At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and mentor a team in developing cutting-edge maritime software solutions.
- Company: STARK, a revolutionary defence tech company focused on autonomous systems.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to work on impactful projects.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities to work on real-world challenges.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team transforming maritime operations with innovative technology.
- Qualifications: Expertise in C++, leadership experience, and a passion for autonomous systems.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 € per year.
About Us
STARK is a new kind of defence technology company revolutionising the way autonomous systems are deployed across multiple domains. We design, develop, and manufacture high-performance unmanned systems that are software-defined, mass-scalable, and cost-effective. This provides our operators with a decisive edge in highly contested environments. STARK is bringing its expertise in software-defined unmanned systems to the maritime domain. Traditional fleets alone cannot safeguard this vast, critical space. Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) extend naval reach at lower cost and reduced risk to personnel. Our maritime family of systems is AI-enabled and built for reliable performance in the harshest seas, delivering NATO a fully integrated hardware-software capability for scalable ISR and strike operations.
Your mission
As the Lead Software Engineer (Maritime), you will take full ownership of STARK's maritime software capability. This is a pivotal "player-coach" role: you will lead the overall maritime software development strategy while remaining deeply hands-on in the code. Your primary mission is to build, lead, and mentor a high-performing team of engineers to integrate autonomous sea systems into the Minerva front-line platform. You will architect modern C++ solutions that bridge the gap between front-line control and edge computing, ensuring our fleet remains reliable, precise, and mission-ready in unpredictable environments.
Responsibilities
- Team Leadership & Growth: Actively lead and build the maritime software engineering team. You will be responsible for hiring, mentoring, and developing talent to expand our maritime footprint.
- Technical Ownership: Lead the overall software design, development, and integration for maritime systems within the Minerva ecosystem.
- Hands-on Development: Design and implement core C++ architecture for autonomy, control, and communication subsystems.
- Engineering Excellence: Establish technical foundations, define interfaces, and enforce modern C++ standards through rigorous code reviews and best practices.
- System Integration: Collaborate closely with hardware and systems engineers to ensure software performs flawlessly on physical autonomous platforms.
- Delivery Pipelines: Build and manage robust software delivery pipelines for maritime applications, spanning from edge devices to front-line interfaces.
- Mission Readiness: Define quality benchmarks to ensure all maritime systems are cohesive, resilient, and ready for deployment in harshest sea states.
Qualifications
- Expert C++ Developer: Extensive hands-on experience in modern C++ with a "lead by example" approach to coding.
- Proven Leadership: Experience leading technical teams or a strong desire to transition into a formal leadership role while staying hands-on.
- System Architect: A deep understanding of software architecture, integration, and high-level system design.
- Domain Expertise: Background in real-time, embedded, or safety-critical systems (e.g., Automotive, Aerospace, or Defence).
- Autonomous Systems: Familiarity with autonomous control systems, such as autopilots, guidance algorithms, or vehicle dynamics.
- Hardware Interface: Practical experience working with physical hardware, sensors, and complex data communication systems.
- Security: Must be security-cleared or eligible to obtain UK/EU defence-level clearance.
Lead Software Engineer Maritime employer: Stark Defence
STARK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets purpose in the defence technology sector. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide opportunities for mentorship and leadership development within a collaborative team culture, all while working on cutting-edge maritime software solutions that have a real impact on national security. Located in a vibrant area, our team enjoys a supportive atmosphere that values creativity and technical excellence, making STARK a rewarding place to advance your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Software Engineer Maritime
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with folks in the maritime tech scene. Attend meetups, conferences, or even online webinars. You never know who might be looking for a Lead Software Engineer or who can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your C++ projects, especially those related to autonomous systems or maritime applications. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your coding skills and system design principles. Practice common C++ problems and be ready to discuss your past projects in detail. We want to see how you think and solve problems!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at STARK.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Software Engineer Maritime
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your C++ Skills:Make sure to highlight your extensive experience with modern C++. We want to see how you've used it in real-world projects, especially in areas like autonomy and control systems.
Leadership Experience Matters:If you've led a team before, share those experiences! Talk about how you mentored others and drove projects forward. If you're looking to step into a leadership role, let us know why you're ready for that challenge.
Connect the Dots:When writing your application, connect your past experiences to the responsibilities of the Lead Software Engineer role. Show us how your background in embedded or safety-critical systems makes you a perfect fit for our maritime mission.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Stark Defence
✨Know Your C++ Inside Out
As a Lead Software Engineer, you’ll need to showcase your expertise in modern C++. Brush up on advanced concepts and be ready to discuss your previous projects. Prepare to solve coding challenges on the spot, demonstrating your problem-solving skills and coding style.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role is all about leading a team while being hands-on. Be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Discuss your mentoring approach and how you foster growth within your team. They’ll want to see that you can inspire and guide others.
✨Understand the Maritime Domain
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and technologies related to maritime systems. Research STARK’s current projects and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission. Showing genuine interest in their work will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare for System Integration Questions
Since this role involves collaborating with hardware and systems engineers, expect questions about system integration. Be ready to discuss your experience with real-time systems and how you’ve tackled integration challenges in the past. Highlight any relevant projects that demonstrate your capability in this area.
