At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a small team to design and build a cutting-edge network security product.
- Company: MCA, a UK SME focused on high-integrity applications for critical systems.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, remote work, flexible hours, and hands-on experience with innovative tech.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic, supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in network security while working with advanced technologies like CHERI.
- Qualifications: Strong Python skills and experience in network protocols; team players welcome!
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
MCA is a UK SME specialising in high-integrity applications for safety- and security-critical systems, with expertise in embedded and real-time systems, formal methods, secure systems (including CHERI) and networks.
This is a great opportunity to join MCA on a new R&D project. You’ll be a core member of a small engineering team building a new network security product, taking it from early design through to a working prototype.
What you’ll be doing:
- Designing and implementing network protocol components in Python and C/C++
- Building and testing components on Unix/Linux-based CHERI systems
- Integrating components into the full system and testing against third-party network equipment
What we’re looking for:
- Strong Python development experience, especially protocol-level communications
- Experience with network protocol implementation or low-level systems programming
- Enjoys working in a small team, taking direction from the technical lead, and learning new technologies such as CHERI
- CHERI experience (or experience with capability-based or memory-safe architectures) is highly desirable
- Comfortable working with AI, ideally with experience of co-development with AI
Experience: around 3–7 years in relevant roles; more experienced candidates are also welcome.
What we offer:
- A full-time, fixed-term employment contract (PAYE) to 31 August 2027, starting January 2027, with the potential to continue beyond that
- A competitive salary in line with your experience
- Remote, flexible working (UK-based) within a small, highly experienced engineering team, with occasional travel for events and meetings
- Hands-on work with CHERI capability-based hardware, a UK-led secure computing technology
You must be based in the UK and already have the right to work in the UK; we are unable to offer visa sponsorship. Any offer is subject to right-to-work checks and satisfactory references, and may be subject to further security checks given the nature of the work.
MCA is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified people, whatever their background. If you need any adjustments to the application or interview process, please tell us when you apply.
We use the information in your application only to assess it, and handle it in line with UK data protection law.
Software Engineer employer: Mission Critical Applications Limited
Mission Critical Applications Limited provides a supportive and innovative work environment, allowing employees to engage in cutting-edge R&D projects. The company values collaboration and offers flexible working arrangements, making it an attractive employer for those looking to grow their skills in network security and embedded systems.
Contact Details:
Mission Critical Applications Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 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 Mission Critical Applications Limited 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 Mission Critical Applications Limited.
✨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 Mission Critical Applications Limited.
✨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 Mission Critical Applications Limited 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 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 Mission Critical Applications Limited.
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at Mission Critical Applications Limited 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 Mission Critical Applications Limited
✨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 Mission Critical Applications Limited 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.
