Senior Software Engineer

We are seeking a Senior Full Stack & Systems Engineer to join our Defence delivery team. This is a versatile, high-impact role designed for funded client delivery: you will build mission-critical web applications and API backends for central MoD programmes, while contributing to low-level system integrations (Kotlin, Android ART, IPC/AIDL) on tactical edge and Situational Awareness (TAK) platforms.You will sit at the intersection of modern enterprise software engineering and tactical edge integration, ensuring all code meets MoD Secure by Design (SbD) principles and Def Stan 00-056 safety boundaries.RequirementsFull-Stack Application Development: Design and build resilient, secure web applications, microservices, and APIs (TypeScript, Node.js, React, or Python) for cloud and hybrid MoD landing zonesEdge & Tactical Systems Integration: Develop native Android background services (Kotlin on ART), IPC/AIDL interfaces, and Cursor-on-Target (CoT) data routers connecting front-end C2 displays (e.g., OmniTAK, ATAK) to backend servicesSecure by Design (SbD) Implementation: Write clean, well-tested code following NCSC Secure Development Principles, NCSC Cloud Security Guidance, and JSP 440 controlsCI/CD & DevSecOps: Automate build, test, and containerisation pipelines (Docker, GitOps, GitLab CI/GitHub Actions) for both air-gapped systems and enterprise cloud environmentsClient Delivery & Mentorship: Lead technical user stories on funded MoD statements of work (SoWs), participate in Agile delivery ceremonies, and mentor mid-level engineersRequired Qualifications & Experience Defence & Security BaselineActive UK SC Clearance (minimum) with UK nationality/sovereignty requirementsHands-on experience delivering under MoD software development standards and Secure by Design (SbD) frameworks Full-Stack Engineering (Web & APIs)4+ years of production experience with modern Web stacks (TypeScript, React, Node.js, or Python/FastAPI)Strong API design experience (REST, GraphQL, gRPC, WebSocket) and relational/non-relational database design (PostgreSQL, SQLite) Systems & Mobile Architecture (Android ART)Proficiency in Kotlin or Java on native Android environments, including background services, thread management, and Inter-Process Communication (IPC via AIDL/Binders)Understanding of event-driven architectures, local socket communication, and memory optimization under resource-constrained conditionsDesirable / Bonus QualificationsExperience with tactical mapping frameworks (TAK/ATAK, WinTAK, OmniTAK) or military telemetry protocols (Cursor-on-Target / CoT, STANAG 4586)Familiarity with containerisation at the edge (K3s, Podman) or local database layers (Room, RocksDB)Knowledge of Defence safety standards (Def Stan 00-056 / 00-055) and ALARP risk managementBenefitsCompetitive Pay: Salaries reviewed annually to ensure they reflect your performance and market valueLoyalty Pension: We invest in your future. Starting at a 5% employer contribution, we increase this by 0.5% every year after your third anniversary, up to a maximum of 8%Protection: Comprehensive Group Life Assurance for peace of mindPurpose & CultureReal Impact: Work on mission-critical projects that secure and improve the UK's digital infrastructureAutonomy: A culture that empowers you to make decisions, prototype rapidly, and iterate towards successService & Community: We support those who serve. 10 paid days for Reservist Military ServiceWork / Life BalanceTime Off: 25 days annual leave + Bank Holidays, with the flexibility to Buy/Sell additional days to suit your lifestyleGiving back: 2 paid volunteering days per yearDevelopment & GrowthMaster Your Craft: Fully funded professional certifications (AWS, GCP, Agile, etc.) supported by 5 days paid study leaveExpand Your Horizons: An additional £500 annual "Personal Choice" fund to learn whatever inspires you—work-related or notSupport: Access to 1-2-1 professional coaching and team training to accelerate your careerHealth & BalancePremium Health: Vitality Private Medical Insurance (includes Apple Watch, gym discounts, and rewards)Flexibility: Genuine hybrid working with a WFH equipment allowance to perfect your home setupWellbeing: Cycle to Work scheme and a commitment to sustainable, healthy working practices