Senior Software Engineer - Autonomous Systems

ALTEN; Bristol; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A global engineering consultancy in Bristol is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to work on innovative naval technology projects. This role involves C++ development and testing ship avoidance algorithms in complex scenarios. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and experience with software configuration management. The position offers a competitive salary and benefits including private medical insurance and a pension scheme.

Benefits

Private Medical Insurance

Pension Scheme

Cycle-to-work Scheme

Flexible working arrangements

Social atmosphere with team gatherings

Qualifications

• Proficiency in C++ development for complex software systems.
• Eligibility for UK Security Clearance (SC).
• Experience with software configuration management and version control.

Responsibilities

• Document and maintain requirements for a synthetic validation tool.
• Implement new software features in alignment with systems engineering.
• Support scenario construction and operation of autonomous manoeuvring software.

Skills

C++ development for complex software systems

Software configuration management

JIRA for change and task management

Software testing exposure

Strong written and verbal communication

Collaborative teamwork

Education

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

Relevant background in UK Armed Forces

Tools

C++

DOORS

Polarion

Job description

Company Description

Are you passionate about engineering? Do you want to make a difference?

ALTEN is a global engineering and technology consultancy operating across over 30 countries worldwide. We partner with industry leaders across sectors including Aeronautics, Aerospace, Defence, Naval, Automotive, Energy, Rail, and many more to deliver innovative engineering solutions that drive technological advancement and support sustainable transformation. Our teams of passionate and agile engineers work on cutting-edge projects that shape the future of technology and sustainability. At ALTEN, we empower talented engineers to innovate, solve complex challenges, and deliver impactful solutions that build tomorrow\'s world-today.

Overview

Step into the world of autonomous systems and play a key role in shaping the future of naval technology. We\'re looking for a Senior Software Engineer to help push the boundaries of what\'s possible, working on a unique synthetic validation environment that tests and proves ship avoidance algorithms in thousands of complex scenarios. This is your chance to take on real engineering challenges, influence the design of safety-critical systems, and see your work directly impact the next generation of defence technology.

Location: Bristol (Primary) Manchester (Secondary), 3 days per week on site.
Clearance: Must be SC Clearable (no caveats)
Experience Level: Senior (8+ years)

Responsibilities

• Document and maintain requirements, architectural designs, and IVVQ procedures for a synthetic validation tool
• Implement new software features and resolve problem reports in alignment with the systems engineering team
• Support scenario construction and system operation to validate autonomous manoeuvring software against COLREGs rules
• Contribute to the design, configuration, and testing of C++ applications across complex software environments
• Work collaboratively within a cross-functional project team, supporting wider software testing activities
• Apply strong communication skills to share knowledge and ensure high-quality delivery across the software lifecycle

Qualifications

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in C++ development for complex software systems
• Experience with software configuration management and version control
• Familiarity with JIRA for change and task management
• Broad software test exposure across development lifecycles
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative team

Required Qualifications:

• Must be eligible for UK Security Clearance (SC)
• A Bachelor\'s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electronics, or a related field
• OR A relevant background in UK Armed Forces with proven C++ software experience

Desirable Skills:

• DevOps experience and knowledge of Linux-based infrastructure
• Experience with requirements management tools such as DOORS or Polarion
• Awareness of automated testing approaches and tools
• Familiarity with UML modelling and clear software design communication
• Experience with VR-Forces (scenario construction or interfacing)

Additional Information

Why join us?

We foster a community of dually talented individuals who are both entrepreneurs and technology specialists. Our teams embody the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship, enabling us to develop solutions most efficiently.

Our commitment to sustainable growth is unwavering, and we continuously strive for accelerated transformation and continuous improvement. Through ALTEN labs, mentoring programs, internal universities, and more, we are always pushing boundaries and embracing new possibilities.

We offer incredible opportunities to join inspiring projects in the most innovative companies.

We prioritise your career development with personalised support plans tailored to your own aspirations. We\'re here to empower you and help you reach your full potential.

Join our passionate team and start building tomorrow, today!

In short you get

• A personalised career path and a rewarding management style
• A chance to work on the most exciting engineering projects and technologies along with Premium Customers
• A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries
• A competitive salary
• Private Medical Insurance
• Pension Scheme
• Cycle-to-work Scheme among many additional benefits
• Social atmosphere, regular gatherings, and team buildings
• Flexible way of working (role dependent)

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