Software Engineer

Nova Systems International; Farnborough; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to £3000 Annual Professional Development Allowance

25 days Annual Leave + UK Public Holidays

Private Medical Insurance

Flexible and Hybrid working

Free Parking

Job summary

A leading technology firm in defence seeks a Software Engineer for innovative software solutions to support the UK Ministry of Defence. Responsibilities include developing simulation models and automation tools and collaborating with specialists to deliver high-quality outputs. Candidates should have programming experience in C++ and an interest in automation. This role offers a hybrid work model based in Farnborough with a strong focus on professional development.

Qualifications

• Programming experience in C++ and interest in Lua scripting.
• Understanding of software engineering principles such as CI/CD and version control.
• Basic experience with data handling and data pipelines.

Responsibilities

• Support the development and testing of software for Project Crucible.
• Implement automation scripts to improve model execution.
• Collaborate with technical specialists to deliver outputs.

Skills

C++ programming

Python programming

Automation and scripting

Data handling

Networking protocols

Defence Modelling & Simulation (M&S)

Job description

Nova Systems plays a vital role in modelling and simulation space by delivering advanced systems engineering and digital technology solutions that help governments and industries make critical decisions. Our work supports mission readiness, system optimisation, and scenario planning across defence, aerospace, and essential services. Future employees can expect to work on cutting‑edge challenges that directly impact national safety and global stability, within a collaborative, values‑driven culture.

The Role - Software Engineer

As a Software Engineer in the Modelling & Simulation (M&S) domain, you will play a key role in developing innovative software and automation solutions that support decision‑making for the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD). You'll help build simulation models, data‑driven tools, and automation pipelines that underpin experimentation, capability assessment, and future force development. This is an excellent opportunity for an early‑career engineer with a strong technical foundation and an interest in applying software and data skills to real‑world defence challenges.

Location

This is a Hybrid role will primarily be based on the client site 2-3 days a week in Farnborough, Hampshire.

3>Key Accountabilities of the role

• Support the development and testing of software for Project Crucible [1] and related M&S initiatives.
• Implement and maintain automation scripts and workflows to improve efficiency in model execution and data processing.
• Contribute to the design and development of simulation models and analytical tools.
• Assist in building and maintaining data pipelines that extract and transform simulation outputs.
• Support integration of models and tools into federated simulation environments.
• Collaborate with software, data, and domain specialists to deliver high‑quality technical outputs.

What are we looking for?

• Programming experience in C++
• Understanding of software engineering principles (version control, testing, CI/CD).
• An interest in automation, scripting, and process optimisation.
• Basic experience with data handling, data pipelines, or data manipulation.
• Awareness of networking protocols and distributed systems.
• Desire to learn Lua scripting (used within VR‑Forces simulation)
• Programming experience in Python
• Defence Modelling & Simulation (M&S)
• Air and/or Maritime domain knowledge
• Development of simulation systems and integration/federation
• Rapid concepting and prototyping of M&S capabilities
• Exposure to simulation integration, automation frameworks, or data‑driven experimentation

Security Requirements:

• Ability to achieve Security Clearance (SC)

Why Join Us

At Nova Systems, you'll be part of a mission‑driven team that values innovation, trust, and collaboration. We offer a supportive environment for learning and development, backed by our professional development allowance, mentoring, and opportunities to work on impactful defence projects.

• Up to £3000 Annual Professional Development Allowance
• 25 days Annual Leave + UK Public Holidays
• Enhanced Family Friendly Leave
• Loyalty Leave
• Private Medical Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Upto 6 Weeks Sick Pay
• Employee Assistance Program
• Reward & Recognition Programme
• Discounts and more
• Dress for your Day!
• Flexible and Hybrid working
• Free Parking

Location

We support any client/onsite workdays with travel expenses and accommodation when required, this supports you being based anywhere in the UK as long as you are happy to commute for those days where the team collaborates onsite. This is typically 2-3 days a week with the rest being home or office based. We do try our best to ensure we can be as flexible as possible and offer work from home options to balance the days, however due to the sensitive nature of some of our projects then onsite is necessary. The client site is located at Cody Technology Park, Farnborough, Hampshire which is where the work will be based.

Interview Process

• MS Teams Screen call with Talent Partner
• MS Teams Interview with Hiring Manager / Snr Team Member
• includes C++ assessment
• Final interview with Line Manager and meet the team - In Person at one of our Offices
• Right to work documents must be provided at this stage if not before.

Please note - Due to the nature of the work Nova is involved in, we are required to comply with government regulations related to background checks (BPSS) and security clearances. Therefore, we must obtain your citizenship and country of birth information at the beginning of the recruitment process, to confirm your eligibility for this role.

We are committed to increasing diversity of staff within Nova Systems International and within the aerospace and engineering sector. We welcome applications from everyone who meets the requirements of the role description, and we are committed to equal opportunity, equal treatment, and respect for every individual.

At Nova Systems International we are proud supporters of the Armed Forces Covenant. We recognize the value that serving personnel, reservists, veterans, and military families bring to our business. We offer, and value, flexible working and we are also proud to be committed to mental health awareness and to actively support the wellbeing of our team. If you have special access requirements, please do let us know.