C++ Software Engineer

Leonardo; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Time to Recharge

Secure your Future

Your Wellbeing Matters

Rewarding Performance

Never Stop Learning

Job summary

Leonardo in Southampton is seeking talented software engineers to support defence projects. You will develop high-quality software across Linux and Windows environments, collaborating with cross-functional teams and applying design principles for modular, reusable code.

The role emphasizes lifecycle discipline, hands-on testing, and software/hardware integration, with security screenings and flexible onsite/hybrid working in the UK.

Qualifications

• Experience with developing C++ Linux applications.
• Experience with developing C# Windows applications.
• Familiarity with lifecycle processes (requirements, design, implementation, test, integration).
• Familiarity with configuration management tools such as Git.
• Software design experience (SysML/UML).
• Test case and procedure development experience.
• Software/Hardware integration and debugging.
• Networking experience.
• Software development on ARM cores within FPGAs.
• Knowledge of Docker, VMs and CI tools.
• Knowledge of RTCA 178C and AUTOSAR / MISRA C/C++ standards.

Responsibilities

• Deliver and integrate high-quality software code for critical applications.
• Support and motivate multi-disciplinary teams.
• Influence development approach with design principles, modularity and reuse.
• Develop expertise in an environment focused on learning, mentorship, and career progression.
• Collaborate with engineering teams on multidisciplinary solutions.

Skills

C++

Linux

C#

Windows

Software lifecycle

git

SysML/UML

Test design

HW/SW integration

Networking

ARM in FPGA

Docker

CI tools

AUTOSAR/MISRA C/C++

Tools

Git

Docker

Virtual machines

CI tools

Job description

Your impact

We are on the hunt for talented software engineers to support our Integrated Sensors & Protection line of business, working on a range of defence projects. Direct industry experience is not required; we are happy to explore all backgrounds and help develop all our software engineers.

Job Description

We are on the hunt for talented software engineers to support our Integrated Sensors & Protection line of business, working on a range of defence projects. Direct industry experience is not required; we are happy to explore all backgrounds and help develop all our software engineers.

We want to develop a new generation of features and capabilities using innovative software solutions and we need you to create them. You will be a key part in a community of world-class software engineers who will continuously improve, collaborate and innovate with other engineers to create market-leading products within the defence industry.

What You Will Do

• Deliver and integrate high-quality software code, ensuring reliability in critical applications.
• Support and motivate others working with in multi disciplined teams
• Influence the development approach considering design principles, modularity and reuse, best practice, toolchain and much more.
• Develop your expertise in an environment that prioritises learning, mentorship, and career progression.
• Work closely our engineering teams, contributing to multidisciplinary solutions.

What You’ll Bring

• Experience with developing C++ Linux applications
• Experience with developing C# Windows applications
• Familiarity with the Software lifecycle processes including Requirements Management, Design, Implementation, Test and Integration
• Familiarity with Configuration Management process and tools e.g. git
• Software design experience e.g. SysML / UML
• Test case / procedure development experience
• Software/Hardware integration and debugging
• Networking experience
• Software development on ARM core within FPGAs
• Knowledge of Docker, Virtual machines and Continuous Integration (CI) tools
• Knowledge of software development standards such as RTCA 178C and coding standards such as AUTOSAR / MISRA C/C++

This is not an exhaustive list, and we are keen to hear from you even if you might not have experience in all the above. The most important skill is a good attitude and willingness to learn.

You will be required to work in our Southampton office 1 to 4 days a week. Employees are welcome to work onsite 5 days a week, but our flexible working allows working from home. This project will require time onsite regularly, but it will vary depending on the work required.

Security Clearance

This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) will apply, this includes meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit: https://careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/security-and-vetting

Why join us

At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work-life balance. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.

• Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
• Secure your Future: Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Your Wellbeing Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
• Rewarding Performance: All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
• Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.

For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website.

Leonardo UK operates a grade-based salary framework with broad bands. The salary range shown reflects the approved grade band for this role, or a narrower hiring range published within that band, and is benchmarked against the external market. Exceptions above the standard range are managed through governance controls to protect internal equity.

Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. Our employees are not just part of a team—they are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.

At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.

Primary Location

GB - Southampton

Contract Type

Permanent

Hybrid Working

Hybrid