Project Engineering Lead (Software)

Leonardo UK Ltd; Wickford; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence technology firm in the UK is seeking a Project Engineering Leader to oversee software development for military vehicle protection systems. You'll manage a software engineering team, ensuring timely delivery of engineering output while building relationships with partners. The ideal candidate possesses leadership experience, familiarity with agile methodologies, and a strong understanding of the software development lifecycle. Competitive benefits include flexible leave, a substantial pension contribution, and continuous learning opportunities.

Benefits

Generous leave including flexi-days

Award-winning pension scheme

Mental health support and financial advice

Bonus scheme for eligible employees

Access to online courses

Financial reward for referrals

Flexible benefits spending up to £500

Qualifications

• Significant experience in leading software engineering teams.
• Ability to manage dynamic teams involving internal and external partners.
• Skill in generating clear engineering plans and identifying risks.

Responsibilities

• Lead software development from Requirements through to Acceptance.
• Build strong relationships with Engineering Functional Leads.
• Adapt plans to mitigate risks to cost, schedule or performance.

Skills

Leadership of software engineering teams

Jira in an agile environment

UML for real-time embedded software

Software engineering lifecycle

Understanding of defence industry

Tools

The Mathworks toolset

Job description

Job Description:

Your impact

Due to growth of the business area, we have a requirement for an additional Project Engineering Leader to join our work with Modular Integrated Protection Systems (MIPS) - where the Project Engineering Manager requires support with a high level of Software Development activity. MIPS involves the development of an autonomous protection system for modern military vehicles, including the architecture that supports the seamless utilisation of future Sensors and Effectors.

Reporting to the Project Engineering Manager, you will hold personal responsibility for the leadership of software development, from Requirements through to Acceptance. Project Engineering Leaders build strong relationships with Engineering Functional Leads and/or external partners to ensure the resourcing plans within the IPT they lead are realistic and any issues arising are resolved swiftly.

What you’ll bring

The ability to manage a dynamic Software engineering team involving internal and external partners. Working closely with the Project Engineering Manager, they are responsible for delivery of the overall engineering output against time, cost and performance budgets.

The skills to generate clear and relevant engineering plans, establishing key milestones and identifying risks, opportunities and interdependencies. Reviewing the current engineering positions on projects and adapting plans as required to mitigate risks to either cost, schedule or performance budgets.

You will hold significant previous experience of leading Software engineering teams, including the effective use of Jira in an agile development environment. Experience in UML development for real-time embedded software is essential, as is strong understanding and proven track record of the software engineering lifecycle and processes on technically complex development projects. Experience with The Mathworks toolset, including code generation is also desirable. Experience of working within the defence industry is highly desirable.

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).

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.
• 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.

Primary Location: GB - Basildon

Contract Type: Permanent

Hybrid Working: Hybrid