Forward Deployed Software Engineer

Job title: Forward Deployed Software Engineer

Location: On-site Herefordshire and on client premises

Salary: £60-90k DOE

Keywords: Python, Linux, Air-gapped systems

Role:

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Forward Deployed Software Engineer to join an organisation delivering advanced technology solutions within the UK defence sector. Working at the forefront of innovative autonomous and unmanned systems, you'll play a critical role in supporting software deployed in real operational environments, collaborating directly with end users to ensure systems perform reliably where they matter most.

This is a hands-on engineering position suited to someone who enjoys solving complex technical challenges in the field. You'll work closely with operators, troubleshooting issues, deploying software updates, maintaining secure network connectivity and feeding valuable operational insight back into the engineering team. The role combines software development, Linux administration and networking, requiring someone who is equally comfortable writing code as they are diagnosing live technical issues.

Responsibilities:

• Deploy and manage software updates across operational systems.
• Configure, maintain and troubleshoot Linux-based platforms.
• Diagnose networking and connectivity issues within secure environments.
• Develop and maintain Python applications, automation tools and supporting software.
• Provide technical support to users operating systems in the field.
• Investigate and resolve software and infrastructure issues under operational conditions.
• Capture user feedback and operational lessons to support ongoing product development and continuous improvement.
• Work closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams to improve system performance, reliability and maintainability.

Requirements:

Essential

• Commercial experience developing production software, ideally using Python (strong software engineering fundamentals are equally important).
• Solid understanding of Linux operating systems and networking principles.
• Experience diagnosing software, infrastructure or connectivity issues.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work directly with technically demanding end users.
• Comfortable working on-site in Herefordshire with regular travel to customer locations.
• Eligible to obtain UK Developed Vetting (DV) Security Clearance.

Desirable

• Experience supporting software in operational or customer-facing environments.
• Knowledge of secure or isolated network architectures.
• Experience deploying software updates to fielded systems.
• Exposure to defence, aerospace, autonomous systems, robotics or other highly regulated industries.

What's on Offer

• The opportunity to work on cutting-edge defence technologies supporting critical operational capabilities.
• A collaborative engineering environment with significant technical ownership.
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• Work on projects that have genuine real-world impact.

Due to the nature of the work, applicants must be eligible to obtain UK Developed Vetting (DV) Security Clearance. This is an on-site position based in Herefordshire.