Software Developer - Contractor

Software Developer - Contractor

Freelance 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
DEA Specialised Airborne Operations

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Design and develop scalable applications using Python and React in a dynamic team.
  • Company: DEA Aviation, a leading UK tech company in specialised aviation operations.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Exciting environment with opportunities to mentor and grow your skills.
  • Why this job: Join a mission-critical team and make a real impact with cutting-edge technology.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Computer Science or equivalent experience; proven software delivery track record.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

DEA Aviation is the UK-based lead operational company within the wider DEA Group.

As part of a strategic corporate structure, the Group includes European Specialised Aviation Operations (ESAO), a wholly owned subsidiary based in Malta.

Our technology is at the core of what we do.

We design and build integrated software and hardware systems that bring together complex sensor technologies and different technical standards.

The result: flexible, reliable systems that perform under pressure and deliver on tight timelines.

As a Senior Software Engineer you will be contributing to the design, development and delivery of robust, mission-critical systems.

Building high-quality software, collaborating with experienced engineers and growing your technical expertise in a highly regulated environment.

Taking ownership of your work, contributing to team standards and continuously developing your skills while solving real-world problems.

You care about clean code, reliable systems, and delivering value in a safe and efficient way.

Key Responsibilities

  • Architect, document, build, and maintain scalable applications using Python and React
  • Contribute to solutions from design through to delivery and support
  • Develop applications, including Progressive Web Apps, using React, Flask, and Python
  • Build and integrate REST APIs and contribute to event-driven services
  • Troubleshoot issues to resolution across aircraft mission and business systems
  • Deliver changes regularly and communicate progress clearly within the team
  • Write and maintain clear documentation to support colleagues, and the customer experience
  • Work within multi-disciplinary team, contributing to customer and regulatory requirements
  • Technical Experience & Qualifications
  • Hold a degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering or equivalent practical experience
  • Have a proven track record of software delivery from inception through to production and maintenance

Skills Profile

  • Active SC Clearance (existing ideally, eligible mandatory)
  • Experience with Python and building applications using React
  • Working knowledge of relational and/or databases such as Postgre SQL, Mongo DB, Dynamo DB
  • Understanding of software engineering fundamentals
  • Comfortable with AWS services (e. g. EC2, Lambda, or similar)
  • Familiarity with Git and collaborative development workflows
  • Some experience with Docker and containerised environments
  • Awareness of CI/CD practices and automated testing
  • Understanding of Linux environments
  • Strong problem-solving skills and a lifelong learner
  • Ability to communicate clearly and work effectively in a team
  • Working within regulated environments
  • A proactive mindset and eagerness to develop your skills
  • Naturally default to data-driven decision making
  • Champion engineering excellence, leading code reviews, shaping automated testing strategies, and writing clean, maintainable code
  • Mentor and upskill mid-level and junior engineers, acting as a technical multiplier for your team
  • Architect and build reusable, performant front-end components and drive front-end architecture using React
  • Design and scale microservices-based systems and APIs, proactively addressing latency, reliability, and system bottlenecks
  • Implement robust system resilience (e. g., retries, timeouts, circuit breakers) and drive a security-first approach to development
  • Define and implement observability strategies using modern logging and monitoring tools to ensure system health
  • Optimise and manage CI/CD pipelines to ensure smooth, predictable, and secure deployment lifecycles
  • Collaborate with product and design teams to translate complex business requirements into scalable technical solutions
  • #J-18808-Ljbffr

Software Developer - Contractor employer: DEA Specialised Airborne Operations

At DEA, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters leadership and innovation in the aviation sector. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through extensive training and development opportunities, alongside a supportive culture that prioritises safety and compliance. Located in a vibrant area, our team enjoys competitive benefits including a generous pension scheme, private health insurance, and various salary sacrifice options, making DEA a rewarding place to advance your career in continuing airworthiness management.

DEA Specialised Airborne Operations

Contact Details:

DEA Specialised Airborne Operations Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Software Developer - Contractor

Make Your Portfolio Shine

As a freelancer in software development, your portfolio is your bread and butter. Showcase not only your completed projects but also your coding skills on platforms like GitHub or GitLab. This visibility can lead to clients reaching out to you directly!

Join Developer Communities

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Sign up for popular freelance platforms such as Upwork or Freelancer. They’re filled with people looking for talent like yours! Don’t forget to personalise your pitch to each potential client, highlighting how your unique skills can solve their specific problems.

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We think you need these skills to ace Software Developer - Contractor

Python
React
Flask
REST APIs
Progressive Web Apps
PostgreSQL
MongoDB

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your GitHub Projects:When applying for a freelance software engineering gig at DEA Specialised Airborne Operations, make sure to include your GitHub link in your application. Highlighting your code repositories, contributions to Open Source, and any personal projects can really set you apart and give us insight into your skills and coding style.

Tailor Your CV with Relevant Skills:In software development, the specifics matter! Make sure your CV lists the programming languages and technologies you excel at. Focus on the ones that align with the projects DEA Specialised Airborne Operations is working on. Listing your tech stack clearly will help us understand how you fit into our team.

Include a Portfolio of Your Work:A solid portfolio is a must when applying for freelance roles. Include links to any apps, websites, or software you've developed. Highlight any projects that reflect a strong user experience, efficiency, or innovative solutions—this is your chance to shine and show us what you can bring to the table!

Mention Your Availability and Rates:Since this is a freelance role, we want to know when you’re available and what your rates are like! Be upfront about your typical work hours and project timelines. This transparency will help us see if we can sync up for future projects at DEA Specialised Airborne Operations.

How to prepare for a job interview at DEA Specialised Airborne Operations

Showcase Your Code Wizardry

Since you're going for a freelance role in software engineering, have a solid portfolio ready to flaunt your best work. Include projects that highlight your coding skills, frameworks you excel in, and any problem-solving feats you've pulled off. This is your chance to shine, so choose pieces that reflect your unique style and expertise!

Prepare for Technical Challenges

Freelance gigs often involve tech assessments or coding challenges, so be ready to tackle some hands-on problems. Brush up on common algorithms, data structures, and any languages/frameworks relevant to the role at DEA Specialised Airborne Operations. Being comfortable with platforms like HackerRank or LeetCode can give you an edge and showcase your skills under pressure!

Be Clear About Your Rates and Flexibility

As a freelancer, be prepared to discuss your rates upfront. It's crucial to communicate your pricing structure clearly and whether you're open to negotiation. Do your homework on industry standards to ensure you pitch a fair and competitive rate that reflects your skills and experience!

Understand Their Tech Stack

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