Software Engineer — Secure, Mission‑Critical Systems

Defence & Security Programme | Bristol (Hybrid)

Contract | Outside IR35

Build Software That’s Actually Used — and Actually Matters

This role isn’t about vanity features, throwaway prototypes, or code that never leaves a demo environment.

We’re building secure, high‑integrity software systems used across Defence & Security programmes — platforms where quality, reliability, and correctness genuinely matter.

If you’re a Software Engineer who wants to:

• Work on real production systems
• Learn from strong technical leadership
• Build software the right way in a high‑trust environment

…then this project will stretch and reward you.

What You’ll Be Working On

As part of a multidisciplinary delivery team, you’ll be hands‑on in designing, building, and improving software that supports mission‑critical operations.

You’ll:

• Design and develop high‑quality software components within a secure system
• Implement features from well‑defined requirements and architectural guidance
• Contribute to clean, testable, maintainable code
• Work with CI/CD pipelines to deliver software into production‑like environments
• Collaborate with Senior and Lead Engineers to understand system design decisions
• Participate in code reviews, planning sessions, and technical discussions
• Help identify bugs, technical debt, and improvement opportunities
• Take pride in engineering discipline, not just getting things “working”

This is a role where you’ll ship software, learn fast, and see the real‑world impact of what you build.

The Engineering Environment

You’ll be working in a team that treats software engineering seriously:

• Languages / stacks: Python, C#, .NET (experience in one or more is fine)
• Platforms: Secure Linux environments (including RHEL), containerised applications
• Practices: CI/CD, automated testing, DevSecOps principles
• Architecture: Modern service‑based systems, APIs, and integration patterns
• Ways of working: Agile delivery with clear ownership and accountability

You won’t be left guessing — expectations, priorities, and technical direction are clear.

What We’re Looking For

You don’t need to know everything — but you should be solid, curious, and dependable.

✅ Essential

• Experience as a Software Engineer building production software
• Comfortable writing clean, maintainable code in at least one mainstream language
• Understanding of software engineering fundamentals (version control, testing, debugging)
• Willingness to work in a secure, high‑assurance environment
• A mindset that values quality, learning, and collaboration

✅ Nice to Have

• Experience with CI/CD pipelines or containerised applications
• Exposure to secure or regulated environments
• Familiarity with cloud or hybrid infrastructure
• Interest in AI/ML‑enabled systems (not required)

Why Engineers Like This Project

• Meaningful work — your code supports real‑world operations
• Strong technical leadership — you’ll learn from experienced engineers
• Clear progression — exposure to complex systems and good practices
• Modern engineering standards — no cowboy coding
• Hybrid working — Bristol‑based with sensible onsite expectations
• A culture that values calm execution, clarity, and professionalism

Security & Location

• Location: Bristol (hybrid working)
• Security: Eligibility for UK Security Clearance (SC) required
• (You don’t need to already hold it — eligibility is what matters.)