Software Engineer

Nova Systems plays a vital role in modelling and simulation space by delivering advanced systems engineering and digital technology solutions that help governments and industries make critical decisions. Our work supports mission readiness, system optimisation, and scenario planning across defence, aerospace, and essential services. Future employees can expect to work on cutting-edge challenges that directly impact national safety and global stability, within a collaborative, values-driven culture.  

Our Vision  -  Smart people. Solving complex challenges. Making our world safe and secure.

The Role - Junior Software Engineer    

As a Junior Software Engineer in the Modelling & Simulation (M&S) domain, you will play a key role in developing innovative software and automation solutions that support decision-making for the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD). You’ll help build simulation models, data-driven tools, and automation pipelines that underpin experimentation, capability assessment, and future force development. This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career engineer with a strong technical foundation and an interest in applying software and data skills to real-world defence challenges.

Location - This role will primarily be based on the client site in Farnborough, Hampshire.

Key Accountabilities of the role

• Support the development and testing of software for Project Crucible [1] and related M&S initiatives.
• Implement and maintain automation scripts and workflows to improve efficiency in model execution and data processing.
• Contribute to the design and development of simulation models and analytical tools.
• Assist in building and maintaining data pipelines that extract and transform simulation outputs.
• Support integration of models and tools into federated simulation environments.
• Collaborate with software, data, and domain specialists to deliver high-quality technical outputs.

What are we looking for?  

Essential Experience

• Programming experience in C++ 
• Understanding of software engineering principles (version control, testing, CI/CD).
• An interest in automation, scripting, and process optimisation.
• Basic experience with data handling, data pipelines, or data manipulation.
• Awareness of networking protocols and distributed systems.
• Desire to learn Lua scripting (used within VR-Forces simulation)

Desirable Experience 

• Programming experience in Python 
• Defence Modelling & Simulation (M&S)
• Air and/or Maritime domain knowledge
• Development of simulation systems and integration/federation
• Rapid concepting and prototyping of M&S capabilities
• Exposure to simulation integration, automation frameworks, or data-driven experimentation

Security Requirements:

• UK Citizenship (no dual citizenship) 
• Ability to achieve Security Clearance (SC)

Why Join Us

At Nova Systems, you’ll be part of a mission-driven team that values innovation, trust, and collaboration. We offer a supportive environment for learning and development, backed by our professional development allowance, mentoring, and opportunities to work on impactful defence projects.

Benefits & Perks 

• 8.5% matched pension
• Up to £3000 Annual Professional Development Allowance 
• 5 days Development Leave
• 25 days Annual Leave + UK Public Holidays 
• Enhanced Family Friendly Leave 
• Reservist Leave       
• Loyalty Leave 
• Private Medical Insurance     
• Life Insurance 
• Upto 6 Weeks Sick Pay    
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Reward & Recognition Programme     
• Discounts and more 
• Dress for your Day! 
• Flexible and Hybrid working         
• Free Parking 

Location

We support any client/onsite workdays with travel expenses and accommodation when required, this supports you being based anywhere in the UK as long as you are happy to commute for those days where the team collaborates onsite.  This is typically 2-3 days a week with the rest being home or office based.  We do try our best to ensure we can be as flexible as possible and offer work from home options to balance the days, however due to the sensitive nature of some of our projects then onsite is necessary.  The client site is located at Cody Technology Park, Farnborough, Hampshire which is where the work will be based.   

Interview Process

1. MS Teams Screen call with Talent Partner 
2. MS Teams Interview with Hiring Manager / Snr Team Member                
3. Final interview / meet the team -  In Person at one of our Offices 

• May include pre briefed case study / research presentation 
• Right to work documents must be provided at this stage if not before.