Software Engineer - Data Distribution Service (RTI DDS)

Senior DDS Software Engineer – Air Defence - Bristol | 4–5 days on-site

Are you an experienced software engineer with a strong background in DDS, real-time distributed systems and software architecture?

We are recruiting for a highly technical position within a major UK defence programme developing advanced Air Defence systems. This is an opportunity to work at the point where software architecture, communications and complex weapon-system design meet – defining how critical software components and subsystems communicate across a sophisticated distributed system.
Rather than owning a single application or feature, you will work across the wider architecture, helping define the data models, interfaces and design patterns that underpin communication between software components at both subsystem and weapon-system level.

This would suit an experienced DDS engineer, distributed systems specialist or software architect who wants substantial technical ownership while remaining hands-on.
The RoleWorking closely with Software Architects, technical leads and subsystem development teams, you will help lead the continued development of a common communications architecture used across complex Air Defence systems.

Your responsibilities will include:

Designing and developing DDS-based communications architectures for complex real-time systems
Designing and constructing Interface Definition Language (IDL) at weapon-system and subsystem level
Defining the data models and interfaces used for communication between distributed software components
Supporting architecture and design decisions across weapon-system and subsystem development
Contributing to the definition and design of Command & Control functionality
Developing reusable component templates, architectural patterns and software design approaches
Analysing complex data requirements and translating them into robust software interfaces
Providing technical guidance and mentoring to software development teams
Working with Software Architects and engineering leads to resolve system-level integration and communication challenges
Providing technical leadership for the technologies underpinning the wider communications framework
Ensuring solutions continue to meet demanding standards for safety, reliability and software qualityWhat We're Looking For
We are particularly interested in engineers with experience in some of the following:

Data Distribution Service (DDS)
Interface Definition Language (IDL)
Real-time distributed software systems
Publish/subscribe architectures
Software middleware and inter-process communications
Data modelling and interface design
System and subsystem software architecture
Command & Control systems
Mission-critical or safety-critical software
Complex software/system integration
Technical leadership or mentoring of software engineersExperience within defence, aerospace, autonomous systems, robotics, simulation, automotive, industrial control or another complex real-time engineering environment would be particularly relevant.

Experience with technologies such as RTI Connext DDS, OpenDDS, Fast DDS or Cyclone DDS would also be of interest.

You do not necessarily need to come directly from the defence sector. Engineers who have developed sophisticated real-time distributed systems in adjacent industries are strongly encouraged to apply.

Why Consider This Role?
This is an opportunity to move beyond application-level development and influence software at system architecture level.

You will be working on software that sits at the heart of advanced Air Defence capability, tackling difficult engineering problems around real-time communications, distributed data, interoperability, reliability and system integration.

The position also offers:

Company bonus of up to £2,500
Employer and employee pension contributions of up to 14% combined
Paid overtime opportunities
Up to 15 additional flexi-leave days
Enhanced parental leave
Excellent on-site facilities, including subsidised catering and free parking
Opportunities to collaborate with specialist engineering teams internationallyLocation & Working Arrangements
The position is based in Bristol. Due to the classified nature of the programmes involved, you should expect to work on-site 4–5 days per week. This is therefore unlikely to suit candidates seeking predominantly remote working.

Security & Nationality Requirements
Due to the security requirements associated with this position, applicants must hold British citizenship.

Successful candidates will be required to complete the relevant UK Government personnel security screening.

If you are an experienced DDS Engineer, Distributed Systems Engineer, Software Architect or Real-Time Software Engineer looking for a role where you can influence the architecture of some of the UK's most advanced defence systems, we would be keen to hear from you.

Apply now or contact Electus Recruitment Solutions for a confidential discussion
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed