Software Engineer Consultant (Defence)

Daintta are a rapidly growing, values-driven consultancy delivering mission-critical data, technology, and engineering solutions across the UK public sector. We partner with clients in Defence, National Security, Law Enforcement, and wider Government to strengthen the UK's resilience and operational advantage through innovative, data-driven insights.

We are seeking a Software Engineer with proven experience in the UK Defence sector to design and deliver secure, scalable software systems supporting our clients' most important missions. You'll be joining a collaborative, purpose-led team committed to transparency, fairness, and daring innovation.

As a Software Engineer (Defence), you will work alongside Defence stakeholders, programme leads, and multi-disciplinary teams to design, develop, and maintain software systems that directly support national defence capabilities. You will apply your software engineering expertise within classified or restricted environments, ensuring security, reliability, and compliance with MOD standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Work closely with MOD and Defence Industry clients to understand mission requirements and translate them into robust software solutions.
• Design, develop, test, and deploy high-quality, secure software using Defence-approved toolchains and environments.
• Contribute to systems that enhance situational awareness, command and control, cyber defence, and decision-support capabilities.
• Develop clean, well-documented, and maintainable code in accordance with relevant coding standards and security requirements.
• Participate in code reviews, peer testing, and design assurance activities to maintain delivery quality in secure environments.
• Collaborate with systems engineers, data scientists, and solution architects to deliver integrated solutions across restricted environments.
• Apply DevSecOps principles, CI/CD pipelines, and containerisation technologies (e.g. Docker, Kubernetes) to Defence projects where appropriate.
• Keep up to date with emerging Defence technology trends, secure software frameworks, and government digital standards.
• Contribute to bid and proposal work, technical presentations, and client demonstrations.
• Support Daintta's growth in the Defence sector through mentoring, technical input, and alignment with company strategy.
• Helping to support & grow Daintta by actively inputting into the company strategy and helping to shape our future.
• Representing us and our core values: Transparent, Fair, and Daring.

Skills/Knowledge

The role requires the following key skills / knowledge, non-exhaustively:

• Proven experience delivering software engineering projects within the UK Defence ecosystem (e.g. MOD, DE&S, DSTL, DIO, or Defence primes).
• Strong knowledge of secure software development practices and handling sensitive information appropriately.
• Proficiency in one or more programming languages: Python, Java, C++, Rust, or Go.
• Familiarity with Defence-relevant software development frameworks and toolsets, such as Jenkins, GitLab CI, pytest, and OpenAPI.
• Experience working within Unix/Linux environments and with database systems (SQL or NoSQL).
• Familiarity with secure by design principles
• Hands-on experience with Agile or Scrum delivery methods, ideally in secure or hybrid cloud environments.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills; able to convey complex technical information clearly to non-technical stakeholders.
• Knowledge of cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or MODCloud) and DevOps practices (CI/CD, infrastructure-as-code).
• Commitment to producing high-quality, mission-ready software underpinned by robust testing and assurance.

What's in it for you?

In addition to being rewarded fairly for your contribution to the business, you get to work in a dynamic organisation that is agile and responsive. A business that is growing fast and where you get to drive and shape the future. A place where you are respected by everyone and your voice is important. Somewhere where you can be innovative and creative. A place where you have the opportunity to learn about all aspects of business from marketing to sales, to delivery and business operations.

Benefits

We believe in supporting our people both professionally and personally. Here's what you can expect when you join us:

Time Off:

• 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
• Up to 3 days annual volunteering leave - give back to the community
• Competitive maternity, paternity, shared parental leave & compassionate leave

Health & Wellness:

• Comprehensive Private Health Insurance
• Employee Assistance Programme - 24/7 support services
• £2,000 Flex Cash Allowance, paid pro-rata over the year

Financial Benefits:

• 5% pension contribution
• Discretionary company awards and bonuses, based on performance and company targets

Professional Development

• Up to £1,000 annual training budget (access to additional training and development budget via business case)
• Up to 5 days annual training leave
• 1 professional membership paid annually
• Up to £200 of additional IT budget for new joiners

Location?

Hybrid, with 2-3 days working from Daintta office (London or Cheltenham) or on client site as required. Depending on client demands, there may be a need for more than 3 days per week on client site.

Security Information

Due to clients' requirements, all applications are strictly subject to security clearance requirements relevant to the role.