Senior Software Engineer

Job description

Senior Software Engineer

Winfrith, Dorset (Hybrid – 3 days onsite minimum)

SC Required

On behalf of our client, we are seeking an experienced Senior Software Engineer to join a highly skilled engineering environment delivering complex, mission-critical systems. This is an excellent opportunity to work on technically challenging projects where quality, traceability and robust engineering practices are paramount.

Working Arrangements

This role is predominantly site-based due to the nature of the projects and security classifications involved. Engineers are generally onsite three days per week; however, some projects will require four days onsite at certain stages, particularly during testing, deployment or when interfacing with hardware. Fridays are typically worked from home, with many teams finishing around midday, unless onsite presence is required. New starters should expect to spend more time onsite initially to integrate effectively with the team, with flexibility increasing over time.

The Role

There are currently two teams recruiting at Senior level:

• One team focused on User Interface development, working heavily with Java and JavaFX, designing and implementing complex graphical user interfaces.
• A second team working predominantly with C++ . Strong back end experience required.

You will be working on established software products with defined requirements from the outset. While Agile management techniques such as sprints are used, this is not a “greenfield” or web-style Agile environment. The work is highly prescriptive, with a strong emphasis on engineering discipline, documentation and traceability throughout the software lifecycle. Projects involve delivering new capabilities rather than re-implementing existing solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop and maintain high-integrity software systems in Java (and potentially C++ depending on project)
• Contribute to user interface and GUI development, particularly using JavaFX (training can be provided where needed)
• Work through the full software lifecycle, ensuring clear design capture, documentation and traceability
• Deliver against defined requirements from project inception
• Collaborate closely with multi-disciplinary engineering teams, including hardware interfaces on certain projects
• Support testing, integration and deployment activities, some of which must be conducted onsite due to security classification

Required Skills and Experience

• Strong core Java development experience or C++ at a senior level
• Experience of GUI or user interface design, ideally with JavaFX (or similar UI technologies)
• Solid understanding of software design, development lifecycles and structured engineering processes
• Background in Mathematics or Physics, or equivalent analytical discipline
• Ability to work in a prescriptive, process-driven engineering environment with a strong focus on traceability
• Comfortable working onsite as required by project and security needs

Highly Desirable Experience

• Domain experience in submarine combat systems, sonar processing, or related defence systems
• Experience with autonomous or unmanned systems
• Familiarity with classified or safety-critical environments
• C++ experience, particularly where interfacing with hardware or processing classified data

Additional Information

This environment is very different from typical web application development, and candidates whose experience is heavily focused on web technologies may find the transition challenging. The client values engineers who can adapt to less rigid “Agile” interpretations, work within established systems, and deliver high-quality, well-documented software to exacting standards.

If you are a Senior Software Engineer looking for technically demanding work, real engineering challenges, and the opportunity to contribute to nationally significant systems, we would be delighted to discuss this opportunity further.

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

Dorset

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Published at

04-02-2026

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English