Software Engineer in Oxford

Aerospace & Defence Technology | Software Engineer | Westcott Venture Park | £39K - £49K

About the Company:

Our client is a rapidly growing software company based near Oxford & Bicester with an office in White City, London. They are leaders in developing Machine Learning & Digital Twin software for the Aerospace, Defence and Urban Air Mobility sectors.

The company is small, highly technical and collaborative, giving engineers the opportunity to take real ownership of complex product development rather than working in a narrow or heavily layered role.

About the Role:

They are currently seeking a Software Engineer to join their engineering team at Westcott Venture Park, near Bicester. Reporting to the Senior Engineering Manager, you will contribute across the full software development lifecycle, from concept and algorithm design through to coding, system integration, testing, troubleshooting and ongoing improvement.

You will work closely with a multidisciplinary team to develop high-performance flight safety and GPS-free navigation solutions for uncrewed autonomous systems, while producing strong technical documentation and supporting customer integration projects.

Responsibilities:

• Design, develop and implement complex alternative navigation, autonomy and safety-critical software solutions for uncrewed autonomous systems across aerial and other domains.
• Write high-quality C/C++ software in line with aerospace standards.
• Contribute across the full development lifecycle, including concept design, algorithm development, coding, testing, integration, troubleshooting, upgrades and maintenance.
• Support the development of software-in-the-loop and hardware-in-the-loop testing capabilities.
• Generate novel algorithm ideas to solve autonomy challenges using low size, weight, power and cost solutions.
• Analyse simulation and physical test data, and support active flight test activities.
• Follow and improve engineering processes, design methodologies and software libraries to increase development efficiency and product quality.
• Produce clear, high-quality design documentation and technical test reports.
• Collaborate with engineers and technicians to deliver complete, operational solutions.
• Engage with customers to translate user requirements into clear technical and design requirements.
• Support customer integration and wider project delivery for aerospace, defence and advanced air mobility applications.

Requirements:

• Degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics or a related discipline involving programming, ideally 2:1 or above.
• Minimum of 3 years’ professional experience designing, developing and testing real-time embedded software algorithms.
• Strong C++ experience, ideally within real-time, embedded or safety‑critical systems.
• Strong understanding of real-time systems, event‑driven execution, object‑oriented programming, formal design methods, verification techniques and test‑driven development.
• Experience in at least one of the following areas: PNT techniques, real-time operating systems or machine learning techniques.
• Practical experience with software engineering best practice, including design, change control, coding standards, documentation, code review, source control, build processes, releases and testing.
• Able to write well‑structured, efficient, documented and tested software to high quality standards.
• Comfortable working within the defence industry.
• Willing and eligible to complete BPSS checks and obtain, or already hold, UK SC clearance.
• Must not be subject to restrictions under non‑UK export laws such as US ITAR.
• Experience with uncrewed aerial system flight controllers, such as Ardupilot, is a plus.
• Familiarity with DO‑178C aerospace software standards is a plus.
• Good knowledge of modern AI and machine learning technologies is a plus.

Compensation and benefits:

• Competitive salary of £39K-£49K.
• Full‑time role with immediate start available.
• Onsite position at Westcott Venture Park, near Bicester, with hybrid working potentially considered.
• Opportunity to join a rapidly growing company at the forefront of aerospace, defence, flight safety and GPS‑free navigation technology.
• Work with a talented multidisciplinary team developing advanced autonomy and navigation systems for uncrewed platforms.
• Flexible, professional and inclusive working culture.
• 33 days’ annual holiday pro rata.
• Employee Assistance Programme, Health Cash Plan, Cycle to Work Scheme, company discounts and rewards.
• Technology Salary Sacrifice Scheme and Pension Salary Sacrifice Scheme.
• Company‑paid flu jabs, gym discounts, enhanced maternity leave, company‑paid sick leave, paid jury service and support for continuous professional development.