Lead Software Engineer (Embedded Ada)

Leonardo UK; Luton; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace and defence company in Luton is seeking a talented Lead Software Engineer. Candidates should have demonstrable experience in real-time embedded systems and a drive to grow their leadership skills. Key responsibilities include delivering high-quality software, providing technical guidance, and collaborating with hardware teams. This role offers a comprehensive benefits package including generous leave, pension scheme, mental health support, and flexible working options.

Benefits

Generous leave

Pension scheme

Mental health support

Bonus scheme

Access to online courses

Referral rewards

Flexible benefits spending

Flexible working hours

Qualifications

• Proven experience in embedded software development with a solid foundation in real-time systems.
• Strong understanding of integration engineering for quality software solutions.
• Leadership experience with willingness to mentor teams.

Responsibilities

• Deliver and integrate high‑quality real‑time embedded software.
• Provide technical guidance and leadership to software development teams.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams for effective solutions.

Skills

Embedded software development

Real-time systems

Leadership

Integration engineering

Object Orientation

Tools

Linux

VXWorks

Job description

We are on the lookout for talented Lead Software Engineers. If you have strong technical experience in real‑time embedded systems and are eager to expand your skillset, leadership and decision‑making capabilities, this role will provide the foundation for your growth. We are happy to explore engineers from any embedded software background and provide Ada‑specific training so you can make an impact the moment you join. As a Lead Software Engineer, you will:

Responsibilities

• Deliver and integrate high‑quality real‑time embedded software, ensuring reliability in critical applications.
• Provide technical guidance and leadership, supporting teams in best practices, system integrity, and software development methodologies.
• Work closely with hardware, firmware, and systems engineering teams, contributing to multidisciplinary solutions.
• Develop your expertise in an environment that prioritises learning, mentorship, and career progression.
• Lead development approaches that emphasise design principles, modularity, reuse, and industry best practices, shaping technical direction while honing your leadership skills.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in embedded software development, with a solid foundation in real‑time systems.
• A strong understanding of integration and requirements engineering, ensuring high‑quality software solutions.
• Leadership experience, with a willingness to mentor and guide teams toward best practices.
• Knowledge of industry standards, including RTCA‑DO178C or equivalent integrity frameworks.
• Experience with Object Orientation, Linux/VXWorks (Desirable) – but adaptability, systems thinking, and leadership potential are key.

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.

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.

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.

Benefits

• 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.