Software Engineering Senior Manager

Other; Farnborough; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace firm is seeking a Senior Manager, Software Engineering to lead a team in Farnborough. The role emphasizes high-level oversight, management of a software engineering team, and ensuring delivery of safety-critical software for aerospace systems. Essential qualifications include significant leadership experience, familiarity with C/Python, and expertise in safety-critical software development. This role offers a competitive hourly rate and an opportunity to shape the future of aviation.

Benefits

Collaborative environment

Flexible working practices

Inclusive culture

Qualifications

• Significant leadership experience within software engineering (approx. 10 years).
• Strong understanding of the full software development lifecycle.
• Expertise in safety-critical software development - ideally with DO-178C.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day activities of the software engineering team.
• Oversee planning and integration of software for Zephyr aircraft.
• Act as the technical authority for software engineering.

Skills

Leadership experience in software engineering

Understanding of software development lifecycle

Safety-critical software development expertise

Familiarity with C and/or Python

Excellent communication skills

Education

Degree in Systems, Aerospace, Electronics, or Computer Science

Job description

Overview

Senior Manager, Software Engineering

Location: Farnborough (full-time, on-site)
Security Clearance: BPSS+ (supported by AALTO Security)
Pay: £39.00 per hour PAYE / £52.17 per hour Umbrella

Join AALTO - Pioneering the Future of Stratospheric Flight

AALTO is redefining what's possible in aerospace. From our solar-powered, ultra-endurance Zephyr platform to cutting-edge stratospheric operations, we're creating a brand-new domain of aviation - Stratospace.

As part of Team AALTO, you'll work alongside experts driven by innovation, curiosity, and the ambition to shape the future. If you're excited by engineering challenges that push boundaries, this is where you can make your mark.

About the Role

We're looking for a confident and forward-thinking Senior Manager, Software Engineering to lead a growing team of five software engineers. This role focuses on people leadership, technical oversight, and ensuring the successful delivery of high-integrity software for our Zephyr aircraft.

This is not a hands-on coding position - instead, you will guide the team, enable high performance, and ensure that software meets the safety, regulatory and performance requirements critical to AALTO's mission.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead & Inspire: Manage day-to-day activities of the software engineering team.
• Coach, mentor and develop individuals, supporting both personal and professional growth.
• Play a key role in hiring as the team continues to expand.

Drive Technical Excellence

• Oversee planning, design, development, verification and integration of software for Zephyr aircraft.
• Act as the technical authority for software engineering, ensuring compliance with strict aerospace standards.
• Shape and maintain high-level and low-level software requirements.

Collaborate & Influence

• Work closely with systems engineering, avionics, flight operations and maintenance teams.
• Engage with external authorities (e.g., CAA) and third-party software suppliers.
• Help refine processes, workflows and problem-solving approaches across the software lifecycle.

What We're Looking For

Essential Experience

• Significant leadership experience within software engineering (approx. 10 years).
• Strong understanding of the full software development lifecycle.
• Background in aerospace, engineering or a highly regulated technical discipline.
• Expertise in safety-critical software development - ideally with DO-178C and similar standards.
• Familiarity with C and/or Python environments.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Nice to Have

• Degree in Systems, Aerospace, Electronics, Computer Science or related engineering discipline (experience is valued over qualifications).
• Experience with requirements definition, management and verification in complex engineering programmes.

What You'll Get from AALTO

AALTO is committed to creating a supportive and rewarding workplace where talented people can thrive. As part of the team, you'll enjoy:

• A highly collaborative and innovative environment with passionate engineering specialists.
• Flexible working practices that help you balance personal and professional life.
• A genuinely inclusive culture that values diversity and equal opportunity.

Application & Interview Process

• Two-stage interview (initial virtual conversation followed by on-site).
• Occasional travel may be required.

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and are committed to providing an inclusive hiring experience for everyone.

Guidant, Carbon60, Lorien & SRG - The Impellam Group Portfolio are acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.