Lead Software Engineer (Real Time Embedded)

Leonardo; Luton; Hybrid; GBP 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Time to recharge: flexi-days up to 12/

Pension scheme up to 15%

Job summary

Leonardo UK is seeking Principal and Lead Software Engineers to join multidisciplinary teams delivering advanced defence solutions. You will design and deliver high-integrity embedded software in safety-critical domains, working closely with hardware and software specialists.

The role offers hybrid working with flexible hours, career development, and a comprehensive benefits package including pension, learning resources, and wellbeing support.

Qualifications

• Several years of embedded software engineering experience in aerospace, defence, or safety-critical domains.
• High-Integrity Coding using C++ or Ada, with emphasis on robust, testable software.
• Leadership and collaboration within multi-disciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver high-integrity embedded software solutions for defence projects.
• Drive automation across build, test, and deployment processes.
• Hands-on integration with target hardware in lab environments.
• Champion best practices, modular design, and toolchain optimisation.

Skills

Embedded software

C++ / Ada

Leadership

DevOps

Hardware integration

RTOS (Desirable)

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