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- Tasks: Design and build software for advanced maritime defence systems using C++ and signal processing.
- Company: Join an international engineering firm at the forefront of maritime technology.
- Benefits: Hybrid work options, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in defence technology while working with cutting-edge software.
- Qualifications: Strong C++ skills and experience in signal processing and algorithm development.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on innovation and career advancement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Southwest England (hybrid options depending on project)
Sector: Maritime defence and security technology
About the organisation
Holt Engineering is working with an international engineering business that develops advanced maritime systems used by navies worldwide, spanning sonar/hydroacoustics, sensor-to-decision solutions, and command & control capabilities. Work sits at the intersection of real-world physics, high-performance software, and mission critical reliability.
The role
You’ll design and build software that turns complex sensor data into actionable outputs, including detection, classification and tracking of underwater targets. You’ll work in multi-disciplinary teams (software, systems, test, and hardware) and contribute across the full lifecycle: requirements, architecture, implementation, verification, and support.
What you’ll be doing
- Develop C++ components for performance-critical, real-time or near real-time processing pipelines.
- Design and document software architecture using UML (e.g., class diagrams, sequence diagrams, state models).
- Implement and optimise signal processing and algorithm development for detection/classification/tracking workflows.
- Apply strong object-oriented programming principles (SOLID, clean architecture, maintainable patterns).
- Write unit/integration tests, support verification activities, and contribute to continuous improvement of coding standards.
- Collaborate with Systems Engineering to translate requirements into robust designs and deliverable increments.
Essential skills (must-have)
- Strong commercial experience in C++.
- Proven signal processing experience (e.g., filtering, spectral analysis, detection theory, estimation, tracking).
- Demonstrable algorithm development (from concept to validated implementation, including performance tuning).
- Confident use of UML for software design and communication.
- Solid OOP fundamentals and experience building maintainable, testable codebases.
Desirable (nice-to-have)
- Experience with real-time constraints, multi-threading, latency/performance optimisation.
- Familiarity with sensor fusion, tracking (e.g., Kalman/particle filters), classification, feature extraction.
- Experience in safety/mission-critical engineering environments (e.g., rigorous V&V, secure development practices).
- Linux development, modern build tooling (CMake), Git-based workflows, CI/CD.
Software Engineer - Defence in Dorchester employer: Holt Engineering Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
Holt Engineering Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Software Engineer - Defence in Dorchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the defence and maritime sectors on LinkedIn. Join relevant groups, attend webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your C++ projects, especially those involving signal processing or algorithms. Having tangible examples of your work can really set you apart when chatting with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your UML skills and algorithm development. Practice coding challenges that focus on real-time processing and object-oriented programming principles. The more prepared you are, the more confident you'll feel!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic opportunities waiting for talented software engineers like you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Software Engineer - Defence in Dorchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Software Engineer in Defence. Highlight your C++ experience, signal processing skills, and any relevant projects that showcase your ability to work with complex sensor data.
Showcase Your Projects: Include specific examples of projects where you've implemented algorithms or worked on real-time processing. This will help us see your practical experience and how you approach problem-solving in a technical environment.
Use Clear Language: When writing your application, use clear and concise language. Avoid jargon unless it's relevant to the role. We want to understand your experience and skills without having to decipher complicated terms.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Holt Engineering Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your C++ Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your C++ skills before the interview. Be ready to discuss your past projects and how you've applied C++ in real-world scenarios, especially in performance-critical applications. They’ll likely want to see your understanding of object-oriented programming principles, so be prepared to explain SOLID principles and how you've implemented them.
✨Signal Processing Savvy
Since the role involves signal processing, it’s crucial to demonstrate your knowledge in this area. Prepare to talk about specific techniques you've used, like filtering or spectral analysis, and be ready to discuss algorithms you've developed for detection and tracking. Real-world examples will help you stand out!
✨UML is Your Friend
Familiarise yourself with UML diagrams, as they are key in this role. Be prepared to explain how you've used UML in previous projects to design software architecture. Practising drawing class diagrams or sequence diagrams can also help you articulate your design process during the interview.
✨Collaboration is Key
This position requires working in multi-disciplinary teams, so highlight your teamwork skills. Think of examples where you’ve collaborated with systems engineers or other departments to translate requirements into designs. Showing that you can communicate effectively across disciplines will make a great impression!
