Description

The Role

An exciting opportunity exists for an experienced Senior Software Engineer to take ownership of the software architecture supporting advanced directed energy systems.

You will lead the design and development of real-time control software that coordinates laser systems, beam directors, tracking systems, power management and safety-critical subsystems. Working closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams, you will ensure system performance, reliability and safety while helping shape the future capability of this growing technology area

Responsibilities

• Design and develop real-time control and coordination software using modern C++ on Linux.
• Implement and optimise closed-loop control systems for tracking, beam stabilisation, pointing accuracy and thermal management.
• Own software architecture for safety interlocks, state machines, arming logic and fail-safe behaviours.
• Develop software interfaces for sensors, actuators, laser subsystems and motion control equipment.
• Lead software verification through unit, integration, hardware-in-the-loop and acceptance testing.
• Establish and maintain automated build, test and deployment pipelines.
• Conduct code reviews and champion software quality, maintainability and performance.
• Produce software design documentation and interface control documentation.
• Mentor engineers and contribute to technical leadership across the team.
• Support system integration, range testing and field trials activities.

Requirements

Essential

• Degree qualification in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or related discipline.
• Minimum 6 years' experience developing production software.
• At least 3 years' experience working on real-time or embedded control systems.
• Expert-level C++ development experience within Linux environments.
• Strong knowledge of concurrency, memory management and performance optimisation.
• Experience interfacing software with physical hardware systems.
• Understanding of control theory and servo/tracking loop implementation.
• Experience with version control, CI/CD, automated testing and code review practices.
• Ability to develop documentation suitable for defence-sector customers.
• Willingness to travel to trial locations and support out-of-hours testing activities when required.

Highly Regarded

• Real-time Linux, Xenomai or RTOS experience.
• Experience with electro-optic systems, gimbal control or fire-control systems.
• Functional safety experience involving hazardous energy systems.
• Python for automation, analysis and test tooling.
• Defence industry experience

Key Skills

Education

Any Graduate