***If the screening questions arent answered we will be unable to consider your application***
We’re looking for a Senior Software Engineer – GCS to help design and build the next generation of Ground Control Station software used to remotely monitor and control autonomous vehicles beyond visual line of sight.
This role is focused on creating robust, intuitive, operator friendly interfaces that support complex, real world missions without overwhelming the user. You’ll be working primarily with C++, Qt, QML and JavaScript, applying modern UX principles alongside strong engineering practices.
You’ll work closely with our inhouse operations experts and key customers, running UI experiments and usability sessions to shape software requirements and refine the user experience. The work spans R&D, rapid prototyping and mission critical production deployments, so comfort operating across all of those phases is important.
What you’ll be doing
Your work will sit at the heart of how operators interact with our autonomous systems, including:
* Designing and developing user facing Ground Control Station (GCS) software for monitoring and control of autonomous vehicles
* Building and maintaining UI software using C++, Qt, QML and JavaScript
* Working directly with operators to gather requirements, validate usability and refine workflows
* Creating prototypes, mock ups and storyboards to explore and communicate design ideas
* Ensuring software robustness through thorough testing, validation and performance optimisation
* Collaborating with autonomy, systems and hardware engineers to integrate GCS software with wider vehicle systems
* Writing clean, well-structured and maintainable code with clear documentation
* Providing technical leadership and mentoring to junior engineers
What we’re looking for
You don’t need to tick every box, but we’re ideally looking for someone with:
Essential experience
* Strong, hands on experience with C++ and Qt, ideally including QML and JavaScript
* A solid understanding of UI/UX design principles, particularly for mission-critical or safety-relevant systems
* Experience defining software requirements, designing architectures and delivering robust implementations
* Good knowledge of software testing approaches, including unit, integration and user acceptance testing
* Experience with UI testing techniques (automated, usability and end-to-end testing)
* Strong communication skills and confidence engaging directly with end users
* The ability to work independently and manage complex, multi-threaded workloads
Nice to have (but not essential)
* Experience with UX and storyboarding tools such as Figma, Sketch or Adobe XD
* Background in remote control systems, robotics or defence related environments
* Knowledge of the maritime domain, nautical charts or survey software
* Familiarity with HTML/CSS and WebSockets
* Experience with cloud based systems or containerisation technologies
Why join us?
You’ll be shaping how operators interact with advanced autonomous systems in real world, high stakes environments. We value thoughtful UI design, strong engineering fundamentals and close collaboration between software teams and end users.
If you enjoy building software that people rely on, and you care about usability just as much as technical quality, we’d love to hear from you.
What we provide:
· Competitive salary
· 25 days holiday per year, plus paid bank holiday
· Flexi working
· Private Medical Insurance with optional family cover
· Pension scheme with a 4% employer contribution, there is no cap on the employee contribution level
· Life assurance 3x salary
· Group Income Protection
· Health Care Cash Plan
· Cycle to Work Scheme
· Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing mental health and wellbeing support
· Professional membership reimbursement (discretionary)
*Important to know: *Due to the nature of our work many of our roles require a UK nationality and the ability to obtain a security clearance. Applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment must meet the requirement of right to work in the UK and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information and will be subject to Government security checks.
Kraken Works Limited is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination and offers equal opportunities to all. Applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, and marriage and civil partnerships.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Benefits:
* Bereavement leave
* Company events
* Company pension
* Cycle to work scheme
* Enhanced maternity leave
* Enhanced paternity leave
* Flexitime
* Free flu jabs
* Free parking
* Health & wellbeing programme
* Life insurance
* On-site parking
* Private dental insurance
* Private medical insurance
* Sick pay
Ability to commute/relocate:
* Fareham PO15 5RT: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
* Can you evidence five years continuous residency in the UK?
* What are your salary expectations and notice period?
* Can you evidence strong, recent hands on experience with C++ and Qt, including QML and JavaScript?
* Can you a solid understanding of UI/UX design principles, particularly for mission critical or safety relevant systems?
* Can you evidence recent experience defining software requirements, designing architectures and delivering robust implementations?
Language:
* Fluent English (required)
Work authorisation:
* United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person