Software Engineer - Speculative Talent Pipeline

Rowden; West of England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working model

Flexible working hours

Job summary

Rowden in Bristol, UK seeks talented Software Engineers at all levels to work on Android-based operating system components and apps. You’ll contribute to a hands‑on engineering culture and learn new technologies while delivering secure, reliable software for demanding environments.

Eligible candidates should have experience with Java, C++, or C#, plus Kotlin for Android, Git, and modern Agile practices. A proactive, collaborative approach and a commitment to secure development are essential for

Qualifications

• Experience in using an OOP language such as Java, C#, C++ and willingness to adapt to Kotlin and Android-based applications.
• Capable of writing clean, efficient, and maintainable code using OOP principles, data structures, and algorithms.
• Familiar with software development tools, version control systems (such as Git), and build tools to streamline development workflows and maintain high code quality.

Responsibilities

• Developing and testing standalone Android apps and plugins.
• Designing and implementing core components of an Android-based operating system, such as kernel modules, device drivers, memory management, and process scheduling.
• Developing system libraries and APIs that facilitate communication between components and applications.
• Debugging complex issues including concurrency problems, memory leaks, and system crashes, ensuring stability and reliability.
• Developing and executing comprehensive test plans, including unit tests, integration tests, and performance tests, to validate the OS’s robustness and stability.
• Utilising version control systems, particularly Git, to manage and track changes to our codebase.
• Working within Agile frameworks, participating in sprints, stand-ups, and other Agile practices.

Skills

Java

C++

C#

Kotlin

Android

Git

Agile

Object‑oriented programming

Security best practices

Tools

Build tools

Job description

Description

We’re building the UK's next generation engineering powerhouse, providing critical technology that strengthens national security and resilience.

We specialise in turning advances in sensing, AI, and communications into operational capability for the edge, where connectivity may be degraded or denied. Our work focuses on accelerating the deployment of technology, improving decision-making for frontline teams, and protecting people and critical assets in demanding environments.

Headquartered in Bristol, Rowden employs around 200 people and operates over 20,000 square feet of engineering and manufacturing facilities. We have a growing international footprint and are one of Europe’s fastest-growing engineering businesses.

Department: Engineering

Location: Bristol, UK

Compensation: £40,000 - £75,000 / year

About the opportunity

We’re growing our team and looking for talented Software Engineers at all levels to work on exciting projects aiming to deliver real value to our key customers.

You’ll join a diverse team of engineers at Rowden. You’ll contribute to a hands‑on engineering culture, sharing knowledge and lessons with the wider engineering team, and learn new things yourself along the way.

Candidates must be eligible for SC clearance.

More information about security clearance is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels

Key areas of responsibility

• Developing and testing standalone Android apps and plugins.
• Designing and implementing core components of an Android-based operating system, such as kernel modules, device drivers, memory management, and process scheduling.
• Developing system libraries and APIs that facilitate communication between components and applications.
• Debugging complex issues including handling concurrency problems, memory leaks, and system crashes, ensuring stability and reliability.
• Developing and executing comprehensive test plans, including unit tests, integration tests, and performance tests, to validate the operating system’s robustness and stability.
• Utilising version control systems, particularly Git, to manage and track changes to our codebase.
• Working within Agile frameworks, participating in sprints, stand-ups, and other Agile practices.

Key skills, experience and behaviours

Essential

• Experience in using an OOP language such as Java, C#, C++ etc, and willingness to adapt to Kotlin and Android based applications.
• Capable of writing clean, efficient, and maintainable code, utilising object‑oriented programming principles, data structures, and algorithms to solve complex problems.
• Familiar with software development tools, version control systems (such as Git), and build tools to streamline development workflows and maintain high code quality,
• Demonstrates strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to quickly grasp new technologies and adapt to changing project requirements.
• Experience in working on diverse projects, from legacy codebases to modern applications, ensuring seamless integration and enhancement of functionalities.
• Collaborative mindset, with experience working in cross‑functional teams in Agile frameworks.
• Exhibits a high level of professionalism, reliability, and effective communication skills. Able to work independently with minimal supervision while also collaborating effectively, contributing to project goals, and delivering quality results within agreed timelines.
• Knowledge of Secure Software Development practices, with a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating potential security risks.
• Experience in developing secure, resilient, and compliant mobile solutions.

Desirable (not essential)

• Knowledge of a variety of programming languages such as Python, Rust, Go, C# etc.
• Experience in regulated sectors delivering complex networked systems, such as defence, national security, telecommunications, financial services, or automotive industries.
• Experience in developing Android applications, with a strong understanding of the Android SDK, application lifecycle, Android development tools and UI/UX design principles.

About you

• Teamworking and collaboration – you’ll work closely with other engineers and developers as part of a cross functional team. The ability to communicate well, share knowledge and challenge constructively is an essential skill for the role.
• Ability (and desire) to learn - our industry changes rapidly, and you should be comfortable with regularly learning new technologies, programming languages and platforms. Lack of experience in any technology should not be a barrier to your involvement in a project that uses it.
• Adaptability, resilience, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Working at Rowden

We are committed to building a flexible, inclusive, and enabling company. Our aim is to create a diverse team of talented people with unique skills, experience, and backgrounds, so please apply and come as you are!

We also recognise the importance of flexible working and support this wherever we can. We typically operate a flexible, hybrid-working model, with an average 3 days in the office each week (dependent on the role). We welcome the opportunity to discuss flexibility, part-time working requirements and/or workplace adjustments with all our applicants.

Rowden is a Disability Confident Committed company, and we actively encourage people with disabilities and health conditions to apply for our roles. Please let us know your requirements early on so that we can make sure you have everything you need up front to help make the recruitment process and experience as easy as possible.

Finally, if you feel that you don’t meet all the criteria included above but have transferable skills and relevant experience, we’d still love to hear from you!