Lead Engineer

JR United Kingdom; Bradley Stoke; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in national defense is seeking a Lead Engineer to provide technical leadership on a high-profile ISTAR programme. This role is crucial for ensuring that data-heavy systems are scalable and secure, calling for strong leadership and software engineering quality assessment. Applicants must have active SC clearance.

Benefits

Competitive basic salary

Stability and industry reputation

Qualifications

• Active SC clearance is essential.
• Experience in Defence, Aerospace or secure, complex environments.
• Strong software engineering background.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Experience in Defence

Technical Assurance

Software Engineering Background

Stakeholder Engagement

Tools

Kafka

MongoDB

VMWare

API Integration

Data Middleware

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.