Software Engineer, Java Developer, Backend Developer

Our client, a leading consultancy in the Defence & Security sector, is currently seeking an experienced Software Engineer to join their team on a permanent basis, based in Leatherhead.

Successful candidate must hold a minimum of SC clearance and be willing to undergo DV (Developed Vetting) clearance. More information can be found here - National security vetting: clearance levels -  ()

• Design, develop, and maintain high-quality software components using Java and C++, with a focus on robustness, performance, and maintainability
• Implement and extend code that interacts with a flexible integration framework for solver coupling and data exchange
• Work closely with clients, domain scientists, and computational engineers- often on-site to understand requirements and translate them into effective software solutions
• Contribute to defining and evolving software architecture, balancing performance, scalability, and long-term maintainability
• Write clean, well-documented, and testable code in line with scientific software development best practices
• Participate regularly in code reviews, debugging sessions, and performance profiling to improve code quality across the team
• Support and mentor junior developers through technical guidance, constructive review, and knowledge sharing
• Over time, take on increasing responsibility for guiding technical direction and contributing to the planning, delivery and management of project work
• Help develop client relationships and contribute to development of new business, such as through writing effective proposals
• Thrive in a consultancy environment solving real-world, high-consequence challenges

• Professional experience developing software in Java and C++
• Practical experience applying object-oriented design principles and modular software architectures
• Familiarity with collaborative development practices, including Git and CI/CD pipelines
• Experience working across the full software development lifecycle, including design, implementation, testing, and maintenance
• Knowledge of software testing techniques and a commitment to writing reliable, maintainable code
• Solid analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• The confidence and communication skills to work directly with clients and technical stakeholders
• Sole UK nationality, due to the nature of the work
• Experience writing unit tests using JUnit and Google Test Frameworks
• Solid understanding of numerical methods and scientific computing principles
• Background in physics, applied mathematics, or engineering
• Experience in development with Fortran 90
• Experience using the Java Spring framework
• Experience working in the defence sector
• Competitive salary with yearly reviews
• 25 days holiday + the opportunity to buy 5 days
• A company with its heart in the right place and a welcoming work culture
• Happy to talk flexible working
• Enhanced parental benefits
• Company pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Bonus scheme linked to company performance
• Paid membership fees to a professional institution
• Support in attaining professional membership
• Cycle to work scheme
• Season rail ticket loan
• Additional optional benefits tailored to your personal requirements