Software Engineer - C++ (SMART Officiating)

Hawk-Eye Innovations (HEI); Basingstoke; Hybrid; GBP 44,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

A sports technology company in the UK seeks a Software Engineer skilled in C++. You will collaborate on innovative SMART Officiating systems, developing robust C++ code and interfacing with video hardware. The role offers a hybrid work model and involvement in live sporting events. Join our team for an exciting opportunity to impact sports technology. Benefits include generous leave and exclusive access to events.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus public holidays

Enhanced pension scheme

Hybrid working model

Wellness app access

Access to sporting events

Qualifications

• Strong C++ skills, ideally C++20.
• Experience with multithreaded, performance-optimised code.
• Eagerness to learn from a world-class team.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with teams to design components for SMART Officiating systems.
• Develop efficient, robust multithreaded C++ code.
• Support deployments at live sporting events.

Skills

Proficiency in modern C++

Experience writing multithreaded code

Familiarity with tools like Git and Visual Studio

Knowledge of libraries such as Qt, FFmpeg, OpenGL

Exposure to network protocols

Job description

Software Engineer - C++ (SMART Officiating)

Salary Banding: £44,910 – £58,810 per annum
Contract: Full-Time, Permanent
Working Location: Hybrid, 2 Days a week in the office, minimum
Office Locations: Basingstoke, Bristol, London

Join Our Team as a Software Engineer in SMART Officiating at Hawk-Eye Innovations

Hi, I’m Tim Seals, Principal Software Engineer and C++ Apps Discipline Lead at Hawk-Eye Innovations. We build systems that power some of the most exciting and critical moments in sport — from instant replays to high-stakes officiating decisions seen by millions around the world.

Our SMART Officiating team is the backbone of these systems, developing cutting-edge solutions for live and post-match playback, video capture, and synchronised output — all while maintaining the reliability and performance elite sport demands.

We’re looking for a Software Engineer with strong C++ skills, a curious mindset, and a passion for solving real-world problems in high-pressure environments. Whether you’re optimising multithreaded code for live encoding or interfacing with video hardware, you’ll be making a direct impact on how fans, players, and officials experience the game.

What You'll Be Doing

• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to design and implement components for our SMART Officiating systems

• Working on a range of challenges — from hardware interfacing and network protocols to audio/video processing and UI

• Building efficient, robust multithreaded C++ code

• Taking part in field testing and supporting deployments at live sporting events

• Partnering with product teams and customers to refine and deliver the best solutions

• Championing high code quality and contributing to a culture of continuous improvement

What We're Looking For

• Proficiency in modern C++ (ideally up to C++20)

• Experience writing multithreaded, performance-optimised code

• Familiarity with tools like Git, Visual Studio, and debugging workflows

• Knowledge of relevant libraries such as Qt, FFmpeg, OpenGL, or audio processing tools

• Exposure to network protocols or video/audio encoding is a bonus

• A proactive mindset and eagerness to learn from a world-class team

Bonus Points For

• Experience with AWS.

• Passion for sport or experience working in high-performance environments

Benefits & Perks

• • Annual Leave: 25 days plus 8 public holidays
  • Enhanced Pension Scheme: 5% matching
  • Flexible Working: Hybrid model (2 days in the office per week)
  • Wellness: Complimentary Unmind app, onsite gym (Basingstoke)
  • Exclusive Perks: Access to sporting events and tickets, Sony Group Company discounts

Equal Opportunity Employer

We’re committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. Everyone is treated fairly, regardless of gender, race, religion, age, disability, or background. We want you to be your best and truest self here.

Apply Today

If you’re excited by the idea of solving real-world problems at scale and want to make a difference in the world of sports tech, we’d love to hear from you.