Lead Software Engineer

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

Job summary

A global leader in Aerospace and Defence is seeking an experienced Lead Software Engineer to take on a pivotal Technical Authority role in Luton. This position combines technical leadership with the autonomy to drive critical software components. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in embedded software engineering, technical risk identification, and mentoring engineers. The role offers a comprehensive benefits package, including flexible working options, generous leave, and significant professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Up to 12 additional flexi-days each year

Pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution

Free mental health support

Access to 4,000+ online courses

Tailored perks worth up to £500 annually

Flexible hours with hybrid working options

Qualifications

• Several years of embedded software engineering experience in aerospace or defence.
• Ability to set technical direction and define software architecture.
• Experience ensuring compliance with DO-178C standards.
• Strong skills in technical risk identification and mitigation.
• Hands-on delivery of DO-178C software or equivalent.
• Background in technical leadership and risk mitigation.
• Ability to mentor and coach engineers.
• Familiarity with legacy systems and export controls.
• Ability to collaborate across disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Take on pivotal Technical Authority roles within our EW and Future Combat Air programmes.
• Combine technical leadership with strategic influence.
• Act as the accountable technical lead during audits and reviews.

Skills

Embedded software engineering experience

Technical leadership

Technical risk identification and mitigation

Collaboration across disciplines

Job description

Job Description:

Lead Software Engineer – Technical Authority

Your Impact

We are seeking experienced Lead Software Engineers to take on pivotal Technical Authority roles within our Electronic Warfare (EW) and Future Combat Air programmes based in Luton.

This role combines technical leadership with strategic influence, offering significant autonomy and responsibility for critical software components or entire projects.

What You’ll Bring

• Several years of embedded software engineering experience in aerospace, defence, or other mission/safety-critical domains.
• Ability to set technical direction, defining software architecture and design strategies aligned with platform and system goals.
• Experience ensuring compliance with DO-178C standards or equivalent, and adherence to internal governance processes.
• Strong skills in technical risk identification and mitigation across software components.
• Hands-on delivery of DO-178C software or equivalent, with lifecycle experience from requirements through to certification.
• A background in technical leadership, including architectural design, risk mitigation, or technical governance.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and coach engineers, uplifting capability and promoting software engineering excellence.
• Familiarity with legacy systems, export controls, interoperability, and long-term product evolution.
• Ability to collaborate across disciplines, working closely with systems, hardware, and firmware teams to ensure coherent integration.
• Commitment to championing design integrity, acting as the accountable technical lead during audits and reviews.

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 Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit:

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: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
• Secure your Future: Benefit from our 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: Receive a 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.

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