At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in developing advanced software for cutting-edge defence technology.
- Company: Join OpenWorks, a rapidly growing leader in defence innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary starting at £90,000, plus bonuses and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Collaborative culture where creativity thrives and career growth is encouraged.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global security with innovative tech solutions.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in software engineering and a passion for technical challenges.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 90000 £ per year.
The Opportunity
We’re looking for a Head of Software Engineering to lead the software behind advanced electro-optical products that protect people and critical assets around the world. Reporting directly to the CTO, you’ll lead a growing team of over 10 software engineers, with the team continuing to expand as OpenWorks grows. You’ll shape its capability, standards and delivery from early concepts through to deployment and in-service improvement. This is an opportunity for an experienced software leader who enjoys technical complexity, develops talented people and brings clarity to competing priorities. You’ll have the scope to build the team, strengthen how we work and make a visible impact on our products.
Who We Are
OpenWorks is a rapidly growing business operating globally with a passion for exceptional engineering and building on a legacy of defence innovation in the North East of England. Our products provide ultra-high performance, real-time detection, tracking, identification and targeting of dynamic aerial threats. They have been deployed internationally to protect high profile military and civilian assets, and contribute towards the defeat of nuisance, misguided and maliciously deployed drones during operations. We are very proud to have supported a wide range of law enforcement and military operators, protecting many of the most high profile sites and individuals around the world. The amazing things we do are only possible because of a dedicated and passionate team.
Why You’ll Love Working With Us
Join a high-energy, collaborative team where great ideas thrive, challenges are embraced, and people genuinely love what they do. Here’s what our benefits have to offer:
- Rewarding Success - Competitive salary, starting from £90,000, plus a discretionary annual bonus of up to 25% of salary alongside a structured pay progression framework.
- Enhanced Pension – Up to 8% employer‑matched contributions to help you plan for the future.
- More Time to Recharge – 25 days’ holiday plus public holidays, long‑service rewards, and the option to buy up to 5 extra days.
More about us:
- Vision - Help protect the territory and airspace of NATO countries and their allies.
- Mission - Be a world‑leading provider of autonomous technology for Surveillance applications and Defence.
- Values - Be a Good Egg: Earn respect, have mutual trust and be honest. Do cool stuff: We develop cool tech with an awesome team, and we get stuff done. Be empowered: We are autonomous, reliable and take personal responsibility. We are one team: Look out for each other and the team. Things go wrong: Fail fast, learn and move on. Have fun: We’re doing amazing things with passionate people. We Get It Done: Focus on what matters and work with energy to bring ideas to life.
Head of Software Engineering in Northumberland employer: OpenWorks Engineering
OpenWorks is an exceptional employer located in the North East of England, offering a vibrant work culture where creativity and collaboration thrive. With competitive salaries, generous benefits including private healthcare and a strong focus on employee growth through learning budgets, we empower our team to make a meaningful impact in the defence sector. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to innovation and excellence, while enjoying regular social events and a supportive environment that values your contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Software Engineering in Northumberland
✨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 OpenWorks Engineering 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 OpenWorks Engineering.
✨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 OpenWorks Engineering.
✨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 OpenWorks Engineering 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 Head of Software Engineering in Northumberland
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 OpenWorks Engineering.
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at OpenWorks Engineering 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 OpenWorks Engineering
✨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 OpenWorks Engineering 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.
