C++ Software Engineer

Leonardo; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 54,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous leave

Pension with employer contribution

Mental health support

Bonus scheme

Access to online courses

Job summary

Leonardo UK is seeking software engineers in Southampton to deliver and integrate high‑quality software for critical applications across defence projects. The role supports a hybrid work model with time onsite at Southampton and flexible home working, and requires broad expertise from C++ on Linux to C# on Windows, plus strong software lifecycle and CI tooling knowledge.

You’ll join a community of world-class engineers, contributing to market-leading features while developing in an environment

Qualifications

• 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 processes and tools such as git.
• Software design experience such as SysML / UML.
• Test case / procedure development experience.
• Software/Hardware integration and debugging.
• Networking experience.
• Software development on ARM cores 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++.

Responsibilities

• Deliver and integrate high‑quality software code, ensuring reliability in critical applications.
• Support and motivate others working within multi‑disciplinary 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 with our engineering teams, contributing to multidisciplinary solutions.

Skills

C++ Linux

C# Windows

Git

SysML UML

Test cases

SW/HW integration

Networking

ARM FPGA

Docker

Virtual machines

CI tools

AUTOSAR MISRA

RTCA 178C

Tools

Git

Docker

CI tools

Virtual machines

Job description

Salary Range

£54,000 - £70,000

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.

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.

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 within multi‑disciplinary 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 with 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 processes and tools such as git.
• Software design experience such as SysML / UML.
• Test case / procedure development experience.
• Software/Hardware integration and debugging.
• Networking experience.
• Software development on ARM cores 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++.

We recognise 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, including 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 – 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.
• 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.

Primary Location

GB - Southampton

Contract Type

Permanent

Hybrid Working

Hybrid