At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop secure Windows applications and contribute to innovative software projects.
- Company: Join a leading engineering team in Basildon focused on safety-critical systems.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive pay, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in defence-related applications while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Strong C#/.NET skills and experience with software development lifecycles required.
- Other info: Temporary role until April 2026 with potential for extension and excellent career prospects.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Our Client based in Basildon are looking for an experienced Software Development Engineer to join a specialist engineering team delivering secure Windows-based software systems for safety‑critical and defence‑related applications. This is a Temporary position until April 2026 with the possibility of extension. This role would suit a self‑motivated engineer who is comfortable joining a project mid‑stream, investigating existing code, and contributing to the next phase of development within a structured software lifecycle. You will receive an initial onboarding period, followed by hybrid working with occasional on‑site access to specialist test hardware.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain Windows applications using C#/.NET
- Contribute to secure communications software, including WCF‑based components
- Review, understand, and reverse engineer existing code where documentation may be limited
- Work within a formal software development lifecycle (requirements, design, implementation, verification, compliance)
- Participate in design reviews and technical discussions
- Collaborate with other engineers using iterative / Agile‑style development
- Ensure software meets quality, safety, and user expectations
Essential Skills & Experience
- Strong professional experience in C# and .NET
- Working knowledge of C++ (reading and understanding existing code)
- Experience with Windows Communication Foundation (WCF)
- Proven ability to investigate and understand legacy or in‑flight codebases
- Familiarity with software development lifecycles, ideally within aerospace, defence, or other regulated environments
- Comfortable working to coding standards, processes, and documentation requirements
- Self‑driven, proactive, and able to work with minimal supervision
Desirable Experience
- Background in aerospace, defence, or safety‑critical systems
- WPF (Windows Presentation Foundation) for UI development
- Agile tools such as Jira or Azure DevOps
- Configuration management tools
- Exposure to embedded or systems‑level software
Security Requirements
- Must be eligible for UK Security Clearance (SC)
- UK national or NATO dual national required
Software Development Engineer in Southend-on-Sea employer: Meridian Business Support
Contact Detail:
Meridian Business Support Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Software Development Engineer in Southend-on-Sea
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work in aerospace or defence. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your C# and .NET projects. This is your chance to demonstrate your coding prowess and problem-solving abilities, making you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on Agile methodologies and software development lifecycles. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled legacy code and contributed to team projects in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find and apply for roles that match your skills. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Software Development Engineer in Southend-on-Sea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Software Development Engineer role. Highlight your experience with C# and .NET, and don’t forget to mention any work you've done with WCF or legacy code. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our team. Share specific examples of your past projects, especially those related to safety-critical systems or Agile development. Let us know why you’re excited about this opportunity!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, be sure to highlight your ability to investigate and understand existing codebases. We love self-motivated engineers who can jump into a project mid-stream, so share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your problem-solving prowess.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Meridian Business Support
✨Know Your Code
Before the interview, brush up on your C# and .NET skills. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've developed Windows applications. If you have experience with WCF, make sure to highlight that too, as it’s crucial for this role.
✨Understand the Legacy
Since you'll be working with existing code, take some time to practice reverse engineering. Familiarise yourself with how to read and understand legacy codebases, especially if documentation is sparse. This will show your problem-solving skills during the interview.
✨Familiarise with Agile Practices
Get comfortable with Agile methodologies and tools like Jira or Azure DevOps. Be ready to discuss how you've collaborated in an Agile environment before, as this role requires teamwork and iterative development.
✨Prepare for Technical Discussions
Expect to participate in design reviews and technical discussions. Think of examples from your past experiences where you contributed to design decisions or tackled complex problems. This will demonstrate your ability to engage with the team effectively.