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.)