Senior Software Engineer

The Opportunity

We're looking for a Software Engineers and Senior Software Engineers with strong software development experience across the full development lifecycle to design and develop the software that powers advanced electro-optical systems used in Air Defence, cUAS and Surveillance and Target Tracking applications, deployed globally to protect critical military and civilian assets.

You’ll work in a fast-paced, high-impact environment, juggling multiple projects and taking ownership of software from concept through to deployment. Your work will be hands-on, technically challenging, and directly operational, giving you autonomy and the satisfaction of seeing your designs perform in real-world applications.

This is a practical, high-responsibility role where your software expertise, system design skills, and problem-solving ability will shape our solutions that deliver real-world performance and reliability.

Security Vetting Information

OpenWorks Engineering operates within the defence sector. As part of our recruitment and onboarding processes, we collect information that may be required to support future security vetting and clearance requirements, should these become necessary during employment.

Who We Are

OpenWorks is a rapidly growing business operating globally with a passion for exceptional engineering and building on a legacy of defence innovation in the North East of England.

Our products provide ultra-high performance, real-time detection, tracking, identification and targeting of dynamic aerial threats. They have been deployed internationally to protect high profile military and civilian assets, and contribute towards the defeat of nuisance, misguided and maliciously deployed drones during operations.

We are very proud to have supported a wide range of law enforcement and military operators, protecting many of the most high profile sites and individuals around the world.

The amazing things we do are only possible because of a dedicated and passionate team.

Why You'll Love Working With Us

Join a high-energy, collaborative team where great ideas thrive, challenges are embraced, and people genuinely love what they do.

Here’s what our benefits have to offer:

Rewarding Success - Competitive salary and bonus package, with performance bonuses of up to 25% and clear opportunities for career progression.

Enhanced Pension – Up to 8% employer-matched contributions to help you plan for the future.

More Time to Recharge – 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, long-service rewards, and the option to buy up to 5 extra days.

Breakfast & Lunch on Us – Enjoy team breakfasts and freshly prepared lunches every day courtesy of Chef Mark and his team.

Health & Wellbeing – Private healthcare and life assurance for added peace of mind.

Sustainable Travel – Salary sacrifice schemes, including EV car and Cycle to Work options.

Team Socials – Regular events, from quiz nights and football to board games and more.

Learning & Growth – A culture that empowers you to challenge, grow and make an impact, plus a £250 annual learning budget to invest in the development that matters most to you.

What You'll Be Doing

• Code Development: Get hands-on with our codebase and quickly build familiarity with our platforms.
• Software Design: Design and develop real-time software solutions for use on physical devices.
• System Architecture: Specify system architecture, including hardware, operating systems and libraries.
• Software Ownership: Take ownership across the software lifecycle, from coding and reviews through to release and version control.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with mechanical, electrical and systems engineers to deliver integrated solutions.
• Adaptability: Thrive in a fast-paced R&D environment where priorities and requirements may evolve rapidly.

What We're Looking For

• Academic Background: A degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Physics or a related discipline.
• C++ Development: Strong C++ development skills.
• Technical Knowledge: Familiarity with Linux hardware drivers, network configuration, CMake, DevOps and TCP/IP.
• Software Engineering Experience: Experience developing software deployed on real-time embedded platforms, including architecture design, hardware and OS specification, code development and review, source control and release management.
• Problem Solving: A creative problem solver who knows when to ask questions and how to manage their time effectively.
• Team Fit: Reliable, adaptable and self-aware, with the ability to work effectively within a collaborative engineering team.

Desirable:

• Additional Technical Skills: Experience with Python, Cyber Security and/or Video Streaming technologies.

More About Us

Vision

Help protect the territory and airspace of NATO countries and their allies.

Mission

Be a world-leading provider of autonomous technology for Surveillance applications and Defence.

Values

Be a Good Egg: Earn respect, have mutual trust and be honest.

Do cool stuff: We develop cool tech with an awesome team, and we get stuff done.

Be empowered: We are autonomous, reliable and take personal responsibility.

We are one team: Look out for each other and the team.

Things go wrong: Fail fast, learn and move on.

Have fun: We’re doing amazing things with passionate people.

We Get It Done: Focus on what matters and work with energy to bring ideas to life.