Principal Engineer – Software (C4/HMI) – Defence

About the role

We are looking for an experienced Principal Engineer to lead software development for a complex Defence Communications and Command & Control (C2) system. The role focuses on user‑interface design (HFI/UI/UX) and will work closely with systems engineers, architects and operational stakeholders to deliver mission‑critical capabilities.

Key responsibilities

• Produce UI product and system requirement specifications based on end‑user input and operational analysis.
• Develop design concepts and implementation specifications emphasizing usability.
• Create, evaluate and modify prototypes, operational scenarios and process maps with a focus on task analysis.
• Contribute to software architecture, detailed design and integration across distributed systems.
• Maintain software design artefacts, participate in technical reviews and design discussions.
• Ensure software quality through automated unit tests, integration/system/acceptance testing support and code reviews.

Required profile

• Degree in Software Engineering.
• Minimum 8 years of software development experience, preferably in communications, defence or mission‑critical distributed systems.
• Strong proficiency in Java development.
• Experience analysing designs from a Human Factors / Human Systems Integration perspective, including task analyses.
• Familiarity with GIS frameworks such as LuciadLightspeed or NASA World Wind and solid knowledge of Web UI fundamentals.

Required skills

• Java programming.
• GIS frameworks (LuciadLightspeed, NASA World Wind).
• Web UI development fundamentals.
• Human Factors / Human Systems Integration analysis.
• Task analysis techniques (Mission Task Analysis, Top‑Down Functional Analysis, Critical Task Analysis).
• UI/UX design principles.