UK software engineering solutions provider Zircon Software has appointed David R Owen as technology director, according to RailUK, strengthening its senior leadership team as the business accelerates a modernisation programme targeting safety-critical and regulated industries.

Owen joins with extensive experience across engineering leadership, technology delivery and operational improvement. His remit will cover engineering delivery, process improvement and automation, and the development of future products and recurring revenue opportunities. He will also work directly on customer projects alongside his leadership responsibilities.

The appointment coincides with Zircon's investment in AI-assisted engineering tools to accelerate software development, testing and delivery, while preserving the assurance, governance and traceability standards required in safety and regulated environments.

Managing director David Owen said: "As we continue building for growth, strong technical leadership is essential to ensuring we maintain the engineering quality, agility, and customer focus that Zircon has become known for over the last 25 years. David brings a combination of engineering leadership, delivery experience, and a forward-looking approach to technology modernisation."

He added: "We also see significant opportunity in the use of AI-assisted engineering tools to improve productivity and accelerate delivery, within regulated and safety-critical sectors."

Established over 25 years ago, Zircon positions itself among the UK's leading SME software engineering businesses. David will support the development of recurring revenue streams while helping the business sustain the hands-on technical delivery that has defined its reputation across regulated sectors.

The new appointment reflects Zircon's continued investment in capability at a pivotal stage of the company's evolution.

Read the full story to understand what this appointment signals for software engineering in regulated sectors.