Head of Discipline - Software Engineering

Engineered to Protect, that’s our promise, we protect what matters.

As Head of Software Engineering, you’ll lead SEA’s Software Engineering discipline, ensuring competent people, robust software methods, disciplined technical execution and effective lifecycle control across all products and projects.

The Head of Software Engineering will be based at either our Bristol, Beckington or Barnstaple sites with regular travel to all 3. This role allows for flexible working.

The salary for this role is up to £90k, depending on experience.

What you’ll be doing

• You’ll own and maintain software engineering standards, lifecycle methods, coding practices, toolchains and assurance expectations across SEA products and projects
• You’ll ensure software delivery supports safety, security, qualification, accreditation, configuration control and customer acceptance requirements
• You’ll provide competent software resources, technical planning input, independent challenge and subject matter leadership to Engineering Leads and Project Managers
• You’ll define and assure lifecycle gate and technical review artefacts, including baselines, build records, verification evidence, defect status and release readiness
• You’ll maintain compliance with applicable standards and drive continuous improvement through technical reviews, audits and governance activities

• A degree or equivalent experience in software engineering, computer science, systems engineering or a related STEM discipline, with significant software leadership experience in complex, governed environments
• Strong practical understanding of software lifecycle models, configuration control, build management, CI/CD, automated testing, release management and assurance expectations
• Credible software engineering leader with strong technical judgement, professional authority and the confidence to challenge weak estimates, poor discipline or uncontrolled change
• Pragmatic and fair decision-maker who balances delivery pressure, functional priorities, project needs, governance, assurance and auditability
• Strong people leader and coach, able to develop engineers, support performance and translate software risks into clear technical, project and business consequences

Join us and be part of something smaller - with 500 people in the UK and Canada - doing something bigger: protecting what matters.

At our core, we encourage innovation, flexibility and out-of-the-box thinking to solve problems, so we’re always looking for talented, flexible, and creative people to bring their best to SEA. In return we offer generous rewards, a fantastic work/life balance, and excellent career and training opportunities for everyone who joins. Have a look at the benefits we offer:

Work life balance

• Hybrid/flexible working arrangements
• 25 days’ annual leave, plus buy and sell
• Up to 16 days flexi leave accrual
• Half day Fridays
• Reservists in the Armed Forces receive special paid leave

Family & wellbeing

• Private medical health insurance & Employee Assistance Program
• Health Cash Plan
• All Staff Bonus
• Group Pension Plan of up to 8% employer contribution
• Cycle to work scheme
• Wellbeing Centre
• Sports & Social activities
• Employee Discounts portal - online and in-store discounts, travel savings
• Life assurance policy
• Publication and recruitment bonus rewards
• Development opportunities, including LinkedIn learning

Facilities & resources

• Electric vehicle charging points at all sites
• Private seated lunch areas
• Onsite bistro (Barnstaple office) and free hot and cold beverages
• Onsite showers and toiletries provision
• Free onsite parking

At SEA, e provide state-of-the-art applications for naval ship and fleet protection, and undersea surveillance systems. In-service across the globe, our systems deliver a rapid response to threats and system effectiveness and interoperation. Our systems support an ever-growing number of navies across the world, and we continue to bolster our already specialist, on-the-ground knowledge of key overseas markets.