At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and development of advanced C++ software for maritime defence systems.
- Company: Major maritime defence contractor with a focus on engineering excellence.
- Benefits: Exceptional working conditions, world-class benefits, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Opportunity to mentor junior engineers and shape engineering standards.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on mission-critical systems used by the Royal Navy.
- Qualifications: 8-10 years of C++ experience and strong problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Hybrid working 1 or 2 days per week. A major maritime defence contractor is seeking an accomplished Senior C++ Software Engineer to join its advanced engineering division in Portsmouth. You will work on large-scale, highly complex naval systems that support surface ships, submarines and next-generation maritime platforms where robustness, precision and engineering excellence are non-negotiable. This is a senior role offering exceptional working conditions, a world-class benefits package and the opportunity to influence mission-critical systems used across the Royal Navy and allied fleets. If you are an experienced C++ engineer looking to apply your expertise to meaningful, long-term defence programmes, this is a standout opportunity.
About the Role
You will take technical ownership of major C++ components within distributed, real-time maritime systems. Expect modern C++, high-integrity software development, complex systems integration, and involvement in architectural decision-making. You will collaborate with systems engineers, hardware specialists and domain experts to deliver software that performs flawlessly in demanding operational environments. This role suits engineers with deep experience in C++ who want to work on serious, long-lived defence platforms with real operational impact.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the design, development and optimisation of C++ software for advanced maritime defence systems.
- Own major components across real-time, embedded and distributed architectures.
- Drive architectural discussions, design reviews and technical strategy.
- Mentor mid-level and junior engineers, shaping engineering standards and best practice.
- Collaborate with systems, hardware and test teams across the full development lifecycle.
- Support integration, verification and validation across simulation environments and physical platforms.
- Ensure compliance with secure development practices and defence-sector engineering requirements.
- Contribute to long-term technical roadmaps for next-generation maritime systems.
Essential Qualifications
- 8-10+ years professional experience developing complex systems in C++.
- Expert-level understanding of modern C++ (C++11/14/17/20), STL, templates, memory management and performance tuning.
- Strong background in real-time, embedded or distributed systems.
- Solid Linux development experience and familiarity with modern tooling (Git, CI/CD, debugging/profiling tools).
- Experience working within high-assurance or safety-critical environments.
- Strong analytical mindset and the ability to solve complex engineering problems.
- Comfortable leading technical discussions and guiding engineering teams.
- Eligibility to work on defence projects (including the ability to undergo security vetting).
Senior C++ Programmer in Portsmouth employer: It Search & Select
As a leading maritime defence contractor based in Portsmouth, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers our employees to excel. With hybrid working options, a world-class benefits package, and opportunities for professional growth, we offer a unique environment where your contributions directly impact mission-critical systems for the Royal Navy and allied fleets. Join us to be part of a team that values engineering excellence and is dedicated to shaping the future of maritime technology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior C++ Programmer in Portsmouth
✨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 It Search & Select 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 It Search & Select.
✨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 It Search & Select.
✨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 It Search & Select 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 C++ Programmer in Portsmouth
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 It Search & Select.
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at It Search & Select 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 It Search & Select
✨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 It Search & Select 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.
