Software Engineer (Contract)

Description We're building the next UK-headquartered engineering powerhouse.
There is a gulf between the needs of mission-focused organisations and the development and delivery of the critical technology they rely on.
The consequences of this are felt acutely by underserved frontline operators, demanding a new breed of engineering enterprise to bridge this divide.
Rowden exists to meet this need.
We design and build systems, infrastructure, and applications to deliver mission advantage to those working to protect the security of the UK and its allies.
Rowden is setting a new standard in government technology provision: hyper-efficient engineering, better customer relationships, and rapid assimilation of commercial technology.
We're looking for talented Software Engineers to work for 6 months on exciting projects aiming to deliver real value to our key customers.
You'll join a diverse team of engineers at Rowden.
You'll contribute to a hands-on engineering culture, sharing knowledge and lessons with the wider engineering team, and learn new things yourself along the way.
Key areas of responsibility As a Software Engineer at Rowden, you'll be responsible for: Design and implement core components of an Android-based operating system, such as kernel modules, device drivers, memory management, and process scheduling.
Develop system libraries and APIs that facilitate communication between components and applications  Debug complex issues including handling concurrency problems, memory leaks, and system crashes, ensuring stability and reliability.
Develop and execute comprehensive test plans, including unit tests, integration tests, and performance tests, to validate the operating system's robustness and stability.
Version Control: Utilise version control systems, particularly Git, to manage and track changes to our codebase.
Work within Agile frameworks, participating in sprints, stand-ups, and other Agile practices.
Key skills, experience and behaviours Technical Expertise:  Proficient in both Java and C++ with extensive experience in developing, testing, and debugging software applications.
Experience with multiple operating systems: Windows, Linux and Android.
Experience using the command line and shell.
Capable of writing clean, efficient, and maintainable code, utilising object-oriented programming principles, data structures, and algorithms to solve complex problems.
Familiar with software development tools, version control systems (such as Git), and build tools to streamline development workflows and maintain high code quality  Demonstrates strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to quickly grasp new technologies and adapt to changing project requirements.
Experience in working on diverse projects, from legacy codebases to modern applications, ensuring seamless integration and enhancement of functionalities.
Communication and Collaboration:  Collaborative mindset, with experience working in cross-functional teams in Agile frameworks.
Exhibits a high level of professionalism, reliability, and effective communication skills.
Able to work independently with minimal supervision while also collaborating effectively, contributing to project goals, and delivering quality results within agreed timelines.
Security Focus:  In-depth knowledge of Android security practices, with a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating potential security risks.
Experience in developing secure, resilient, and compliant mobile solutions.
Highly Desirable Experience:  Knowledge of other programming languages such as Kotlin, Go, Python  Experience in regulated sectors delivering complex networked systems, such as defence, national security, telecommunications, financial services, or automotive industries.
Experience in custom Android OS and driver development, the Android build system and source code; such as, but not limited to, Android Auto and audio streaming devices.
Understanding of Android OS architecture, including low level Linux kernel-level programming.
Experience in developing Android applications, with a strong understanding of the Android SDK, application lifecycle, Android development tools and UI/UX design principles.
Working at Rowden We are committed to building a flexible, inclusive, and enabling company.
Our aim is to create a diverse team of talented people with unique skills, experience, and backgrounds, so please apply and come as you are!
We also recognise the importance of flexible working and support this wherever we can.
We typically operate a flexible, hybrid-working model, with an average 3 days in the office each week (dependent on the role).
We welcome the opportunity to discuss flexibility, part-time working requirements and/or workplace adjustments with all our applicants.
Rowden is a Disability Confident Committed company, and we actively encourage people with disabilities and health conditions to apply for our roles.
Please let us know your requirements early on so that we can make sure you have everything you need up front to help make the recruitment process and experience as easy as possible.
Finally, if you feel that you don't meet all the criteria included above but have transferable skills and relevant experience, we'd still love to hear from you!
Our Mission:     To create the best possible technology for frontline operators.
We're upending the conventions of government technology provision and bringing a leaner, more transparent, and lower-friction approach that reduces waste and places outcome over process.
We believe every possible measure should be taken to provide frontline operators in today's dynamic and rapidly changing world with the technology they need to help keep themselves and others safe.
Our Vision:     We offer fast and flexible solutions to the technical challenges of public sector organisations.
We are specialists in software-centric systems, with deep expertise in developing capabilities for constrained networking environments or with challenging cyber security requirements.
But the Rowden difference is as much cultural as it is technical: 'what we do' and 'how we do it' are equally important.
We are specifically organised to create and sustain pace, reduce waste and inefficiency, and drive better outcomes.
You'll see and feel that energy and intent all over our business.
What matters to us?
Our focus is on the end user.
We exist to deliver the best possible outcomes for the users of our systems.
Pace matters.
The problems we solve are urgent.
Our diverse skills and backgrounds make us better.
Our team prides itself on being inclusive and multidisciplinary.
We are radically honest.
Saying what we mean, even when it isn't easy.
We are pragmatists.
We provide realistic, focused solutions that get to the point.
We improve continuously.
We are relentless in our drive to make things better.