Principal Software Engineer

Principal Software Engineer

Maidenhead Full-Time 48000 - 84000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead software development, design, and testing for cutting-edge military solutions.
  • Company: Join Ultra Intelligence & Communications, a leader in tactical capabilities for global military success.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, private medical cover, 25 days holiday, and an annual bonus.
  • Why this job: Be part of a diverse team driving innovation in critical environments with real-world impact.
  • Qualifications: Degree in engineering or science; experience in embedded systems and software development required.
  • Other info: Must obtain security clearance; opportunities for mentorship and leadership available.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 84000 £ per year.

Principal Software Engineer page is loaded

Principal Software Engineer

Apply locations Maidenhead (GBR) Gloucester, Gloucestershire, England, UK time type Full time posted on Posted Today job requisition id REQ-10596

Company: Ultra Intelligence & Communications

Cyber (UK) Business

Provide Decision Advantage to Mission Partners Around the World

Join us in our mission to provide the world\’s military members with the latest, most customizable solutions and capabilities, enabling mission success anywhere around the globe. At Ultra Intelligence and Communications (I&C), we provide critical, tactical capabilities to enhance and accelerate decision-making in the most challenging environments. By joining us, you will experience unrivaled opportunities for growth and innovation and be a part of a dynamic and diverse team that pushes boundaries and drives meaningful change in intelligence and communications.

Cyber Business

Our Cyber business unit is at the forefront of pioneering advanced cryptographic and key management solutions, facilitating the confidential exchange of vital information for customers operating at both tactical and strategic echelons. Join our team and participate in the innovation that ensures the highest security and trust worldwide.

Job Description

The Ultra Engineering function manages a portfolio of specialist capabilities, generating highly differentiated solutions and products by applying electronic, mechanical, and software technologies in demanding and critical environments to meet customer needs.

The Software Engineering function in Ultra supports the software development lifecycle consisting of requirements analysis, design, implementation, test and verification in order to deliver software components into projects and products and supports the deployment and maintenance of software components.
A professional at this grade applies technical / professional knowledge, making independent judgements based on practice and significant previous experience to support decision making. Often seen as a referral point or more senior team member to escalate more complex problems. Roles will act independently with minimal guidance, and may act as project managers/formal mentors for junior staff.

Scope

Provide technical leadership and define, architect, design, develop, document and test embedded and/or application software as part of a software engineering team of 5-20 engineers, within the Cyber UK Business Unit, delivering multiple concurrent research, development and production programmes ranging from tens of £k to several £m. Line management of up to 5 software engineers.

Responsible for / Key responsibilities

  • Architect, specify requirements, design, implement and test embedded and/or application software in accordance with the project software development process to ensure high quality and timely software deliverables.
  • Apply object-oriented design techniques to enable code re-use and integration with testing frameworks
  • Review and understand system design artefacts to enable the derivation of software requirements and architecture that meet the high-level system requirements.
  • Design, document, review and maintain the software design using modelling tools such as RSA and EA, ensuring model can be used for accurate code generation as required.
  • Develop and maintain knowledge of best practice development processes, language standards and tools, e.g. TDD/BDD, Continuous Integration, DevSecOps, static and run-time analysis tools, C++ standards and secure software development.
  • Estimate time and effort required for software activities and deliver to these time and effort estimates to ensure cost and schedule adherence.
  • Contribute to the Software Community of Practice by proposing improvements in tools, processes and techniques that support quality and innovation and make the software development more efficient and effective.
  • Actively contribute to and/or lead defined aspects of the project to achieve optimal balance between requirements, schedule and cost.
  • Generate and review technical proposals, and provide accurate estimates for the associated effort, costs and risks, for bids and proposals, leading to contract awards.
  • Mentors and coaches less experienced engineers; shares knowledge willingly and constructively.
  • Reviews and signs off significant technical documents; frequently chairs technical reviews for significant deliverables.
  • May have between 0 and 4 direct reports.
  • Explains technically complex concepts clearly to less technical/involved parties.
  • Manage security of information as defined in the Security manual to ensure compliance with Government regulations.
  • SFIA Programming / software development: Level 2-4
  • SFIA Programming / software development: Level 5
    • Takes technical responsibility across all stages and iterations of software development.
    • Plans and drives software construction activities. Adopts and adapts appropriate software development methods, tools and techniques.
    • Measures and monitors applications of project/team standards for software construction, including software security.
    • Contributes to the development of organisational policies, standards, and guidelines for software development.

Role requirements

  • Willing and able to obtain, and maintain, SC security clearance.
  • Willing and able to obtain, and maintain, DV security clearance (following attainment of SC clearance).

