Software Architect

Leonardo UK Ltd; Easter Howgate; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Leonardo UK Ltd. is seeking an experienced Software Architect to join their radar programme. In this role, you'll help develop complex software for cutting-edge defense projects, requiring excellent leadership and solid design skills, ultimately contributing to system certification standards.

Benefits

Generous leave with flexi-days

Up to 15% employer contribution pension scheme

Access to mental health support

Bonus scheme

Free access to 4,000+ online courses

Referral programme rewards

Flexible benefits up to £500

Hybrid working options

Qualifications

• Proven knowledge of DO-178C and the pathway to system certification.
• Experience in applying Software Engineering design best practice to large scale development projects.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Help teams follow the project design standards.
• Coach/upskill Product Designers.
• Collate and quantify tech debt across teams.

Skills

Software Engineering design

Stakeholder expectations

Leadership

Communication

Integration issues

Tenacity

Job description

Job Description:

Your Impact

Are you interested in developing complex software for one of the most cutting-edge defence and aerospace projects in the UK? If you like the sound of developing software for the European Common Radar System (ECRS), then Leonardo would like to hear from you.

We are looking for an experienced Software Architect to join our well established software community as the Radar programmes grow and enter a crucial phase, developing complex functionality.

For more information on Leonardo's contribution to ECRS check out: https://uk.leonardo.com/en/innovation/typhoon

What you’ll do as a Software Architect:

• Help teams follow the project design standards. Build and maintain local work instruction, processes
• Build a culture of knowledge sharing between the teams.
• Coach/upskill Product Designers
• Report to Chief Software Engineer
• Primary technical POC for Newcastle
• Contribute to the design between the Processing and Platform train
• Contribute to the design of the Processing Solution deployment
• Collate and quantify tech debt across teams. Present tech debt to stakeholders

What we need from you:

Ideally, we are looking for a proactive engineer and leader, someone with:

• Experience in applying Software Engineering design best practice to large scale development projects.
• Experience in eliciting stakeholder expectations.
• Proven knowledge of DO-178C and the pathway to system certification.
• Proven leadership and decision-making skills in a high complexity, dynamic environment at a senior level.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a proven ability to build trust and respect across engineering teams and senior leadership groups.
• Experience of integration, with an understanding of the resultant issues, cost and schedule implications, and potential mitigations.
• Tenacity and determination, with a desire to deliver outputs and results.
• The desire to progress in a Software Architecture role

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 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!

Primary Location:

GB - Edinburgh

Contract Type:

Permanent

Hybrid Working:

Onsite