Rolls-Royce Power Systems
Principal Software Engineer
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Principal Software Engineer
Full-Time (Permanent)
Location: Heybridge
About the Role
At Rolls-Royce, we shape the modern world through cutting-edge solutions, supported by a culture that champions innovation and individuality. As a Principal Software Engineer, you’ll be part of the Software Systems Capability function, responsible for the design, validation, testing, and on-time delivery of software components—ensuring they meet high-level requirements and system integrity standards.
Your role involves specifying, refining, and decomposing software designs, translating requirements into testable components, analysing functional behaviour (including modelling and simulation), and driving improvements in robustness and safety. You’ll collaborate cross-functionally while fostering a high-performance environment that values continuous learning and problem-solving.
Key Responsibilities
This role requires a balance of technical leadership, quality assurance, and stakeholder collaboration. Your duties will include:
Software Development & Design
- Review and agree high-level software requirements, ensuring testability.
- Analyse and translate requirements into validated designs for software components.
- Define and capture constrained requirements (non-negotiable) and quality attributes (tradeable).
- Design and implement software components to meet requirements and standards.
- Allocate software requirements to test vehicles per the verification plan.
Verification & Quality Assurance
- Model and simulate software components to ensure compliance with requirements.
- Develop, review, and execute software tests to evidence requirement fulfilment.
- Analyse existing software for architectural/design flaws and lead codebase improvements.
- Evaluate verification test results against software artefact compliance.
- Conduct targeted software testing to diagnose issues, resolve problems, and support customer relations.
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Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration
- Liaise with other engineering disciplines to align component design with functional performance.
- Project-provide technical mentorship and collaborate on strategic planning, department goals, and department-wide improvements.
Knowledge & Training
- Advise project teams on best practices and create/reuse knowledge assets with guidance from seniors.
- Produce technical reports and documentation as required.
- Contribute to policy, procedure, tool development, and training initiatives.
Requirements
Essential
- Degree-qualified (BSc. MSc., PhD, or equivalent) in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, or related discipline.
- Advanced expertise in modern C++ (for real-time systems), including legacy code refactoring to enhance robustness.
- Deep understanding of software design, system architecture, and embedded software testing (module-level).
- Architectural awareness of relevant engineering disciplines (e.g. safety, performance, reliability).
- Proficiency with design and analysis tools, with an understanding of their functional limitations and outputs.
- Professional courage to flag suitability and risk issues proactively, ensuring safe, functional solutions.
- Ability to interpret test data, evaluate measurement uncertainty, and draw informed conclusions.
- Track record of task execution and timely delivery, with demonstrated responsiveness to stakeholders.
- Risk identification and management skills for collaborative workload mitigation.
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Preferred
- Highly self-directed with keen attention to detail, strong problem-solving ability, and calculated approach to analysis.
- Dynamic time management for prioritising tasks in high-pressure environments with evolving objectives.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills—able to convey technical concepts to both engineers and non-engineers.
- Proactive research aptitude to seek solutions beyond the team (suppliers, academia, customers).
- Experience with marine automation systems and industry-specific standards.
- Training facilitation ability, including developing/curating training materials.
- Interest in continuous capability development, such as through certification courses.
About Us
Power Systems & Transformation
Rolls-Royce’s Power Systems business, including its mtu brand, spearheads advanced marine and infrastructure solutions through electrification and digitalisation. Our technologies—ranging from gas/diesel engines to hybrid/electric systems—serve global demands in energy and mobility.
We’re undergoing a multi-year transformation to become a high-performance, competitive, and future-focused enterprise. Join us and shape a legacy of innovation.
Culture
At Rolls-Royce, you’ll thrive in an inclusive, respectful, and non-discriminatory environment where diversity fuels creativity, and every voice is valued. Our high-performing culture is built on collaboration and empathy.
Note: In certain locations, candidates may be asked to complete an online assessment (cognitive and behavioural tests). Full instructions will be provided post-shortlisting.
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