Software Engineer

About Averna powered by Spherea

Averna powered by Spherea is a global engineering and technology business specialising in test, quality and validation solutions for complex and safety-critical products and systems.

With a heritage spanning more than 70 years, we support leading aerospace, defence and technology organisations throughout the complete product lifecycle - from engineering and development test through production and manufacturing test to in-service support, MRO and obsolescence management.

Our capabilities range from individual automated test systems and specialist test equipment through to complex integrated test facilities, supported by engineering services, software and instrumentation expertise.

The combination of Averna and Spherea brings together approximately 1,800 people worldwide with engineering, manufacturing and support capabilities across Europe, North America and Asia. In the UK we have a particularly strong heritage in aerospace and defence test and support and work closely with major OEMs, defence primes and equipment manufacturers.

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The role

This is an engineering software role, not general business application development. You will develop software for test, measurement, simulation and control systems, interacting with instrumentation, data acquisition hardware, communications interfaces and units under test. The software supports test sequences, data processing, operator guidance, diagnostics and traceable evidence. You will work across the lifecycle with systems, hardware, electrical, mechanical and project engineers, from requirements through implementation, integration, verification, acceptance, commissioning and support. Regular work alongside physical equipment is required, with occasional UK and international travel.

Key responsibilities

• Analyse system and software requirements and contribute to architecture, detailed design and technology selection. Develop software for automated and manual test, measurement, simulation and control applications.
• Produce maintainable, documented code and develop test sequences, operator interfaces, instrument drivers, data-processing functions, diagnostic tools and reports.
• Integrate software with instrumentation, data-acquisition hardware, switching systems, communications interfaces and units under test. Implement suitable error handling, logging, user access controls and recovery mechanisms.
• Reuse proven frameworks and components where appropriate, and modify, extend or migrate software for existing and legacy test systems.
• Participate in the complete lifecycle, including requirements, feasibility, architecture, detailed design, implementation, unit testing, software and hardware integration, verification, validation, factory acceptance, site acceptance, commissioning and in-service support.
• Contribute to technical reviews and produce plans, specifications, design descriptions and test evidence. Maintain traceability between requirements, design, implementation and verification.
• Estimate software effort and provide realistic input to project plans and proposals. Identify risks, assumptions, dependencies and constraints, and assess readiness for integration, formal testing and customer acceptance.
• Apply source control, configuration, release and change-management practices. Ensure releases are identifiable, reproducible and supported by required documentation; contribute to safety, cybersecurity and compliance activities where needed.
• Define and perform unit, integration and system testing. Debug in laboratory and production environments and investigate issues across software, hardware, communications and instrumentation.
• Support demonstrations, factory acceptance, installation, site acceptance and commissioning. Resolve defects, issue controlled updates and support equipment during warranty and operational life.
• Work with customers and multidisciplinary colleagues to clarify requirements, communicate progress and risks, participate in workshops and reviews, share technical knowledge and improve reusable components and engineering methods.
• Contribute to feasibility studies, solution development, software estimates, technical proposals, bid reviews and customer clarification meetings.

Essential skills and experience

• Degree, HNC/HND in software engineering, computer science, electronic engineering, systems engineering or a related discipline.
• Experience developing software for engineering, industrial, scientific or equipment-based applications.
• Practical experience with at least one relevant language or environment, such as C/C++, C#, LabVIEW, TestStand or Python.
• Sound understanding of software architecture and structured design; experience debugging and testing software in a practical engineering environment.
• Familiarity with source control and configuration management, technical documentation and software test evidence.
• Understanding of the development lifecycle, including requirements, design, implementation, integration, verification and controlled release.
• Logical and analytical problem-solving, initiative in resolving issues, and the ability to understand complex technical information.
• Effective teamwork, written and verbal communication, and confidence engaging with customers and non-software disciplines.
• Ability to manage assigned work, report progress realistically, meet commitments and adapt to different technologies and projects.
• Willingness to work alongside engineers and physical equipment and travel occasionally in the UK and internationally. Right to work in the UK.

Desirable technical experience

• Aerospace, defence, space, rail, energy or another regulated sector; automated or special-to-type test equipment.
• LabVIEW/TestStand; modern C++ including maintenance of C++14 codebases; hardware-in-the-loop, simulation or real-time test systems.
• Data acquisition, signal conditioning, switching, instrumentation control or commercial test instruments.
• Ethernet, TCP/IP, UDP, serial, RS-232, RS-422, RS-485, CAN, ARINC 429, AFDX or MIL-STD-1553.
• Multithreaded, event-driven or real-time software; operator/HMI development, automated test sequencing and results reporting.
• Relational databases, requirements traceability, unit and automated testing, continuous integration, design patterns, object-oriented development or Windows engineering applications.
• Industrial/test-system cybersecurity, software safety, coding standards, regulated development, build/release management or legacy software migration.
• Factory/site acceptance and commissioning, or experience in geographically distributed teams. Relevant Armed Forces technical experience in electronics, avionics, communications, weapons systems, test equipment, maintenance, diagnostics or training is welcomed, alongside demonstrable software-development ability.

We offer:

• A collaborative and supportive team with true international reach
• An attractive salary package with benefits such as generous pension scheme (4% employee / 8% employer, full family health care plan, family health cash plan, 27 days holiday + bank holidays, Life assurance & income protection insurance
• Opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth
• Be part of a company that puts ESG at the heart of its mission, for people, planet, and performance.

Security requirements

Due to the nature of our aerospace and defence work, applicants must be eligible to obtain and maintain the level of UK national security clearance required for the role.

Some projects may also be subject to additional nationality, residency or export-control restrictions. Any such restrictions will be considered as part of the recruitment process and will depend upon the programmes to which the successful candidate is assigned.