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Arkeus builds AI-powered sensing systems for autonomous platforms deployed in defence and national security applications. The company combines optics, autonomy, robotics and real-time AI to solve complex problems in contested environments. Backed by leading venture investors including QIC and Main Sequence, Arkeus is entering a major growth phase.
You will lead the software engineering function as the company scales. This is a senior engineering leadership role with responsibility for people, technical capability, engineering practices and software delivery across the organization. You will work alongside engineering leaders across Advanced Development, Systems, Hardware, Science and Product to ensure software is treated as a core engineering discipline and that teams can turn complex technical challenges into reliable, deployable capability.
Key responsibilities include: building, leading and developing a high-performing software engineering team; establishing structures, standards and engineering practices needed as Arkeus scales; recruiting, retaining, coaching and developing exceptional software engineers and technical leaders; establishing clear career pathways and technical development across the software discipline; creating an environment where engineers are empowered to take ownership and solve difficult problems; setting and maintaining strong software engineering standards across architecture, development, testing, integration and deployment; providing technical guidance on significant software architecture and design decisions; and collaborating with other engineering leaders to ensure software excellence across the product.
This is not a traditional software delivery management role. The company seeks someone who understands software deeply, can lead experienced engineers, and is comfortable operating in an environment where problems are complex, technology is evolving, and solutions are not always obvious. You will work on the hardest problems in deep-tech—optics, autonomy, real-time AI and hardware-software integration. The gap between what you build and where it ends up is almost non-existent. You will collaborate with exceptional leaders who have 40+ years of combined experience in autonomy, optics and defence. The team is close-knit and ego-free, where ideas compete on merit, not seniority.
Qualifications and Requirements:
- Technical leader first, with deep understanding of software engineering
- Proven experience building and leading teams of exceptional engineers
- Ability to give clarity and autonomy while challenging thinking
- Comfortable getting into technical detail when needed, with real impact from building capability, making good decisions and developing people
- Curious, pragmatic and comfortable with ambiguity
- Experience with software architecture, development practices, testing and deployment standards
- Ability to work in environments with complex, evolving technical challenges
- Experience in deep-tech, defence, or similar mission-critical environments preferred
