Principal Software Engineer – Architect & Tech Leader (Hybrid)

Leonardo UK Ltd; West of England; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Time to Recharge flexi-days

Pension scheme with employer contrib.

Mental health support & networks

Bonus scheme eligibility

Free access to online courses

Job summary

Leonardo UK is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to provide technical leadership across programmes, shaping architectures and driving secure, robust software solutions.

You will lead complex design efforts, mentor engineers, and engage with customers to explain and optimise technical outcomes. The role supports a blended hybrid model with on-site collaboration at a UK office and remote work where appropriate.

Qualifications

• Expert-level proficiency in one or more programming languages (e.g. Python, Java, C++, C#).
• Experience designing and implementing complex software solutions.
• Strong knowledge of secure coding practices and cyber security considerations.
• Familiarity with modern software development practices (CI/CD, DevSecOps, Agile/SAFe).
• Experience integrating software within complex systems and platforms.
• Ability to influence technical direction and mentor engineers.

Responsibilities

• Act as a technical authority on software design, coding standards, and integration.
• Lead the design and development of complex software components and frameworks.
• Provide expert guidance on secure coding, software assurance, and compliance requirements.
• Mentor and coach engineers at all levels, raising the technical capability of the team.
• Drive innovation through adoption of modern languages, frameworks, and tooling.
• Contribute to architectural decisions and system-level designs.
• Review designs, code, and test evidence to ensure quality and robustness.
• Engage with customers and stakeholders to explain, defend, and optimise technical solutions.

Skills

Programming languages

Software architecture

Secure coding

CI/CD/DevSecOps

Mentoring

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

OpenShift

Job description

Leonardo UK is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to provide technical leadership across programmes, shaping architectures and driving secure, robust software solutions.

You will lead complex design efforts, mentor engineers, and engage with customers to explain and optimise technical outcomes. The role supports a blended hybrid model with on-site collaboration at a UK office and remote work where appropriate.