Lead Software Engineer (Real Time Embedded)

Leonardo DRS; Luton; Hybrid; GBP 76,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Generous benefits package

Job summary

Leonardo DRS in the UK is hiring Principal and Lead Software Engineers to deliver high-integrity embedded software for defence projects. The role is based in Luton with hybrid working and involves leadership across multidisciplinary teams to deliver robust software from lab to deployment.

Ideal candidates have extensive embedded C++/Ada experience, hands-on hardware lab work, and a DevOps mindset to automate build, test, and release processes.

Qualifications

• We have several years of embedded software experience in high-integrity domains.
• Experience with DO-178C or equivalent aviation safety standards is preferred.
• Ability to lead and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams and drive automation.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver high-integrity embedded software solutions.
• Lead technical delivery in multidisciplinary teams.
• Develop robust embedded software for defence projects.
• Work directly with target hardware in lab environments.
• Drive automation across build, test, and deployment processes.
• Champion best practices, modular design, and toolchain optimisation.

Skills

Embedded software engineering

Leadership

DevOps mindset

Hardware lab experience

Tools

Ada

C++

Linux

VxWorks

Job description

Salary: £76,000 - 94,000 per year

Requirements

• We are looking for several years of embedded software engineering experience in aerospace, defence, or other mission- or safety-critical domains, with demonstrable delivery examples.
• We are looking for experience developing high-integrity, high-quality software, such as RTCA-DO178C, using object-oriented C++ or Ada.
• We are looking for leadership and collaboration skills, with the ability to inspire and support colleagues in multi-disciplinary teams.
• We are looking for a DevOps mindset and the ability to drive automation across build, test, and deployment processes.
• We are looking for hands-on experience working directly with target hardware in lab environments.
• Experience developing real-time embedded applications on Linux or VxWorks RTOS is desirable.
• We are looking for an understanding of the full software engineering lifecycle, from requirements elicitation through delivery and release.
• We are looking for a commitment to champion best practices, modular design, and toolchain optimisation.
• We are keen to hear from candidates with a good attitude and willingness to learn, even if they do not have experience in all of the above.

Responsibilities

• We design and deliver high-integrity embedded software solutions.
• We play a key role in leading technical delivery within multidisciplinary teams.
• We develop robust embedded software for defence projects.
• We work directly with target hardware in lab environments.
• We help drive automation across build, test, and deployment processes.
• We champion best practices, modular design, and toolchain optimisation.

Technologies

• Ada
• DevOps
• Embedded
• Hardware
• Support
• Linux
• Security
• C++

More

We are Leonardo, a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security, headquartered in Italy with over 53,000 employees worldwide, including 8,500 across 9 UK sites. We are hiring Principal and Lead Software Engineers to join our multidisciplinary teams delivering advanced solutions for defence projects, based at our Luton location with hybrid working available. We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports wellbeing, career development, and work-life balance, including generous leave, flexi-days, a strong pension contribution, mental health and financial support, employee networks, bonus eligibility, access to online learning, referral rewards, flexible benefits, and flexible working options. We are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace where diverse perspectives help drive innovation and better outcomes.

last updated 40 week of 2026