At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead software engineering standards and ensure robust technical execution across all projects.
- Company: Join SEA, a leader in naval protection and surveillance technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and excellent career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team dedicated to global security and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in protecting what matters with innovative software solutions.
- Qualifications: Degree in software engineering or related field with strong leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 81000 - 90000 £ per year.
Engineered to Protect, that’s our promise, we protect what matters.
As Head of Software Engineering, you'll lead SEA's Software Engineering discipline, ensuring competent people, robust software methods, disciplined technical execution and effective lifecycle control across all products and projects. The Head of Software Engineering will be based at either our Bristol, Beckington or Barnstaple sites with regular travel to all 3. This role allows for flexible working. The salary for this role is up to 90k, depending on experience.
What you’ll be doing
- You'll own and maintain software engineering standards, lifecycle methods, coding practices, toolchains and assurance expectations across SEA products and projects.
- You'll ensure software delivery supports safety, security, qualification, accreditation, configuration control and customer acceptance requirements.
- You'll provide competent software resources, technical planning input, independent challenge and subject matter leadership to Engineering Leads and Project Managers.
- You'll define and assure lifecycle gate and technical review artefacts, including baselines, build records, verification evidence, defect status and release readiness.
- You'll maintain compliance with applicable standards and drive continuous improvement through technical reviews, audits and governance activities.
About our company
At SEA, we provide state-of-the-art applications for naval ship and fleet protection, and undersea surveillance systems. In-service across the globe, our systems deliver a rapid response to threats and system effectiveness and interoperation. Our systems support an ever-growing number of navies across the world, and we continue to bolster our already specialist, on-the-ground knowledge of key overseas markets.
What we offer
- Work life balance
- Hybrid/flexible working arrangements
- 25 days’ annual leave, plus buy and sell
- Up to 16 days flexi leave accrual
- Half day Fridays
- Reservists in the Armed Forces receive special paid leave
- Private medical health insurance & Employee Assistance Program
- Health Cash Plan
- All Staff Bonus
- Group Pension Plan of up to 8% employer contribution
- Cycle to work scheme
- Wellbeing Centre
- Sports & Social activities
- Employee Discounts portal - online and in-store discounts, travel savings
- Life assurance policy
- Publication and recruitment bonus rewards
- Development opportunities, including LinkedIn learning
- Electric vehicle charging points at all sites
- Private seated lunch areas
- Onsite bistro (Barnstaple office) and free hot and cold beverages
- Onsite showers and toiletries provision
- Free onsite parking
The skills you need
- A degree or equivalent experience in software engineering, computer science, systems engineering or a related STEM discipline, with significant software leadership experience in complex, governed environments.
- Strong practical understanding of software lifecycle models, configuration control, build management, CI/CD, automated testing, release management and assurance expectations.
- Credible software engineering leader with strong technical judgement, professional authority and the confidence to challenge weak estimates, poor discipline or uncontrolled change.
- Pragmatic and fair decision-maker who balances delivery pressure, functional priorities, project needs, governance, assurance and auditability.
- Strong people leader and coach, able to develop engineers, support performance and translate software risks into clear technical, project and business consequences.
Join us and be part of something smaller - with 500 people in the UK and Canada - doing something bigger: protecting what matters.
If you’d like to know more, please give Dave Abrams from our Talent Acquisition Team a call on 03330 414172. Or reach out to us on talentacquisition@sea.co.uk.
Head of Discipline - Software Engineering employer: Systems Engineering & Assessment
At SEA, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and flexibility. With generous benefits such as hybrid working arrangements, extensive training opportunities, and a strong focus on employee wellbeing, our Barnstaple, Bristol, and Beckington locations provide the perfect environment for growth and collaboration. Join us in making a meaningful impact while enjoying a fantastic work/life balance and a supportive community.
Contact Details:
Systems Engineering & Assessment Recruitment Team
