Senior Software Engineer – Real-Time Autonomous Systems in Manchester

ALTEN is a global engineering and technology consultancy operating across over 35 countries worldwide. We partner with industry leaders across sectors including Aeronautics, Aerospace, Defence, Naval, Automotive, Energy, Rail, IT and many more to deliver innovative engineering solutions that drive technological advancement & support sustainable transformation. Our teams of passionate and agile engineers work on cutting-edge projects that shape the future of technology and sustainability. At ALTEN, we empower talented engineers to innovate, solve complex challenges, and deliver impactful solutions that build tomorrow’s world—today.

Play a pivotal role in the design, integration, and deployment of high-performance real-time software applications within distributed, containerized environments. You will support the development of advanced sonar systems and autonomous undersea vehicles, taking models and algorithms and transforming them into robust, operational software. Your expertise will ensure the seamless operation of these systems, enhancing capabilities in undersea security, mine countermeasures, and subsea infrastructure monitoring.

Location & Requirements

• Location: Manchester (Stockport)
• On-site: 4-5 Days per week
• Seniority: Senior (8+ years’ experience)
• Clearance: SC clearable (no caveats)

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, integrate, and deploy real-time software applications in distributed, containerised environments.
• Apply full software lifecycle experience, including design, coding, testing, and integration.
• Collaborate with algorithm engineers to implement models into operational systems.
• Maintain high code quality, following clean coding principles, static analysis, and best practices.
• Support unit testing and wider software testing to ensure reliability and performance.
• Contribute to software build pipelines, CI/CD, and deployment processes.
• Create and maintain comprehensive software documentation and project reporting.

Qualifications Required Skills

• Strong experience in C++, with working knowledge of Java and Python.
• Experience with Linux targets, infrastructure, and scripting.
• Familiarity with software architectures, model-driven development, and system software design.
• Proficiency in SCM (including Jira), software development processes, and build pipelines.
• Knowledge of container deployment, networking, and GPU integration where relevant.
• Understanding of software test processes, both unit and wider testing.

Soft Skills & Collaboration

• Strong teamwork, collaborating effectively across multi-disciplinary engineering teams.
• Excellent communication skills, able to clearly convey technical and deployment information.
• Demonstrated leadership, mentoring colleagues, and influencing software delivery.
• Positive attitudes and behaviours, adaptable to fast-paced, complex environments.
• Capable of project reporting and supporting risk management discussions.

Required Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline or relevant technical military background with equivalent hands-on experience.
• Must be eligible for or already hold UK Security Clearance (SC).

Desirable Skills

• Familiarity with Linux scripting, Windows targets, and virtualisation.
• Experience with software assurance, CI/CD, and continuous improvement practices.
• Knowledge of Defence sector processes and tooling.
• Experience supporting software deployment, training, or operational handover.

Additional Information

We bring together entrepreneurial, tech-driven people to deliver innovative solutions for leading companies. At ALTEN, you’ll work on exciting projects, supported by ongoing learning, mentoring, and clear career development tailored to your goals. Join a passionate team and help build tomorrow, today.

Benefits

• A personalised career path and a rewarding management style.
• A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries.
• Private Medical Insurance.
• Cycle & Tech Scheme.
• Employee assistance programme.
• Life insurance & Pension Scheme.
• Social atmosphere, regular gatherings & team buildings.
• Flexible way of working (role dependent).

We are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant & actively encourage applications from members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, service leavers, and military spouses/partners. We recognise the value of military skills and experience and are committed to ensuring that no applicant is unfairly disadvantaged during our recruitment and selection processes. This role may require you to have or be willing to go through Security Clearance. As part of the onboarding process candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard; details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website Gov.UK. If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, then your employment may be delayed, or rejected. Details of this will be discussed with you at interview.