Lead Software Engineer

SF Recruitment; Shrewsbury; Hybrid; GBP 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Lead Software Engineer with a strong focus on Quality Engineering. This role involves leading complex engineering projects and mentoring junior engineers in a dynamic, Agile environment. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in QA and test automation, along with hands-on knowledge of Java, AWS, and microservices. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to shape QA practices and drive innovation while enjoying a competitive salary of up to £100,000 and hybrid working options.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Hybrid working model

Opportunity for professional development

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in QA, test automation, or software engineering.
• Advanced knowledge of automation frameworks, test design, and QA principles.
• Hands-on experience with Java-based technologies and cloud platforms.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex engineering projects with high-quality deliverables.
• Drive innovation in test automation and QA processes.
• Mentor and develop junior and mid-level engineers.

Skills

Leadership in QA and software engineering

Test automation knowledge

Java-based technologies

Microservices

Cloud platforms (AWS/Azure)

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Project management skills

Job description

Lead Software Engineer - Quality Engineering Focus (Hybrid - Telford)

Location: Telford (Hybrid - 40-70% on-site)

Salary: Up to £100,000 + benefits

Type: Full-time | Permanent

Clearance: Must be eligible for SC clearance

Are you a senior Software Engineer / Quality Engineering specialist looking to take a leading role in Agile delivery teams? This is a hands‑on leadership opportunity where you will shape engineering practices, drive automation, and mentor the next generation of engineers while delivering high‑impact digital services.

What You'll Do

• Lead complex engineering projects, ensuring high-quality deliverables and timely delivery
• Drive innovation in test automation, QA processes, and engineering practices
• Mentor and develop junior and mid-level engineers
• Collaborate across multi‑disciplinary Agile teams to deliver scalable solutions
• Influence technical standards, best practices, and QA strategy across the organisation

What We're Looking For

• Proven leadership experience in QA, test automation, or software engineering
• Advanced knowledge of automation frameworks, test design, and QA principles
• Hands‑on with Java‑based technologies, microservices, cloud platforms (AWS/Azure), containerisation, and DevOps practices
• Strong problem‑solving, communication, and project management skills
• Experience working in self‑empowered, multi‑disciplinary Agile teams
• Ability to influence and shape technical culture across the engineering function

Why This Role?

• Lead high‑impact digital services with cutting‑edge technologies
• Work in a mature Agile environment with collaborative, multi‑disciplinary teams
• Competitive salary up to £100k + benefits
• Hybrid working: 40-70% on‑site in Telford, flexible to business needs
• Opportunity to shape QA practices and mentor engineers in a dynamic environment

Additional Info

• Must be UK‑based and eligible for SC clearance
• Senior‑level interview process includes technical assessment and cultural fit

Apply now to take a leadership role in a senior engineering team delivering mission‑critical digital transformation projects.