About SeeByte & the Role
Our client, SeeByte, is the global market leader in the development of smart software for uncrewed maritime systems. We are advising them on the recruitment of a Head of Engineering to join their team in the Edinburgh Office.
Originally spun out of Heriot-Watt University, the company has evolved into a trusted partner to governments, defence organisations, and industry leaders. With a core focus on software, they develop advanced autonomy and mission planning systems for underwater and maritime robotics, supporting complex operations in energy, defence, and research. The company was acquired by Battelle in 2013 and is operated as a stand-alone business within the group.
What makes SeeByte distinctive isn’t just its technical excellence, but its culture. The business is built around trust, autonomy, and collaboration. Engineers are empowered, the leadership is freeing, and teams are encouraged to think creatively and own their work. Attrition is low and engagement is high; this is a company where people join and stay because of the quality of the work and the freedom to do it well.
With around 100 people currently and offices in Edinburgh and Bristol, SeeByte continues to grow steadily, underpinned by a healthy financial position, long-term contracts, and a strong reputation in global markets. The engineering team currently sits at around 70 people and is expected to scale significantly to 120+ in the coming years.
The Head of Engineering is a critical leadership role at SeeByte, responsible for shaping engineering strategy, building future capability, and enabling software teams to deliver world-class solutions. This role ensures engineers are supported, motivated, and developed, while putting in place the processes, tools, and measures that drive consistent excellence.
You will report to the CTO and work closely with the Senior Management Team to implement the company’s engineering vision and strategy. You will lead a team of 7 engineering managers and oversee the wider engineering function, acting as a bridge between technical delivery and executive priorities.
This is a hands-off technical role suited to someone who is conversant in modern software practices but focused on leadership, planning, and strategic delivery rather than deep technical involvement.
Restrictions on the Role
Because of the nature of the work associated with this post it is subject to special nationality rules, and this is post is restricted to individuals who are UK British Nationals. For this role, due to government security requirements, the term ‘UK Nationals’ must exclude anyone who is a dual national or naturalised British (i.e. originally a foreign national).
All offers of employment will be conditional to a Baseline Personal Security Standard (BPSS) process and may require further SC (SC) once employed. To be eligible for full SC, you generally need to have resided in the UK for the last 5 years. In some circumstances, a minimum of 3 years’ residence in the UK over the last 5 years may be accepted, with additional overseas checks. Please visit the UKSV website for further guidance.