ALTEN is a global engineering and technology consultancy operating across over 35 countries worldwide. We partner with industry leaders across sectors including Aeronautics, Aerospace, Defence, Naval, Automotive, Energy, Rail, IT and many more to deliver innovative engineering solutions that drive technological advancement & support sustainable transformation.

Our teams of passionate and agile engineers work on cutting-edge projects that shape the future of technology and sustainability. At ALTEN, we empower talented engineers to innovate, solve complex challenges, and deliver impactful solutions that build tomorrow’s world—today.

Join us and start building tomorrow’s world today!

As a Backend Software Engineer you will join our team in London and  be responsible for designing, building, and supporting high‑reliability software platforms used to supervise and control complex, remote systems. The role focuses on developing core operational software, supporting data flows, and creating automation that improves efficiency, robustness, and repeatability.

You will work across multiple operational subsystems, contributing directly to the successful execution of live, high‑stakes activities in a highly regulated technical environment.

• Location: London
• On Site: 2x a month
• Clearance: SC clearable 
• Experience Level: Mid - Senior 

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, enhance, and support a central operational control platform, ensuring it meets performance, reliability, and operational requirements.
• Develop new backend software components using Java and Python to support monitoring, control, and data management capabilities.
• Contribute to the development of operational subsystems, including:
  • File transfer and management workflows for large or critical datasets
  • Automated ingestion, storage, and retrieval of structured and unstructured data
  • Workflow automation to support data processing, analysis, and control preparation
• Collaborate closely with systems and requirements engineers to ensure traceability, consistency, and sound technical design.
• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and optimise critical services to ensure readiness for live operations.
• Produce clear documentation, configuration artefacts, and operational procedures to support long‑term maintainability.
• Participate in technical design reviews, implementation discussions, and operational readiness assessments.

Required Skills:

• Strong hands‑on development experience with Java and Python.
• Solid understanding of software engineering best practices, including testing strategies and technical documentation.
• Experience building or supporting distributed, safety‑critical, or operationally sensitive systems.
• Comfortable working in Linux‑based environments using modern development and build toolchains.
• Experiance within Aerospace, Defence and Space industries. 

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, or equivalent military experience.

Desirable Skills:

• Experience working with relational databases, including schema design or integration with backend services.
• Familiarity with control, monitoring, or command pipelines in complex operational environments.
• Exposure to data transport standards, structured telemetry processing, or control‑system architectures.

Why join us? 

We bring together entrepreneurial, tech-driven people to deliver innovative solutions for leading companies.

At ALTEN, you’ll work on exciting projects, supported by ongoing learning, mentoring, and clear career development tailored to your goals.

Join a passionate team and help build tomorrow, today.

In short you get: 

• A personalised career path and a rewarding management style 
• A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries
• Private Medical Insurance
• Cycle & Tech Scheme 
• Employee assistance programme
• Life insurance & Pension Scheme
• Social atmosphere, regular gatherings & team buildings
• Flexible way of working (role dependent)

We are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant & actively encourage applications from members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, service leavers, and military spouses/partners. We recognise the value of military skills and experience and are committed to ensuring that no applicant is unfairly disadvantaged during our recruitment and selection processes. 

ALTEN is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and values the strength that comes from a global mix of backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of background or protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know. 

This role may require you to have or be willing to go through Security Clearance. As part of the onboarding process candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard; details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website Gov.UK. If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, then your employment may be delayed, or rejected . Details of this will be discussed with you at interview.