Lead Software Engineer (Real Time Embedded)

Leonardo UK Ltd; Luton; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Bonus scheme

Pension up to 15%

Mental health support

Online courses

Referral programme

Private healthcare

Job summary

Leonardo UK Ltd in Luton is seeking an experienced Principal/Lead Real-Time Embedded Software Engineer to drive high integrity software for defence projects. You will design, implement and lead embedded solutions on safety-critical platforms, collaborating across multidisciplinary teams.

Key skills include C++ or Ada, RTCA DO-178C, leadership, DevOps, and hands-on lab integration. Familiarity with RTOS (Linux or VxWorks) and full software lifecycle is required.

Qualifications

• Several years of embedded software engineering in aerospace/defence or safety-critical domains.
• High-integrity coding with C++ or Ada and DO-178C experience.
• Leadership, collaboration, and ability to guide multi-disciplinary teams.
• DevOps mindset with automation across build, test and deployment.
• Hands-on integration with target hardware in lab environments.
• RTOS development on Linux or VxWorks is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver high-integrity embedded software solutions for defence projects.
• Lead and collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to achieve goals.
• Champion best practices, modular design, and toolchain optimisation.
• Drive automated build/test/deploy processes and hands-on hardware work.

Skills

Embedded software

Aerospace/defence

C++

Ada

High-integrity coding

Leadership

DevOps

Lab integration

RTOS development

Lifecycle mastery

Code quality

Tools

Linux

VxWorks

Job description

Job Description

Your Impact: Are you an experienced Real-Time Embedded Software Engineer looking to take the next step in your career? Do you want to work for an employer committed to helping you reach your full potential, that empowers engineers to innovate and grow? If so, Leonardo has exciting opportunities for Principal and Lead Software Engineers to join our multidisciplinary teams delivering advanced solutions for defence projects.

What You'll Bring: You will play a key role in designing and delivering high integrity embedded software solutions demonstrating both technical expertise and collaborative leadership.

Key skills and behaviours include:

• Several years of embedded software engineering experience in aerospace, defence, or other mission- or safety-critical domains including demonstrable example of delivery.
• High-Integrity Coding: Develop robust, high-quality software (e.g., RTCA-DO178C) using object-oriented C++ or Ada.
• Leadership & Collaboration: Inspire and support colleagues within multi-disciplinary teams to achieve shared goals.
• DevOps Mindset: Drive automation across build, test, and deployment processes.
• Hands-On Integration: Work directly with target hardware in lab environments.
• RTOS Development (Desirable): Implement real-time embedded applications on Linux or VxWorks RTOS.
• Lifecycle Mastery: Demonstrate understanding and knowledge of the full software engineering lifecycle—from requirements elicitation through delivery and release.
• Technical Influence: Champion 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 UK operates a grade-based salary framework with broad bands. The salary range shown reflects the approved grade band for this role, or a narrower hiring range published within that band, and is benchmarked against the external market. Exceptions above the standard range are managed through governance controls to protect internal equity.

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.

Primary Location: GB - Luton - Cap. Green 300

Contract Type: Permanent

Hybrid Working: Hybrid International, multicultural, innovative, technological: this is Leonardo.

The company’s passionate and talented team is strongly influenced by STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) expertise, with a diverse range of experience that enables colleagues to share knowledge and know-how across the generations. Leonardo always wants to expand its talent pool, here you can find the right opportunity for you!