Lead Software Engineer

About Us STARK is bringing its expertise in software-defined unmanned systems to the maritime domain. Traditional fleets alone cannot safeguard this vast, critical space. Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) extend naval reach at lower cost and reduced risk to personnel. About the team Our maritime family of systems is AI-enabled and built for reliable performance in the harshest seas, delivering NATO a fully integrated hardware–software capability for scalable ISR and strike operations. Your mission As the Lead Software Engineer, you will be responsible for leading complex multi-domain software developments for deployment on our growing fleet of autonomous vessels and ground systems. Interfacing with design teams across the UK and Europe, you will be the single coordination and point of contact for all things Maritime Software. This includes directing the roadmap of existing products, leading new developments and interfacing to 3rd party subcontractors and suppliers. You will need to scale between front-end GUIs, middleware, embedded systems, firmware and deep simulation technologies. Working at the forefront of modern technology: increasing levels of automation and pushing the frontiers when required. Responsibilities• Technical coordination and leadership across multiple product developments • Best-practice design and implementation of emergent technology software solutions • Process management and improvement on software engineering practices • High-level conceptual design of new software products - application and embedded level • Conduct make-vs-buy tradeoff studies, negotiating with suppliers and subcontractors • Interfacing with Systems and Electrical teams to advise on hosting platforms: from PCs to embedded systems. • Support and participate in regular field testing and demonstrations with defence partners. Responsibilities Proven experience in leading complex integration and development programmes • Solid Software Engineering principles and best-practices • Knowledge of Software Engineering standards (civilian/automotive/defence) • Knowledge of multi-stage Validation & Verification techniques • Knowledge of Simulation techniques and targets: from software-regression targets to Hardware-in-Loop platforms • Understanding of communication pathways: Ethernet and Fieldbus • Understanding of real-time control techniques and limitations • Appreciation of both Application (Linux), Embedded and Firmware platforms. • Excellent problem-solving ability in high-pressure, resource-constrained environments. • Strong communication skills and capacity to work collaboratively in multi-disciplinary teams. • MUST be eligible for UK Security Clearance and be able to travel to the South West England area when required Qualifications • Proven experience in leading complex integration and development programmes • Solid Software Engineering principles and best-practices • Knowledge of Software Engineering standards (civilian/automotive/defence) • Knowledge of multi-stage Validation & Verification techniques • Knowledge of Simulation techniques and targets: from software-regression targets to Hardware-in-Loop platforms • Understanding of communication pathways: Ethernet and Fieldbus • Understanding of real-time control techniques and limitations • Appreciation of both Application (Linux), Embedded and Firmware platforms. • Excellent problem-solving ability in high-pressure, resource-constrained environments. • Strong communication skills and capacity to work collaboratively in multi-disciplinary teams. • MUST be eligible for UK Security Clearance and be able to travel to the South West England area when required Our Commitment to the Armed Forces Community We are proud to hold the Bronze Award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS), reflecting our meaningful commitment and ongoing support for UK defence personnel. At our core, we believe in championing those who serve, those who have served, and their families. As part of this scheme, we are dedicated to providing an inclusive, supportive environment where members of the Armed Forces community can thrive and bring their invaluable skills to our team.