Software Engineer

As an engineer at Pearson Engineering, you’ll master every stage of the product lifecycle from design to assembly through to installation and training our end-users worldwide. There’s not one stage you’ll not be involved in as an engineer at Pearson Engineering.

Our reputation for delivering mission-critical, life-saving equipment to Armed Forces is unparalleled. Our battle-proven Front-End Equipment redefines armoured vehicle capabilities.

If you’re an engineer driven to make a tangible, lasting impact, we’d love to hear from you.

• Job Purpose

  Reporting to the Head of R&D, the primary role is developing software for our current and future products. This will include gathering and documenting user requirements, defining system functionality, developing, and testing code (integral to PEL’s products) in a number of different languages, as well as assisting during the commissioning / testing of existing and future products.

  The Research and Development function is a multi-disciplined team that sits within the wider Engineering function. The team’s primary responsibility is to track the latest technology and engineering advancements and create novel solutions to previously unsolved complex problems faced by our customers. The Research and Development team are involved in concept design, innovative product development and the support of delivery of the complete manufacturing and technical data packs associated with our contracts. The team also provides hands-on support for demonstrations, installation, testing and commissioning of new products, both internally and at our customers’ sites, all over the world.

• Key Responsibilities
  • Writing efficient, well-designed, testable, and maintainable code.
  • Integrating software components into a fully functional software system.
  • Troubleshooting, debugging, and upgrading existing systems.
  • Maintaining a knowledge of current software development trends to assist in the development of current and future products and internal product design processes.
  • Developing flowcharts / state diagrams and other documentation to clarify / identify requirements and solutions.
  • Verification and validation of fellow developers designs.
  • Hosting and participating in design reviews providing technical input throughout the development process.
  • Coaching team members to improve capabilities and develop their software knowledge/expertise.
  • Generating operating and troubleshooting instructions suitable for integration into customer manuals.
  • Contribute to the selection and specification of the electronics hardware that software will be installed onto and interface to.
  • Communicating professionally with fellow staff, directors, and clients.
  • Maintain strict deadlines and prioritise workflow accordingly.
  • Other related duties as assigned.
• Skills / Experience
  • A degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Physics or Maths with a grade of at least a 2:1 or an equivalent qualification and experience.
  • Proven experience in relevant industry.
  • Experience with Linux and developing real-time software in C/C++, Java or Python is essential.
  • Experience of robotics, machine control systems and automation is essential.
  • A basic understanding of electronics and the ability to read electrical schematics is essential.
  • Experience with ROS, machine learning and OpenCV is advantageous.
  • Knowledge of CODESYS or similar PLC software is beneficial.
  • Experience of testing or reviewing software written by others is desirable.
  • Experience working in a multi-disciplined engineering team.
  • Able to think laterally when problem solving.
  • Ability to investigate and interpret data, issues, and situations, to make sound decisions in high-stress situations.
  • Appetite for learning new technologies and applications.
  • Ability to communicate complex procedures to colleagues.
  • Self-motivating, proactive and results driven approach.
  • Ability to work to deadlines whilst maintaining high quality.
  • Excellent knowledge of MS office applications including Excel and Word.
• Personal attributes and other requirements
  • As a defence contractor, we have a number of security obligations placed upon the company, which means that all our staff must be able to successfully achieve the relevant security clearances.
  • You will be expected to support in-house training programmes, as required.
• Working Environment
  • Mainly office based in Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK,  with visits to external customers (both UK and overseas) from time-to-time.
  • Working conditions whilst on customer sites may include working outside of normal business hours and being required to work in inclement/uncomfortable field conditions.