Software Engineer

IBM SiXworks; Cheltenham; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Private Medical cover

Life Assurance

Generous pension

Bonus

On-site gym/cafe/restaurant

Job summary

SiXworks in the United Kingdom is seeking a Software Engineer to design and build applications addressing real-world, in-field challenges. You will contribute across the full software pipeline—from presenting ideas to customers, writing code, and deploying onto customer systems.

The role emphasizes reliability, security, and rapid innovation in defence and national security contexts. The team is collaborative and supports growth, with opportunities to work on Android Kotlin front-end work, Rust

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.
• Proficiency in Android Kotlin front-end development.
• Happy to develop PoC applications where requirements may change rapidly and rework is common.
• Strong proficiency in Git for version control and collaborative development.
• Familiarity with backend development languages such as Rust, or Go.
• Solid understanding of software development principles (MVVM, UDF), Web APIs, standards (e.g. OpenAPI), and data structures.
• Knowledge of DevOps processes, including CI/CD pipelines and automated testing frameworks.
• Strong communication and collaboration abilities within a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Design and build applications addressing real in-field challenges.
• Be central in the whole software pipeline—from presenting ideas to the customer, to writing code, to deploying onto customer systems.
• Write clean, efficient, and well-documented code following industry best practices.
• Participate in code reviews and provide constructive feedback.

Skills

Android Kotlin front-end development

Git version control

Rust or Go back-end

CI/CD pipelines

MVVM

Web APIs/OpenAPI

Collaboration

Problem solving

PoC development

Education

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

Tools

Rust

Go

Kotlin

Git

Job description

Work on Technology That Protects What Matters

At SiXworks, we build secure digital solutions that support Defence and National Security missions. Our teams work on complex problems where reliability, security, and speed of innovation matter.

We’re looking for a Software Engineer who enjoys solving difficult technical challenges and wants their work to have real operational impact.

This role requires occasional visits to Herefordshire

What You’ll Do

As a Software Engineer, you’ll design and build applications which address real in-field challenges. You’ll be central in the whole software pipeline, from presenting new ideas to the customer, to writing the code, to deploying onto customer systems. The team within which you will work is highly collaborative and supportive, allowing you to be the best you can be!

Your work may include:

• Develop reliable applications in Kotlin Jetpack Compose for Android, with the potential to branch out into Kotlin Multi-Platform. These applications focus on a range of user experiences, including real-time device data, mapping, and offline functionality.
• Design and implement backend solutions using either Rust or Go, ensuring robustness and scalability (g. writing web APIs, AWS and Azure solutions, IoT integrations).
• Utilise GIT for version control, ensuring efficient code management and collaboration.
• Implement and maintain CI/CD pipelines to automate software delivery and deployment.
• Write clean, efficient, and well-documented code following industry best practices.
• Participate in code reviews, providing constructive feedback to team members.
• Stay updated with the latest technologies, trends, and best practices in software development.

What We’re Looking For

We value people who take ownership, think critically, and enjoy working as part of a collaborative team tackling complex challenges. You don’t need to tick every box, but we’re particularly interested in people with skills/experience in:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.
• Proficiency in Android Kotlin front-end development.
• Happy to develop PoC applications where requirements may change rapidly and rework is common.
• Strong proficiency in GIT for version control and collaborative development.
• Familiarity with backend development languages such as Rust, or Go.
• Solid understanding of software development principles (MVVM, UDF), Web APIs, standards (e.g. OpenAPI), and data structures.
• Knowledge of DevOps processes, including CI/CD pipelines and automated testing frameworks.
• Strong communication and collaboration abilities within a team environment.

Its equally important to be curious, have strong problem-solving skills, and the motivation to continuously improve how technology is designed and delivered.

About SiXworks

SiXworks is a specialist digital innovation partner delivering secure, mission-critical technology to Defence and National Security organisations. We focus on digital experimentation, secure-by-design architecture, cloud technologies, and rapid application development to help our customers move faster and stay ahead of evolving challenges.

Our team combines expertise from across technology, business, and operational backgrounds including the armed forces creating a collaborative environment where practical thinking and innovation thrive.

Why Join Us

Our culture is guided by six principles: Agility, Security, Innovation, Quality, Collaboration and Inclusivity our North Star for how we work. SiXworks is a leading provider of secure digital solutions, specialising in digital experimentation and focused on fail-safe-fast cutting-edge technology solutions deployed in highly secure environments.

As an end-to-end digital innovation and delivery partner, we turn complex challenges into mission-critical digital advantages. This is a thrilling time for us, with ambitious plans for growth. We are looking for brilliant, experienced, driven and self-motivated people to join the team on our journey.

We offer competitive salaries and a package that supports your wellbeing and development, including 25 days annual leave + bank holidays, free Private Medical cover and Life Assurance, Generous pension (10% employer, 5% employee contribution), Bonus and Professional development and training support. In addition to secure parking, gym, café & restaurant on site and lots of open break out spaces.

A word on UK Security Clearance

Due to the secure nature of the position and working environment, you must have or be eligible to obtain Security Clearance. More details relating to UK Security Clearance can be found here:

United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)