At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop innovative software for naval systems and collaborate with a dynamic engineering team.
- Company: Join Chess Dynamics, a leading electro-optics specialist with a global presence.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and comprehensive health benefits.
- Other info: Hybrid work options and excellent career growth opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the defence sector with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Strong degree and experience in C/C++ real-time embedded software required.
An exciting opportunity for Naval Systems in an established, expanding electro-optics specialist organisation with a global footprint. Chess Dynamics is a leading design & manufacturing business, with several sites across the UK. Our product range delivers capability to the Naval, Land and Security sectors with cutting-edge technology and services, ensuring innovation is at the heart of everything we do.
Due to the nature of the working environment, the role requires the ability to safely navigate steep ladders, narrow and often obstructed passageways and confined areas aboard naval vessels, with an appropriate level of mobility.
Key Responsibilities:
- Development of software applications from concept design, requirements definition, detailed design, and coding
- Working with Systems, Mechanical/Electrical and Electronics engineers as part of a team to ensure project success
- Maintaining oversight of all software requirements and issues for a project
- Develop robust software with particular attention to fault management, fault reporting and health status of applications
- Produce, maintain related supporting documentations (interface control documentation, input to user manuals, fault code lists and actions)
- Work with customers to assist integration, commissioning, and problem resolution activities; occasional attendance onboard naval vessels is required; candidate must be able to safely access and work in these environments.
- Understand the customer’s technical needs and concept of operations and feed this into wider project requirements
- Work with the Project Manager, Technical Authority and Quality team as required to identify risks, issues, solutions, and opportunities
- Ensure significant developments and actions are communicated to relevant personnel in the engineering team, and providing technical input to the project manager to allow them to generate and maintain the project plan and monthly project review packs
Skills & Experience
Essential:
- Strong degree in a related discipline
- Extensive experience writing C/C++ real-time embedded software and good general appreciation of associated hardware
- Experience of developing user interfaces
- Ability to analyse complex technical problems and develop effective solutions.
- Experience maintaining and enhancing existing software applications.
- Serial communications: RS-232/RS-422/UART
- Networking (TCP/UDP)
Desirable:
- Experience with VxWorks OS
- Experience developing Windows applications using C#/.NET or similar technologies.
- Use of source control, particularly SVN and GIT
- Use of Jira and Confluence for software requirements and task capture
- Experience of using unit testing tools and Static code analysis
Work life balance:
- 37.5 hour working week, Lunchtime finishes on a Friday
- Hybrid / flexible working arrangements
- 28 days annual leave, Christmas closure, Holiday purchasing scheme
Benefits:
- Group pension plan – matched contributions up to 5%
- Income protection scheme and Employee Assistance Programme
- Employee Assistance Programme gives you and your family access to 4 key services including remote GP service, second opinion, mental health pathway service and physiotherapy consultations
- Life assurance policy, including bereavement counselling and probate helpline
Security Clearance Requirements:
Due to the nature of our business, our staff need to be able to obtain UK Security Clearance as a mandated requirement. Therefore, if successful, you will need to provide proof of identity, employment history and right to work in the UK, along with proof of UK residency for at least five years.
Senior Software Engineer employer: Chess Dynamics Ltd
Chess Dynamics Ltd is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, allowing Electronics Engineers to thrive in a hybrid work environment. With a focus on R&D impact, employees benefit from continuous professional development opportunities and the chance to work on cutting-edge projects that influence industry standards. Located in a dynamic area, the company offers a supportive atmosphere where creativity and teamwork are highly valued, making it an ideal place for engineers looking to make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Software Engineer
✨Join Local Tech Meetups
Get out there and mingle with fellow developers by joining local tech meetups. It’s a fantastic way to meet people who might be working at Chess Dynamics Ltd or know someone who does. Plus, you can pick up some trendy tech skills and trends while you're at it!
✨Contribute to Open Source Projects
Show off your coding chops by jumping into open-source projects. Not only does this give you practical experience, but it also gets you noticed in the dev community. You'll create a killer portfolio that speaks volumes about your skills to Chess Dynamics Ltd.
✨Tap into Online Developer Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online developer communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and even Reddit. Participate in discussions, share your projects, and build your visibility. We can often find opportunities through these channels that can lead to a full-time gig at companies like Chess Dynamics Ltd.
✨Explore Job Boards Specifically for Tech Roles
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards that focus on tech roles. Sites like TechCareers or Stack Overflow Jobs can often have listings for companies like Chess Dynamics Ltd that might not show up on broader job sites. Make it a habit to check these regularly, and don’t hesitate to apply directly through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Software Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your coding skills:When applying for a software engineering role, it's super important to showcase your coding skills. Make sure your CV includes your tech stack, any relevant programming languages you’re comfortable with, and examples of projects you've worked on. If you have a GitHub profile, link it up! We love to see code in action.
Tailor your portfolio:For a full-time role, we’d expect to see some solid examples of your work in your portfolio. Make sure to include at least two or three projects that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with different technologies. Focus on the projects that are most relevant to the position at Chess Dynamics Ltd.
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at Chess Dynamics Ltd and how your skills align with the role. Show us your passion for software development. We dig enthusiastic candidates who understand the value of collaboration and continuous learning!
Be clear and concise:When it comes to writing your CV and cover letter, clarity is key. Avoid jargon that could confuse us and stick to simple, direct language. Highlight your achievements with quantifiable results where possible, and keep everything easy to read. A well-organised application goes a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chess Dynamics Ltd
✨Brush Up on Your Coding Skills
For a full-time software engineering role, it's crucial that we stay sharp with our coding abilities. Expect technical questions that might involve solving problems on the spot or discussing algorithms. Practise on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to get comfortable with the types of questions that often come up.
✨Know Your Tools and Frameworks
Make sure we’re well-acquainted with the tools and technologies listed in the job description. Familiarise ourselves with any specific frameworks or programming languages mentioned. If Chess Dynamics Ltd uses React or Node.js, for instance, be ready to discuss how we’ve used them in previous projects or coursework.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Bring along a portfolio that highlights our best work. This could be code samples, GitHub repositories, or any side projects we’ve built. Make sure we can talk through our thought process for each project, especially the challenges we faced and how we solved them—this shows our problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
While technical skills are key, full-time positions also require cultural fit. Be ready to discuss our previous experiences and how we handle teamwork, conflict, and deadlines. Brush up on the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to clearly articulate our past experiences when discussing how we've contributed to a team.
