Principal Software Engineer

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Ultra Intelligence & Communications Cyber (UK) Business

Join the team redefining defense technology. From engineering systems that save lives to leading programs that change the battlefield—find your place in the future of defense.

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.

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.

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 derive software requirements and architecture that meet 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 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.
• 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.
• Mentor and coach less experienced engineers; share knowledge willingly and constructively.
• Review and sign off significant technical documents; frequently chair technical reviews for significant deliverables.
• Explain 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.
• Take technical responsibility across all stages and iterations of software development.
• Plan and drive software construction activities adopting appropriate development methods, tools and techniques.
• Measure and monitor applications of project/team standards for software construction, including software security.
• Contribute 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 after attaining SC clearance.

Qualifications & Skills Required

Essential:

• Degree in an engineering, mathematical or science-based subject or equivalent experience.
• Significant experience in:
  • Embedded product development (including bare‑metal and RTOSes such as ThreadX, QNX or Linux)
  • Embedded Linux application, kernel and/or driver development.
  • Systems 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 experience.
• Javascript, node.js, react.js.
• Communications protocols – e.g. TCP/IP.
• Experience of 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.

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. Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate level of security clearance for the role. Due to the nature of our work, you must be a British Citizen who has been resident in the UK for the past 5 years in order to apply for SC clearance and 10 years for DV. For more information, please visit the UKSV website.

Our Benefits

• Participation in an Annual Bonus Scheme
• Private Medical Cover
• 25 days’ holiday (plus Bank Holidays) with the option to buy an extra 5 days
• Pension Contribution
• 4 x Life Assurance Cover
• Flexible working hours with opportunity for a 1pm finish on a Friday
• Flexible benefits including cycle to work scheme, will writing and more
• Security Clearance Allowance – where relevant and subject to 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 careers@ultra-ic.com.