At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop software for autonomous control systems in defence technology.
- Company: Global leader in Software, Systems & Engineering within the Defence Sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working options, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Exciting career growth in a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team solving real-world engineering challenges with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: 4-7 years of software development experience; strong problem-solving skills required.
We are working with a global Software, Systems & Engineering company in the Defence Sector, supporting them with appointing a Software Development Engineer. This is not a traditional software development role. They're looking for engineers who understand the engineering behind autonomous systems and can develop production-quality software to solve complex real-world problems. The successful candidate will work on the design, development, modelling, integration and testing of autonomous control systems for both crewed and uncrewed aircraft.
Salary: £47,250-£52,500 + benefits
Location: Farnborough - Initially 5 days onsite. Longer-term hybrid may be possible (typically 3+ days onsite) once established.
Duration: perm, full time
Requirements: sole UK nationals or dual nationals living and working in the UK for the past 5 years
What They're Looking For
The hiring managers stressed that software capability is more important than an aerospace background. Ideal candidates will have around 4–7 years' commercial experience and be comfortable taking ownership of technical work packages while mentoring or directing more junior engineers. They are not looking for someone who simply writes code—they want engineers who can solve engineering problems through software.
Ideal Backgrounds
Suitable candidates could currently be working as:
- Software Development Engineer
- Software Engineer
- Software Developer
- Autonomy Engineer
- Autonomous Systems Engineer
- Control Systems Engineer
- Robotics Engineer
- Algorithm Engineer
- Simulation Engineer
- Systems Engineer
- Research Engineer
- Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer
- AI / Machine Learning Engineer (Autonomy focused)
Industries could include:
- Defence
- Aerospace
- Aviation
- Robotics
- Autonomous Vehicles
- UAV / Drone Technology
- Research & Development
- Control Systems
- Advanced Engineering
They are also very interested in engineers coming from Physics or Mathematics backgrounds who have developed strong software engineering skills.
Essential Technical Skills
The strongest candidates will have experience with:
- Programming: C, C++, MATLAB, Python
- Engineering: Autonomous systems, Control systems, Systems Engineering, Algorithm development, Modelling & Simulation, Software development for complex engineering systems
Experience with any of the following is highly desirable:
- UAVs
- UAS
- Drone technologies
- Decision support systems
- Military aviation
- Flight control
- Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC)
Personality Fit
The hiring managers highlighted they want someone who:
- Enjoys solving difficult engineering problems
- Has genuine enthusiasm for autonomous systems
- Can take ownership of technical work
- Works well within multidisciplinary teams
- Can provide technical direction to others
- Wants to work on leading-edge defence technology
They used the word "passionate" about autonomy—even though they admitted it's an overused term! They want someone who genuinely enjoys this area of engineering.
Qualifications
Ideally:
- Aerospace Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Physics
- Applied Mathematics
- Computer Science (with strong engineering exposure)
A PhD would be attractive if it is directly relevant to autonomy or autonomous air systems, although they still want some commercial experience rather than someone coming straight from academia.
Software Development Engineer in Farnborough employer: Techniche Global Ltd
Techniche Global is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Bristol, where innovation meets opportunity. With a strong focus on employee development, you will benefit from excellent training and career progression while working with cutting-edge AI and PCB automation technologies. The hybrid working model and flexible hours further enhance work-life balance, making it an ideal place for aspiring engineers to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Software Development Engineer in Farnborough
✨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 Techniche Global Ltd 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 Techniche Global Ltd.
✨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 Techniche Global Ltd.
✨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 Techniche Global Ltd 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 Development Engineer in Farnborough
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 Techniche Global Ltd.
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at Techniche Global Ltd 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 Techniche Global Ltd
✨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 Techniche Global Ltd 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.
