Lead Software Engineer

Northrop Grumman UK; Cheltenham; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Northrop Grumman UK is seeking a Lead Software Engineer to lead the design, development, and maintenance of critical software infrastructure across diverse projects. The role emphasizes leadership, delivering robust backend systems and collaborating with cross-functional teams to meet customer needs.

You will mentor junior engineers, drive the full SDLC from design through deployment, and work in a dynamic, mission-focused environment with hybrid working options.

Qualifications

• Strong experience in backend Java development.
• 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 in agile environments.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of the team’s deliverables and define the best path forward with the Scrum Master.
• 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

CI/CD

Docker

Kubernetes

AWS

Communication

Agile

Tools

Jenkins

Kubernetes

Docker

AWS

Job description

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.

• 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.