Lead Engineer

JR United Kingdom; Bath; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization in national defence is seeking a Lead Engineer to provide technical leadership on a high-profile ISTAR programme. This role is vital for ensuring that data-heavy defence systems are scalable, secure, and effective, with responsibilities that include leading engineering standards and stakeholder engagement.

Benefits

Competitive basic salary

Stability and strong industry reputation

Qualifications

• Experience in secure, complex environments such as Defence, Aerospace.
• Active SC clearance required; DV is a bonus.
• Strong software engineering background, capable of assessing technical quality.

Responsibilities

• Set engineering standards and lead technical assurance for the ISTAR programme.
• Collaborate on programme strategy with senior engineers.
• Lead integration and testing for deployed solutions.

Skills

Technical leadership

Engagement with senior stakeholders

Software engineering quality assessment

Tools

Kafka

MongoDB

VMWare

Job description

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We’re looking for a Lead Engineer to provide technical leadership and assurance on a high-profile ISTAR programme supporting national defence capabilities.

You’ll work across a multi-supplier environment, setting engineering standards, shaping governance structures and influencing long-term technology direction. This role is central to ensuring mission-critical, data-heavy systems are scalable, secure and fit for purpose.

Key responsibilities:

• Set engineering standards and lead on technical assurance.
• Collaborate with the Chief Engineer and Chief Architect on programme strategy.
• Lead on integration, testing, and governance for deployed solutions.
• Support the software factory roadmap and Defence Digital integration.
• Engage senior stakeholders across Defence Digital, the Army, and suppliers.

About you:

• Experience in Defence, Aerospace or secure, complex environments.
• Active SC clearance is essential; DV is a bonus.
• MOD or Defence Prime background is required.
• Strong software engineering background (you won’t be coding, but must be able to review and assess technical quality).
• Familiarity with Kafka, MongoDB, VMWare, API integration and data middleware.
• Confident working with senior stakeholders and acting as a trusted advisor.
• Help shape the future of Defence technology and capability.
• Join a respected team influencing critical national security outcomes.
• Stability and industry reputation
• Competitive basic

Applicants must hold active SC clearance and have the right to work in the UK.

If you bring domain expertise and strategic engineering leadership, I want to hear from you.