Surface Ships Software Engineer

UK CITIZENSHIP REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION: Yes

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE TYPE: UK‑Security Check (SC)

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

Define Possible at Northrop Grumman UK. At Northrop Grumman UK, our mission is to solve the most complex challenges by shaping the technology and solutions of tomorrow. We call it Defining Possible. This mind‑set goes beyond our customer solutions; it’s the foundation for your career development and the impact we have within the community.

Opportunity: This is more than just a job; it’s a mission. Are you an experienced Control Systems Software Engineer, with PLC and SCADA experience, eager to work in a highly regulated defence environment? We are seeking skilled engineers to join our team. This position offers the unique opportunity to design, develop, and maintain cutting‑edge PLC and HCI solutions for our naval platform management systems, deployed on the UK submarine fleet. You will play a critical role in both the development of the product and the continued support in regard to in‑service and through‑life operational capability, supporting mission‑critical naval operations. This role is ideal for engineers familiar with PLCs and large infrastructure SCADA solutions, with a specific focus on functional safety and product security.

Our UK Defence business is a sovereign software and systems centre of excellence. As well as developing and supporting UK‑wide and internationally deployed multi‑domain command and control systems, our work is critical to the modern backbone of the Royal Navy. We pioneer – with fierce curiosity, dedication, and innovation, we seek to solve the world’s most challenging problems.

Responsibilities:

• Write functional and design specifications for all aspects of code development
• Implement clear, easy‑to‑maintain, high‑quality code that is optimized for performance
• Capture, interpret and develop customer requirements
• Produce technical documentation in accordance with company/customer procedures
• Implement data communications with third‑party equipment
• Develop and implement SCADA/HCI applications
• Be aware of and comply with company standards of conduct and all relevant statutory requirements
• Carry out any other reasonable management request
• Conduct and support Factory Acceptance Tests with sub‑suppliers and customers

Benefits:

We can offer you a range of flexible and hybrid working options to suit you, including an optional compressed working schedule with every other Friday off. Our benefits include private health care, career development opportunities and performance bonuses. For a comprehensive list of benefits, speak to our recruitment team.

We are looking for:

• Experience with client‑server applications and computing science fundamentals such as object‑orientated programming, data structures and algorithms
• Experience with programming languages such as C ++, C #, Java
• Design and development of control / graphical user interface software
• Experience with unit test frameworks
• Experience of software configuration management and version control
• Production of technical documentation
• Industrial Ethernet‑based communication protocols and networking standards
• Experience in design and integration of programmable logic controllers – PLCs (Rockwell and Siemens)
• 2+ years in a software engineering environment
• Degree, HNC, HND or equivalent in software engineering or a related discipline (e.g. systems or electrical/electronic engineering)
• Understanding of functional safety (BS EN 61508, 61511 or 62061)
• Experience within defence, maritime (ship’s machinery and control systems), aerospace, or a similarly regulated industrial sector (e.g. oil & gas, pharma or petrochem)

Security clearance: You must be able to gain and maintain the relevant UK Government security clearance in line with the job role (SC). Our requirement team is on hand to answer any questions and will guide you through the process: talentenquiries@uk.ngc.com.

Why join us?

• End‑to‑end involvement: Be part of a team responsible for the development of ICT products, playing a critical role in ensuring the security, performance, and compliance of these cutting‑edge systems.
• Innovative projects: Work on the design and delivery of next‑generation infrastructure for naval platforms, contributing to national defence and global security efforts.
• Professional growth: Take advantage of opportunities to grow your skills through training, certification, and experience in the defence sector, especially in areas such as vulnerability management, asset management, safety and cybersecurity for industrial systems.
• Impactful work: Work in a regulated environment with tangible real‑world outcomes, ensuring mission‑critical systems are secure, compliant and ready for deployment on some of the world’s most advanced naval platforms.

Ready to apply? If you are a seasoned Control Systems Engineer, looking to take on the challenges of working in a regulated defence environment and are excited by the prospect of delivering industrial control system solutions to a unique and exciting platform, whilst adhering to best practice regarding cybersecurity, functional safety and product development, we want to hear from you!

Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce, and encourages individuals from all backgrounds and all abilities to apply and consider becoming a part of our diverse and inclusive workforce.