Software Engineers - Quantum Comms / Satellite Technology

Software Engineers - Quantum Communications / Satellite Technology

Location: Onsite in Edinburgh
Pay rate: 20.51 - 30.77 per hour PAYE (Plus 12.07% holiday pay in addition)
Contract: Expected to run 6-9 months
Shift: 37 hours per week.
Mon - Thurs: 8.15am - 5.00pm
Fri: 8.15am - 1.00pm

Are you a Software Engineer looking to work on something genuinely innovative?
We are currently recruiting for three Software Engineers at different levels of experience to support an exciting international space programme involving the development of secure quantum communication systems.

Working on QKDSat (Satellite Quantum Programme), you will have the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge technology at the forefront of satellite communications, quantum technology and secure data transmission.
We have opportunities available, ranging from Software Engineer through to Senior Advanced Software Engineer, offering the chance to work alongside experienced engineering professionals on a technically challenging and internationally collaborative project.

The Opportunities

1. Software Engineer - 20.51 per hour
An excellent opportunity for a Software Engineer to contribute to the development and testing of software for quantum key distribution (QKD) payloads and ground segment systems.

Main Responsibilities:

• Assist in developing software for QKD payloads and ground segment systems.
• Support automated testing and software quality assurance processes.
• Participate in Agile development cycles, working collaboratively with senior engineers.
• Contribute to software integration activities involving sovereign use cases and OPS-SAT VOLT.
• Support continuous improvement of software development and testing processes.

Technical Skills:

• Programming experience using Java, C++ and/or Python.
• Familiarity with automated testing frameworks.
• Understanding of CI/CD tools and processes.
• Knowledge of Agile/SCRUM methodologies.
• An interest in software quality, testing and secure communications.

2. Senior Advanced Software Engineer - 30.77 per hour
We are seeking experienced Software Engineers capable of taking technical ownership and leading development activities for QKD software systems.
You will play a key role in software development, testing automation and integration, helping to ensure the delivery of secure, reliable and high-quality systems.

Main Responsibilities:

• Lead software development activities for QKD systems.
• Drive unit testing, automated testing and integration testing strategies.
• Lead the development of software testing frameworks, applying a strong Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) approach.
• Coordinate with the European Space Agency (ESA) and international project partners to align technical deliverables.
• Implement and maintain Agile workflows and CI/CD pipelines.
• Mentor junior engineers and promote secure coding practices.
• Support performance and security testing activities.
• Encourage best practices across software development, testing and DevOps.

Technical Skills:

• Strong programming experience using Java, C++ and/or Python.
• Experience developing automated testing frameworks.
• Knowledge of test management and defect tracking tools.
• Strong understanding of Agile/SCRUM methodologies.
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices.
• Experience with software performance and security testing.
• Previous experience leading software development activities, ideally within high-security environments.

Essential Requirements - Both Positions

• Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Engineering or a related discipline.
• Strong programming and problem-solving abilities.
• An interest in developing secure, high-quality software systems.
• Good communication and collaboration skills.
• A proactive approach and the ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary engineering team.
• For the Senior Advanced Software Engineer positions, previous experience leading software development activities and working with complex, security-critical systems is particularly important.
• Experience within aerospace, defence, satellite communications or other high-security engineering environments would be advantageous.

Nationality & Eligibility
Candidates must hold a UK or NATO country passport, AND hold the right to work in the UK for the duration of the contract.

Vetting will include a right to work check, drug screen, full 5 years' referencing and a DBS check.

If you are interested in applying for this position, and you meet the above requirements, please apply immediately.

Due to the number of applications we receive, it's not always possible to contact unsuccessful applicants. Unless you hear from us within 14 days of your application, please assume that you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.
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