Lead Software Engineer (C# .NET)

Leonardo UK Ltd; Caddington; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace and defense company is seeking a skilled Lead Software Engineer to join their team in Luton. The role requires expertise in C# .NET and a commitment to delivering high-quality solutions in a collaborative environment. Candidates should possess strong technical knowledge and leadership skills. This position offers a hybrid working model and a comprehensive benefits package aimed at supporting employee well-being and career development.

Benefits

Generous leave and flexi-days

Award-winning pension scheme

Free mental health support

Access to online courses

Flexible working hours

Financial rewards for referrals

Qualifications

• Several years of hands-on experience in software engineering with C# .NET.
• Strong understanding of microservices architectures and containerisation.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the full software engineering lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Lead software engineering projects with minimal supervision.
• Champion industry best practices and toolchain optimisation.
• Contribute to automation across build, test, and deployment processes.

Skills

C# .NET

Microservices architectures

DevSecOps

Agile methodologies

Leadership

Tools

WPF

WinForms

Visual Studio

Job description

Job Description

Lead Software Engineer (C# .NET) – Capability Green Luton

Your Impact

We are seeking experienced Lead Software Engineers to join our EW (Electronic Warfare) line of business. If you have strong technical knowledge in C# .NET and are eager to expand your skillset, leadership and decision‑making capabilities, this role will provide the foundation for your growth.

What You’ll Bring

Working within our Integrate Mission Solutions sector this role provides an opportunity to work on the latest defence technology within a mature development environment. Key skills and behaviours include:

• Proven Expertise: Several years of hands‑on experience in software engineering with C# .NET, delivering high‑quality solutions on time and within budget, with minimal supervision
• Technical Depth: Strong understanding of microservices architectures, containerisation, and object‑oriented design, plus familiarity with frameworks and tools such as WPF, WinForms, and Visual Studio.
• DevSecOps Mindset: A commitment to automation across build, test, and deployment processes (CI/CD), combined with an understanding of Secure by Design principles.
• Lifecycle Mastery: Comprehensive knowledge of the full software engineering lifecycle—from requirements elicitation through delivery and release and experience with Agile methodologies.
• Leadership & Collaboration: A talent for inspiring and supporting colleagues within multi‑disciplinary teams to achieve shared goals.
• Technical Influence: A passion for championing industry best practices, modular design, and toolchain optimisation.

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: https://careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/security-and-vetting

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.

Be part of something bigger - apply now!

Primary Location

GB - Luton - Cap. Green 300

Contract Type

Permanent

Hybrid Working

Hybrid