Principal Software Engineer

Leonardo; Basildon; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace and defense company is seeking a Software Engineer to develop innovative software solutions for a variety of defense projects. The role involves collaborating with a community of skilled engineers to create state-of-the-art products. Ideal candidates will have strong skills in C++, C#, and embedded programming, alongside experience with Linux and Agile methodologies. A comprehensive benefits package is available, supporting your wellbeing and career development.

Benefits

Generous leave with flexi-days

Up to 15% employer pension contribution

Mental health support and financial advice

Bonus scheme for all employees

Free access to online courses

Flexible benefits spending

Flexible hours with hybrid working options

Qualifications

• Understanding of C++, C#, and embedded programming.
• Experience working with Linux operating systems.
• Familiarity with Agile methodologies and tools like Jira.

Responsibilities

• Develop innovative software solutions for defence projects.
• Collaborate with other engineers to improve and innovate.
• Create applications to meet user expectations under constraints.

Skills

C++

C#

Embedded programming

Linux operating systems

Agile development methods

Jira

DevOps

Job description

The Opportunity

Are you a Software Engineer looking for your next challenge?

Here at Leonardo, we are on the hunt for talented software engineers to support our Integrated Sensors & Protection line of business, working on a range of defence projects. Direct industry experience is not required; we are happy to explore all backgrounds and help develop all our software engineers.

What you will do

We want to develop a new generation of features and capabilities using innovative software solutions and we need you to create them. You will be a key part in a community of world-class software engineers who will continuously improve, collaborate and innovate with other engineers to create market-leading products within the defence industry.

What we are looking for:

• Understanding and knowledge of one or more of the following:
• C++, C#, C software development
• Worked on Linux operating systems
• Embedded programming
• Development of new applications to meet user expectations and within formal constraints.
• Familiarity with the tools and approaches to embedded development.
• Experience of using Iterative development lifecycles (for example tailored Agile.)
• Experience using tools associated with Iterative development lifecycles (Jira / DevOps.)
• Familiarity with development to design and coding standards.

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:

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