Front End Software Engineer in Bristol

At Callen-Lenz, we are expanding the limits of what is possible. We specialise in crewed and uncrewed aircraft operations and technology and having recently received investment into the business we are going through a period of rapid growth and development and are looking for key roles to assist with these changes. Callen-Lenz offers innovative and customer-focused UAS solutions through our 4 key business strands: technical services, products, platforms and operational services. We are looking for individuals to help drive forward our expansion, placing you at the forefront of UAS development in the UK.

Our Values

• Innovation
• Integrity
• Collaboration
• Excellence

Why Work for Us

Based in the heart of rural Wiltshire, close to the Historic city of Salisbury you will join our rapidly growing, friendly and multi-disciplined team, working on a range of diverse and interesting projects, leading the way in this exciting field and witnessing the full lifecycle of our products. The Callen-Lenz team are passionate about what we do, and we are searching for individuals to grow with us as we expand into the aerospace industry.

Our benefits include:

• 25 days annual leave per year (plus bank holidays)
• Buy/Sell holiday policy up to 5 days either way
• Pension Scheme via Royal London
• Company contributed Share Incentive Plan
• Green Car Scheme
• Life assurance scheme (6x basic salary)
• Income protection policy (75% of basic salary)
• Private Health Insurance via Bupa
• Private Dental insurance via Bupa
• Enhanced Maternity and paternity
• 1 Professional membership reimbursed per year
• 1 paid volunteering day per year
• Access to an independent financial advisor year round
• Training & development opportunities

About the role

We are looking for a Front End Software Engineer to support the design and development of flight control and ground station software using the latest web technologies. The role covers all aspects of Software Engineering including design, implementation and testing. This exciting role will place the right candidate at the forefront of unmanned air systems development in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate on the design and build of user interfaces.
• Collaborate with UX researchers/designers, developers and project managers.
• Collaborate during sprint planning and estimations in a cross-functional team.
• Design and build pixel-perfect, responsive user interfaces.
• Support the development of a robust design system.
• Deliver software iteratively to milestones and deadlines.
• Support decisions around best-practice tooling and processes.
• Ensure code quality is maintained by contributing to code reviews and implementing appropriate test coverage.
• Design and implement new software features that meet acceptance criteria.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Health & Safety

• Demonstrate in daily activities a commitment to health and safety in the workplace by always ensuring tasks are performed in the safest possible manner.
• Report all hazards and incidents that the individual is party to, or observes, in the correct manner.
• When required or directed, participate in any health and safety training.

Qualifications

• Educated to a degree level in a computing related subject.

Skills and Experience

Essential:

• Demonstrable background as a Front End Software Engineer.
• Proficiency in designing high-fidelity UI in Figma (or similar design tools).
• Hands-on exposure to real-time applications.
• Confidence working within a cross-functional agile team.
• Strong practical knowledge of React, TypeScript, HTML & CSS, Git, and Jira (or similar tools).
• Familiarity with Figma or comparable design platforms.
• Working knowledge of Jest, Cypress, RTL, or other testing tools.
• Capability in API integration.
• Understanding of WebSocket or similar streaming technologies.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Desirable:

• Interest in drones, aviation, data-heavy or geospatial systems.
• Experience mentoring and coaching junior engineers.
• Familiarity with accessibility standards.
• Previous experience working in defence.
• Champion of coding standards.
• Prioritisation of accessibility and UI/UX principles.
• Up-to-date knowledge of design best practices, including responsive design, accessibility and maintainable user interface patterns.

Personal Attributes

• Excellent communicator and problem solving ability.
• Enthusiastic, self-motivated and able to work well in a team.
• Must be a British Citizen or have an existing right to work in the UK.
• Ability to commit to occasional national and international travel.
• A full valid UK driving license.
• Ability to hold Security Clearance – 5 years residence in the UK.

Callen-Lenz is an equal opportunities employer, committed to building an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age. It is essential that the successful candidate must, by the start of their employment have permission to work in the UK. Proof of identity and eligibility to work in the UK will be required prior to commencement of employment.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.