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# Head of Software Engineering

- **Company:** OpenWorks Engineering
- **Location:** UK
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** £90,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** C++ (Programming Language), CMake, Configuration Management, Code Review, Cyber Security, Linux, DevOps, Device Drivers, Python (Programming Language), Network Configuration and Change Management, Software Architecture, Release Management, Software Engineering, Systems Integration, TCP/IP, Information Technology, Video Streaming, NVIDIA Jetson, Software Version Control
- **Published:** October 15, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.totaljobs.com/job/head-of-software-engineering/openworks-engineering-job108177664

## About the Role

This is an opportunity for an experienced software leader who enjoys technical complexity, develops talented people and brings clarity to competing priorities. You'll have the scope to build the team, strengthen how we work and make a visible impact on our products., * Proven software leadership: Significant experience leading and developing software teams within complex R&D and product development environments.

 * Technical credibility: A strong software engineering background and C++ development experience, supported by a relevant degree or equivalent in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Engineering, Physics or a related technical discipline.
 * Embedded product experience: Experience delivering complex software on real-time embedded platforms, integrating with mechanical and electronic engineering.
 * Architecture and lifecycle expertise: Strong understanding of system design, hardware, operating systems and software interfaces, alongside code review, source control, testing, release management and configuration control.
 * People and delivery focus: A track record of developing high-performing teams, managing priorities and resources across multiple projects, and maintaining momentum as priorities change.

Desirable

 * Relevant product experience: Experience in electro-optical, autonomous, radar, surveillance or counter-UAS technologies, or regulated, safety-critical environments and defence standards.
 * Relevant technologies: Experience with NVIDIA Jetson, Linux hardware drivers, network configuration, TCP/IP, CMake, DevOps, Python, cyber security or video streaming.
 * Professional development: A relevant master's qualification, Chartered Engineer status or equivalent professional recognition.

You must have the right to work in the UK; we are unable to offer visa sponsorship. Occasional travel may be required.

## Description

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., * Lead and develop the team: Build a high-performing Software Engineering function through clear objectives, performance management, coaching and recruitment.

 * Drive engineering delivery: Turn product, customer and business priorities into achievable plans, managing capacity, resources and commitments across multiple projects.
 * Provide technical leadership: Shape software architecture, standards and development practices, challenge complex decisions and empower engineers to own delivery.
 * Take concepts into service: Lead software development from prototyping through verification, release and deployment, building in supportability and configuration control.
 * Deliver integrated products: Work with Hardware & Systems, Intelligence & Autonomy, Product and Operations to turn emerging capabilities into reliable products.
 * Align teams and remove barriers: Clarify priorities, ownership, interfaces and dependencies across functions, resolve blockers and escalate trade-offs that need wider business decisions.
 * Strengthen how we work: Give the CTO clear visibility of progress and risks, improve productivity and use production and customer feedback to drive product improvements.