Qualifications / skills required

  • Essential:
    • Degree in an engineering, mathematical or science-based subject or equivalent experience.
    • Significant experience of at least one of the following;
      • Embedded product development (including bare-metal and RTOSes such as ThreadX, QNX or Linux)
      • Embedded Linux application, kernel and/or driver development.
      • C and C++
    • Significant experience of best practice software development processes/lifecycles
    • Experience of Object-Oriented Design and Design Patterns such as SOLID
    • Experience of software testing and design for test
  • Desirable:
    • Master’s degree in an engineering, mathematical or science-based subject or equivalent experience.
    • Rust
    • Javascript, node.js, react.js
    • Communications protocols – e.g. TCP/IP
    • Experience of using version control, continuous integration and automated test tools and frameworks
    • Exposure to defensive coding techniques and standards such as MISRA
    • Advanced knowledge of software engineering practices, methodologies, processes, techniques and technology trends
    • Experience of DOORS, RSA, Enterprise Architect, UML and SysML

#IC

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Notice

Due to the nature of the programs we deliver for our customers, candidates may need to obtain the relevant security clearance or handle export-controlled material as defined by the role\’s requirements.

Our Benefits

Every employee is critical to our success, and as such, we offer a range of flexible employee benefits, including:

  • Annual Bonus
  • Private Medical Cover
  • 25 days’ holiday with the option to buy an extra 5
  • Pension Contribution
  • 4 x Life Assurance Cover
  • Flexible working hours with a 1pm finish on a Friday
  • Flexible benefits including cycle to work scheme, will writing and more
  • Monthly Security Clearance Allowance – Subject to you holding the required security clearance

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Statement

At Ultra I&C, we are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity and inclusivity. Underpinned by our values, behaviours, and policies, we want you to feel empowered to be the best version of yourself. We also believe that people from different backgrounds and cultures will increase our diversity of thinking, ensuring we successfully deliver to our customers. We, therefore, do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We also support requests for flexible working arrangements wherever possible. If you have any issues with your application, please email us at

Ultra Intelligence & Communications provides critical, tactical capabilities that inform decision-making in the most challenging environments. Our team of experts possess decades of expertise in mission-critical, multi-domain communications, command and control, cyber security, real-time integrated intelligence, and networked radio solutions that are reimagining the future of the connected digital battlespace.

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Principal Software Engineer employer: Ultra Electronics Group

Ultra Intelligence & Communications is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration among its diverse team. With a strong focus on employee growth, the company provides ample opportunities for professional development, competitive benefits including flexible working hours, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in the tech industry.
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Contact Detail:

Ultra Electronics Group Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Software Engineer

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific technologies mentioned in the job description, such as C++, embedded systems, and RTOS. Having hands-on experience or projects that showcase your skills in these areas can set you apart from other candidates.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with current or former employees of Ultra Intelligence & Communications. Engaging with them on platforms like LinkedIn can provide you with insider knowledge about the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during interviews.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your experience with software development lifecycles and best practices. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've applied object-oriented design techniques and contributed to successful projects in the past.

✨Tip Number 4

Showcase your leadership skills by highlighting any mentoring or coaching experiences you've had with junior engineers. This aligns well with the role's requirement for technical leadership and can demonstrate your ability to contribute positively to the team.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Software Engineer

Embedded Software Development
C and C++ Programming
Object-Oriented Design
Design Patterns (e.g., SOLID)
Embedded Linux Development
Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS)
Software Testing and Design for Test
Continuous Integration and Deployment
Version Control Systems
Technical Leadership
Project Management
Security Clearance Management
Technical Documentation
Mentoring and Coaching
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in software engineering, particularly in embedded systems and C/C++ development. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you meet the specific requirements.

Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your technical leadership skills and experience with software development lifecycles. Mention specific projects where you've applied object-oriented design techniques or led a team, as this aligns with the role's responsibilities.

Showcase Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your familiarity with best practice software development processes, such as TDD/BDD and Continuous Integration. Highlight any experience with tools like DOORS, RSA, or UML, as these are mentioned in the job description.

Prepare for Technical Questions: Be ready to discuss your technical expertise in detail during interviews. Prepare examples of how you've solved complex problems or improved processes in previous roles, as this will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

How to prepare for a job interview at Ultra Electronics Group

✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise

As a Principal Software Engineer, you'll need to demonstrate your deep understanding of software development processes and technologies. Be prepared to discuss your experience with embedded systems, C/C++, and object-oriented design principles. Highlight specific projects where you've applied these skills.

✨Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect to face technical questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and coding skills. Brush up on algorithms, data structures, and design patterns. Practising coding challenges can help you articulate your thought process during the interview.

✨Emphasise Leadership and Mentoring Experience

Since the role involves mentoring junior engineers, be ready to share examples of how you've led teams or guided less experienced colleagues. Discuss your approach to fostering a collaborative environment and how you've contributed to team success.

✨Understand the Company’s Mission and Values

Research Ultra Intelligence & Communications and understand their mission in providing tactical capabilities. Align your answers to reflect their values, especially regarding diversity and inclusion, and express your enthusiasm for contributing to their goals.

Principal Software Engineer
Ultra Electronics Group
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