Lead Software Engineer

Northrop Grumman UK; Cheltenham; Hybrid; GBP 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working options

Cash health plan

Career development programmes

Job summary

Northrop Grumman UK is seeking a Lead Software Engineer to design, develop and maintain critical backbone infrastructure across diverse projects. You will guide the team through technical and delivery challenges, ensuring robust, scalable solutions that meet customer needs and strategic goals.

The role emphasizes leadership, collaboration with product and QA teams, and delivering secure, reliable software in a modern CI/CD and cloud environment. Hybrid working options are available.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Software Developer with focus on backend Java development.
• Strong track record delivering scalable backend systems.
• Experience with CI/CD, containerisation and cloud deployment tools.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of the team’s deliverables and work with the Scrum Master to define the path forward.
• Contribute across the full software development lifecycle from requirements to deployment.
• Collaborate with product teams, front‑end engineers and QA to deliver high‑quality solutions.
• Mentor and guide junior developers to grow team capability.

Skills

Backend Java (Spring Boot)

Spring Boot

Maven

Scalable backend systems

CI/CD

Containerisation

Docker

Kubernetes

AWS

Agile / Scrum

Leadership / mentoring

Communication skills

Tools

Jenkins

Kubernetes

Docker

AWS

Job description

Clearance

You must currently hold the highest level of UK Government clearance

Define Possible at Northrop Grumman UK

What’s your possible?

At Northrop Grumman UK, you are part of a team driving innovation where it matters most – solving tomorrow’s challenges and shaping the technology solutions of the future. It’s what we call Defining Possible.

This mind-set goes beyond our customer solutions; it’s the foundation for your career development and the impact we have within the community.

The Opportunity

This is more than just a job; it’s a mission.

As a Lead Software Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in designing, developing and maintaining the critical infrastructure that powers our services. You’ll work across a variety of exciting, complex projects within a unique mission space, building elegant, stable solutions that have real‑world impact.

You’ll also bring strong leadership, guiding your team through both technical and delivery challenges to ensure solutions meet customer needs.

“My purpose is to lead a team of engineers, rise to the challenges presented, push the boundaries and define possible together.”

What You’ll Do

• Take ownership of the team’s deliverables, working closely with the Scrum Master to define the best path forward.
• Contribute across the entire software development lifecycle, from requirements and design through implementation, testing and deployment.
• Collaborate with product teams, front‑end engineers and QA to deliver high‑quality solutions.
• Mentor and guide junior developers, contributing to team capability and skill growth.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience as a Software Developer with strong focus on one of the following:
• Backend Java development (Spring Boot, Maven)
• Proven experience designing, developing and deploying scalable backend systems.
• Familiarity with CI/CD, containerisation, deployment technologies and cloud platforms (Jenkins, Kubernetes, Docker, AWS).
• Excellent communication, collaboration and problem‑solving skills, ideally gained in an agile environment.

If you don’t meet every requirement, we still encourage you to apply. We value potential, curiosity and a willingness to grow.

Security Clearance

Due to the nature of our work, you must be British National for this clearance type.

You must be able to currently hold the Highest Level of UK Government security clearance.

Our recruitment team is available to support you through the process: [e-mail]

• Flexible working options, including hybrid working and an optional compressed fortnight
• Cash health plan
• Career development programmes and specialist training

Why Join Us?

A Mission to Believe In

Every day we help build a more secure and connected world across land, sea, air, space and cyberspace. The work we do together matters.

A Place to Belong and Thrive

Every voice matters.

You can bring your authentic self to work and be part of an inclusive community supported by employee‑led groups and partnerships that champion diversity, mental health and service leavers.

Shape your career with diverse roles, mentoring, training opportunities and the flexibility to balance your professional and personal life. We invest in your wellbeing, growth and future.