aligned with the solution/system architecture. They ensure that design considers performance, robustness, safety, and cybersecurity constraints. They support the development team in advancing their competence in architecture and coding.

We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every single qualification, as we value diverse experiences and potential.

Security and eligibility

UKEO (UK Eyes Only)

Due to the nature of the work, many roles are subject to security restrictions. This role requires you to be a UK National and achieve Security Clearance (SC) without caveats. It would be advantageous if currently held; otherwise, the successful applicant must undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance prior to commencing employment. If approved by the MOD, a dual national from a Non-ITAR country may be considered. For guidance, please refer to UK Security Vetting requirements.

Eligibility for full SC generally requires residence in the UK for the last 5 years; in some circumstances a minimum of 3 years’ residence in the UK over the last 5 years may be accepted with additional overseas checks.

#LI-MC2

In line with Thales Baseline Security requirements, candidates will be asked to provide evidence of identity, eligibility to work in the UK, and employment/education history for up to three years. Some vacancies may require full Security Clearance; further evidence may be required. For details of evidence for Baseline and Security Clearance, refer to the Defence Business Services National Security Vetting Agency.

At Thales we provide careers and not only jobs. With 80,000 employees in 68 countries, our mobility policy enables employees to develop their careers at home and abroad. We embrace flexibility as a smarter way of working.

Thales UK is committed to an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment process. We provide reasonable adjustments to support neuro-diverse applicants or those with a disability or long-term condition during recruitment. To request an adjustment or for questions about the process, please contact Resourcing Ops for mid to senior roles or the Early Careers Team for graduate roles.

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