Company Description
Elite Skills Arena (ESA) is a sports technology company founded in 2014. We offer innovative training aids designed to enhance football performance and development. Our products focus on individual and small group training, emphasizing intense repetition to accelerate technical progress. ESA's range includes tools to improve passing, accuracy, and shooting skills. Our mission is to maximize training intensity for faster and more pronounced improvement.
Role Description
We are seeking a versatile and technically adept Software Engineer to design, develop, and maintain the software platforms that power ESA's advanced training systems. This role spans the full technology stack from embedded microcontrollers to cloud platforms and web applications.
You will be a key contributor to the innovation and reliability of ESA's systems, helping to shape the next generation of immersive, data-driven athletic training products. The role requires not only strong technical expertise, but also collaboration with cross-functional teams, problem-solving in live environments, and a commitment to delivering robust, secure, and scalable solutions.
The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment where your work directly impacts athletes and coaches worldwide.
Key Responsibilities
System & Network Design
· Design, build, and adapt software architectures integrating embedded systems, servers, and cloud platforms.
· Configure and manage computer networks with a focus on security, resilience, and scalability.
· Manage VPNs for secure machine connectivity, including key management and access control.
* · Maintain Linux (CentOS) servers for live and test environments, ensuring reliable backups, monitoring, and emergency response.
Software Development
· Embedded Systems: Develop real-time embedded applications in C++ (Arduino, Atmel Studio) for microcontrollers without operating systems.
· Linux Applications: Create near real-time machine control applications for Raspberry Pi using Qt and Linux.
· Web Development: Build and optimise real-time user interfaces, APIs, and dashboards with JavaScript, PHP, HTML, CSS, JSON, XML.
· Machine Modes: Extend ESA's custom scripting language to create new training game modes while maintaining backward compatibility.
· Database Integration: Design and maintain MariaDB/MySQL schemas, queries, and PHP scripts for robust data access.
· Version Control & Collaboration: Use Git/Bitbucket for disciplined versioning, code reviews, and structured workflow.
· Testing & QA: Define and execute test strategies, ensuring reliability across software layers.
· Third-Party Collaboration: Liaise with external developers, assess deliverables, and manage workflows to maintain quality.
Ongoing Support & Maintenance
· Assist with machine commissioning and setup during manufacturing.
· Provide responsive second-line technical support for deployed systems, including rapid diagnosis and resolution of urgent issues.
· Support ESA staff with machine maintenance and upgrades when products are returned to base.
· Create and maintain high-quality documentation: specifications, APIs, installation guides, and process notes.
Innovation & R&D
· Contribute to the prototyping of new features and training modes.
· Explore and evaluate emerging technologies that can enhance ESA's products and services.
· Provide feedback to product teams to influence roadmap and innovation strategy.
Qualifications
Required
· Strong programming skills in C++ and Linux-based environments.
· Experience with embedded systems (Arduino, Atmel Studio, Raspberry Pi, Qt).
· Proficiency in web technologies: JavaScript, PHP, HTML, CSS, JSON, XML.
· Knowledge of databases (MariaDB/MySQL) and API design.
· Ability to configure and maintain Linux servers, VPNs, and secure networks.
· Familiarity with Git/Bitbucket version control and collaborative workflows.
· Strong problem-solving, documentation, and communication skills.
· Ability to adapt quickly, manage competing priorities, and deliver in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred
· Experience with sports tech, IoT devices, or consumer electronics.
· Knowledge of cybersecurity best practices and secure coding principles.
· Exposure to CI/CD tools, Docker, or other DevOps practices.
· Familiarity with Agile methodologies and tools such as JIRA.
· Experience in mentoring or supporting junior engineers and contractors.
Travel & Networking
As a dynamic team this role may require occasional travel within the UK and internationally to support installations, liaise with third-party developers, or assist with customer deployments. You may also represent ESA at technical and industry forums to build connections and stay at the forefront of innovation.
Why Join ESA?
We are a rapidly growing sports tech company, a unique opportunity you'll be at the forefront of innovation in the elite sports industry, shaping technology used by top athletes and organisations worldwide. ESA offers a dynamic and collaborative environment where product leaders influence the full lifecycle, from early-stage concept to global deployment.
ESA offers:
· A dynamic, collaborative environment where your work has a direct, visible impact.
· Opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge R&D and product innovation.
· Support for professional development, including training, certifications, and industry events.
· The chance to shape your role as ESA scales globally.