Chief Software Engineer

Leonardo; Luton; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in Luton seeks a Chief Software Engineer to lead the software development for key UK fast jet capabilities. In this role, you will be responsible for ensuring compliance across the software life cycle while collaborating with senior leadership and other disciplines. Ideal candidates will have experience in delivering software projects, particularly in critical environments. This position offers flexible working options and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Generous leave with flexi-days

Award-winning pension scheme

Access to mental health support

Bonus scheme

Free access to online courses

Financial rewards for referrals

Flexible benefits package

Hybrid working options

Qualifications

• You must demonstrate experience in delivering software projects.
• Skills in ensuring technical compliance across the software lifecycle are essential.
• A good attitude and willingness to learn are highly valued.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for technical aspects of software development for Eurofighter and GCAP.
• Engage with other disciplines and senior leadership to support strategic objectives.
• Consider requirements, architecture, tooling, governance, and testing.

Skills

High integrity / critical software development in an aerospace environment

Experience in all aspects of the software development life cycle

Delivering software projects

Job description

Overview

Job Description: Your impact. Do you want to take a key role in delivering solutions to support the current and future UK fast jet capabilities? As a Chief Software Engineer, you will be responsible for key technical aspects of the software development across both Eurofighter and GCAP Combat Air programmes. This means you will consider requirements, architecture, tooling, governance and test as part of your role. You will also support and influence across the wider business engaging with other disciplines and senior leadership. Want to make a difference… then be a Chief Software Engineer at Leonardo.

What you’ll bring

• You will be responsible for ensuring the technical compliance of software solutions across all areas of the software development life cycle.
• Your skills will include: High integrity / critical software development in an aerospace or similar environment (Nuclear, Rail, Finance, Medical, etc).
• Experience across all aspect of the software development life cycle.
• Demonstrable experience in delivering software projects.
• 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.

Security clearance

This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Security Check (SC). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, which could include meeting the eligibility requirements for Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit: Why join us

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: 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.
• Refer a friend: financial reward through our referral programme.
• Tailored Perks: spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
• Flexible working: flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role.

For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website. 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. Be part of something bigger - apply now!