Overview

We're looking for a Senior Software Engineer to join our small, expert engineering team developing high-performance, bespoke code for our in-house hardware platforms used in advanced optical tracking and drone interception.

This role offers the rare opportunity to work across the full development lifecycle, from system architecture to hands-on testing with physical products. If you thrive where software meets hardware - and you’re open to the occasional overseas trip - this could be the perfect match for you.

OpenWorks is a rapidly growing business operating globally with a passion for exceptional engineering and building on a legacy of defence innovation in the North East of England.

Our products provide ultra-high performance, real-time detection, tracking, identification and targeting of dynamic aerial threats. They have been deployed internationally to protect high profile military and civilian assets, and contribute towards the defeat of nuisance, misguided and maliciously deployed drones during operations.

We are very proud to have supported a wide range of law enforcement and military operators, protecting many of the most high profile sites and individuals around the world.

The amazing things we do are only possible because of a dedicated and passionate team.

What you’ll get

• Salary from £50K onwards depending upon experience
• Flexible working options available. We recognise the commitment and care of our team ... flexible arrangements
• Free breakfast and a free freshly cooked lunch served daily
• Performance related bonus
• 25 days holiday plus public holidays (+ long-service bonus days)
• Holiday purchase scheme
• Private health care insurance
• Death in service cover
• EV car scheme
• Pension scheme (up to 4% matched contribution)
• Social fund for team gatherings
• Free eye tests and £75 towards a pair of glasses per prescription change
• A high-energy and agile work environment, based in the Northumberland countryside
• A positive company culture - we enable change, encourage challenge and demonstrate commitment

What you’ll be doing

• Getting hands-on with our codebase and quickly build familiarity with our platforms
• Designing and developing real-time software solutions for use on physical devices
• Specifying system architecture, including hardware, OS and libraries
• Taking ownership across the software lifecycle: from coding and reviews to release and version control
• Collaborating closely with mechanical, electrical and systems engineers
• Staying agile and adaptable in an R&D environment where direction may change rapidly

What we’re looking for

• A degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Physics or similar
• Strong C++ skills
• Familiarity with Linux hardware drivers, network configuration, CMake, GitHub, VS Code IDE; Python is a plus
• Experience developing software deployed on real-time embedded platforms covering initial architecture design, specifying hardware, OS and libraries, code writing and review, source control and release management
• Solid understanding of computer vision techniques and machine learning principles
• Creative problem solver who knows when to ask questions and how to manage time effectively
• Reliable, adaptable, and self-aware – fits naturally into a collaborative engineering team

What you’ll get

• Work on cutting-edge projects in defence and security sectors
• Autonomy to make an impact with real responsibility
• Build real-world solutions through integrated systems and field testing
• Collaborative team where software meets hardware

As a small, fast growing company (with approx 50 people), you’ll directly see the impact of your efforts.

More about us

Vision: Help protect the territory and airspace of NATO countries and their allies.

Mission: Be a world-leading provider of autonomous technology for Surveillance applications and Defence

Values: Be a Good Egg; Do cool stuff; Be empowered; We are one team; Things go wrong; Have fun