Software Engineering Specialist

BT Security; Manchester; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cybersecurity firm in Manchester seeks an experienced engineer to deliver high-quality software solutions crucial to national security. The role requires expertise in agile development, programming, and software testing. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in object-oriented programming and tools like C#, Python, and Docker. You will work closely with clients to resolve complex technical issues, ensuring successful software deployment. The position offers competitive benefits including training, flexible options, and significant professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Pension scheme with employer contribution

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Flexible benefits including healthcare and discounts

World-class training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• 10+ years of residency in the UK required for security clearance eligibility.
• Proven track record of performance in complex work activities.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality, well-tested software solutions on time and on budget.
• Establish technical objectives and delegate responsibilities.
• Resolve complex technical issues with customers.

Skills

Agile development

Programming

Software testing

Application development

Software development lifecycle

Education

Evidence of creatively applying technical/management principles

Object-oriented programming experience

Tools

C#

Python

C++

Docker

Jenkins

Git

MEAN stack

Job description

Recruiter: Krystle James

Career Grade: D

Internal Closing Date: 02/01/26

Due to the sensitive nature of this role, you will be required to undergo DV (Developed Vetting) level Security Clearance ( https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/national-security-vetting-clearance-levels). An allowance of £5k per annum may be payable monthly while you hold this DV and continue to work in a role that requires that level of security clearance. The terms of this allowance will be made available if you are successful in being recruited into this role.

Security isn't always the first thing that comes to mind when you think of BT, but when it comes to keeping everyone safely connected, We Are The Protectors. We deal with thousands of cyber-attacks every day, so that millions of people can safely go about their daily lives and run their businesses. We deliver vital work at scale, with real breadth and impact. We connect for good.

You’ll be joining a specialist security team that is a trusted partner to governments worldwide, protecting critical national infrastructure and committed to the safety and security of our nation and global communities. Our mission focused work is innovative, inspiring and technologically challenging in a way that makes every day different and stimulating. We provide the opportunity to work on rare projects, with exciting tools and brilliant people. Everyone has access to unparalleled professional and personal development opportunities and your contribution is always valued.

Why this job matters

Our Engineering mantra is Technical Excellence in Engineering and we deliver some amazing technical capabilities for our customers which can only happen if we recruit, train and support our people.

This is an exciting opportunity to join one of our software delivery teams, working alongside our customers and partners to work on key customer services.

The team develop and maintain bespoke, highly complex, specialist capabilities that are critical to the success of our customers, who we work very closely with. We work across a wide variety of platforms and technology stacks and we utilise a range of programming languages.

This job role can be based in Ipswich, Cheltenham or Manchester. Onsite (Office based 5 days per week). Monday-Friday 37.5 hours per week. You will need to be eligible to obtain DV Security Clearance before starting this role. You will need to have lived in the UK for 10+ years to be eligible.

What you’ll be doing

• Delivers on the engineering strategy through delivery of high quality, and well-tested, software solutions, on time and on budget.
• Has defined authority and responsibility for a significant area of work covering technical responsibilities.
• Works closely with customers to identify and resolve complex technical issues.
• Establishes technical objectives, defines technical roadmaps and delegates responsibilities.
• Influences a significant part of own organisation and influences customers/suppliers and industry at a senior management level (e.g. around resourcing of delivery teams and technical direction of work).

Essential Skills

• Agile development
• Programming
• Software testing
• Application development
• Software development lifecycle

What we’d like to see on your CV

• Evidence of creatively applying a wide range of technical and/management principles.
• Performance of highly complex work activities covering technical, financial and quality aspects.
• Object‑oriented programming experience, and supporting technologies, including: C#, Python, C++, low‑level mobile development (Objective‑C, C++), elastic, ansible, docker, Jenkins, git, MEAN stack.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• BT Pension scheme, minimum 5% Employee contribution, BT contribution 10%
• On‑call allowance (Depending on role requirements)
• 25 days annual leave (not including bank holidays), increasing with service
• Huge range of flexible benefits including cycle to work, healthcare, season ticket loan
• World‑class training and development opportunities
• From January 2025, equal family leave: receive 18 weeks at full pay, 8 weeks at half pay and 26 weeks at the statutory rate. It’s for all parents, no matter how your family is made up.
• Enhanced women’s health support: including help with menopause symptoms, cancer screenings, period care and more.
• 24/7 private virtual GP appointments for UK colleagues
• 2 weeks paid carer’s leave
• Option to join BT Shares Saving schemes.
• Discounted broadband, mobile and TV packages
• Access to 100’s of retail discounts including the BT shop

Security is one of the fastest growing parts of our global organisation. We are protecting our networks from more than 6,500 cyber attacks each day, investing over £40m in research each year - and in employing nearly 3,000 people, we’re also the largest private cyber employer in the UK. With incredible opportunities to learn, develop and grow your skills, we’ll invest in you, nurture your potential and shape your future - whatever your background or experience.

In today’s world, safe and secure digital connections have never been more vital. You’ll be joining a global company operating at the forefront of the information age: BT employs 90,000 people in 180 countries. With huge scale, we’re capable of achieving great things, striving to be personal, simple, and brilliant for our customers whilst creating an inclusive working environment where people from all backgrounds can succeed. Play your part. Make a difference. We are the Protectors.

Although these roles are listed as full-time, if you’re a job share partnership, work reduced hours, or any other way of working flexibly, please still get in touch.

We will also offer reasonable adjustments for the selection process if required, so please do not hesitate to inform us.

Studies have shown that women and people who are disabled, LGBTQ+, neurodiverse or from ethnic minority backgrounds are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification and criteria. We’re committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where everyone can be their best, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement on the Job Description, please apply anyway - you may just be the right candidate for this or other roles in our wider team.