Software Engineering Manager - AI / Autonomous Systems

STARK; Swindon; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence technology company in Swindon is seeking a Software Engineering Manager to provide strategic leadership for software development related to UAV systems. The role involves overseeing the software lifecycle and managing a skilled engineering team. Ideal candidates should have significant experience in defense or aerospace, strong leadership skills, and expertise in real-time systems. Various benefits and competitive compensation are offered for this full-time position.

Qualifications

• Experience in a leadership role in a defence, aerospace, or autonomous systems company.
• Proven ability to lead high-performing engineering teams.
• Expertise in software design for real-time systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and technical leadership for software development.
• Oversee the software lifecycle from requirements to deployment.
• Lead planning and execution of software deliverables.

Skills

Leadership in software engineering

Embedded software development

Experience with autonomy and AI/ML

Agile methodologies

Expertise in system architecture

Excellent communication skills

Education

Experience in defence or aerospace

Significant leadership experience

Tools

C++

DevOps tools

Job description

Swindon

Permanent employee, Full-time

About Us

STARK is a new kind of defence technology company revolutionising the way autonomous systems are deployed across multiple domains. We design, develop, and manufacture high-performance unmanned systems that are software‑defined, mass‑scalable, and cost‑effective. This provides our operators with a decisive edge in highly contested environments.

We’re focused on delivering deployable, high‑performance systems—not future promises. In a time of rising threats, STARK is bolstering the technological edge of NATO Allies and their partners to deter aggression and defend Europe—today.

Your mission

As the Software Engineering Manager you will provide strategic and technical leadership for all software development activities related to advanced defence Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) systems. The successful candidate will oversee the entire software lifecycle, from requirements definition and architecture design to verification, validation, and deployment, while managing and mentoring a high‑performing engineering team.

Responsibilities

Leadership and strategy

• Define and execute the software engineering vision and strategy, ensuring it aligns with the company’s and defence customers’ long‑term objectives.
• Lead, mentor, and grow a multidisciplinary team (AI, Full Stack, Computer Vision, and Autonomous Software Engineers), fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Represent the software department in senior leadership meetings, providing clear and concise reports on progress, technical risks, and project milestones.

Technical oversight

• Oversee the technical architecture and long‑term evolution of the UAV software platform, including flight control, ground control stations, and autonomous systems.
• Provide hands‑on technical guidance on complex software challenges related to embedded systems, real‑time operating systems, and AI/ML for on‑board intelligence.
• Ensure that development practices, coding standards, and review protocols are followed to produce robust, secure, and reliable software for mission‑critical applications.
• Drive research and development initiatives to evaluate and implement new technologies that enhance product performance and capabilities.

Program and delivery management

• Lead the planning, prioritisation, and execution of all software deliverables, ensuring projects are completed on time, within scope, and on budget.
• Collaborate closely with hardware, systems, and test engineering teams to ensure seamless integration across all vehicle systems.
• Implement and enforce agile software development practices, quality assurance procedures, and effective release management.
• Manage and mitigate technical risks, developing strategies to address complex engineering challenges.

Compliance and security

• Ensure all software development and products adhere to stringent military and aviation safety standards, such as DO‑178C.
• Work with security and compliance teams to ensure software is hardened against cyber threats and adheres to defence regulations, including export control standards.
• Manage certification processes with regulatory bodies.
• Maintain rigorous quality assurance processes to ensure product safety, reliability, and performance.

Qualifications

• Experience in software engineering, with a significant leadership role within a defence, aerospace, or autonomous systems company.
• A proven track record of leading and scaling high‑performing engineering teams and managing complex, multi‑disciplinary projects.
• Expertise in software design, system architecture, and embedded software development for real‑time systems, preferably in C++.
• Experience with autonomy, AI/ML, and sensor fusion for mission‑critical applications.
• Strong knowledge of agile methodologies, DevOps, and modern software development toolchains.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to bridge technical complexity with business clarity.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to define a long‑term technical vision while focusing on day‑to‑day execution.

Security Clearance Requirements

• This position requires eligibility for Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC / DV) clearance. Applicants must therefore be UK nationals or hold UK Settled Status.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

We are an equal‑opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. Due to the nature of our work in the defence sector, candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance required for the position.