Software Project Leader

MBDA S.A.S.; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 62,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence organisation in the UK seeks a Software Development Lead to manage a team in developing embedded missile systems. This role requires strong leadership, project management skills, and a good understanding of software development processes, particularly with C, C++, and Ada. You will ensure timely delivery of software while maintaining high standards of quality. Benefits include a competitive salary, company bonus, hybrid working, and comprehensive healthcare coverage.

Benefits

Company bonus up to 21% of base salary

Pension contribution up to 14%

25 days of paid annual leave

Flexible working arrangements

Private medical insurance

Enhanced parental leave

Qualifications

• Strong ability to lead a team of software developers.
• Good understanding of software and the software development process.
• Experience in a high-technology environment.

Responsibilities

• Be responsible for the development and delivery of software for embedded missile systems.
• Lead a team of professional engineers in hard real-time software development.
• Work closely with multi-disciplined teams to ensure clear, concise requirements.

Skills

Team leadership

Project management

Understanding of software development process

Tools

C

C++

Ada

SysML/UML

Job description

Overview

MBDA is a leading defence organisation. We are proud of the role we play in supporting the Armed Forces who protect our nations. We partner with governments to work together towards a common goal, defending our freedom.

Responsibilities

• Be responsible for the development and delivery of software for embedded missile systems on time, on cost and on quality.
• Lead a team of professional engineers that are specialists in hard real‑time software development.
• Work closely with multi‑disciplined teams to ensure clear and concise requirements are in place, supporting optimal design solutions and ensuring technical excellence in the software produced.
• Ensure application of software development plans and configuration control.
• Provide regular reports to demonstrate progress achieved.

Qualifications

• Strong ability to lead a team of software developers.
• Good understanding of software and the software development process to provide effective management oversight.
• Project management skills to ensure good planning, delivery and cost control of software developed in the team.

Preferred Experience

• Understanding of technology used in real‑time embedded software development.
• Understanding of SysML/UML and C, C++ or Ada languages.
• Experience in a high‑technology environment where quality and accuracy of work is essential.
• Awareness of standards such as DefStan 00‑55 & DO‑178B/C.

Offer

Salary: Circa £74,000 depending on experience.

• Security clearance: British Citizen or a dual UK national with British citizenship.
• Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS) required after offer.
• Dynamic (hybrid) working: 3 to 4 days per week on‑site at the Stevenage site.
• Company bonus up to 21% of base salary.
• Pension contribution up to 14% (maximum total).

Benefits

• 25 days of paid annual leave per calendar year, increasing by one day after 5, 10, and 15 years of service.
• Optional purchase of up to an additional five days of holiday through payroll.
• Flexible working arrangements, including paid overtime, dynamic leave (time in lieu), and more.
• Defined Contribution retirement savings plan (4% employee, 6% employer contributions, up to 2% increase for both).
• Access to free financial webinars, a financial education website, mortgage advice, and a seasonal ticket loan.
• Critical illness cover with a tax‑free lump sum payment.
• Employee Assistance Programme – free, confidential support available 24/7 with up to eight counselling sessions.
• Private medical insurance (standard for eligible employees, optional private plans). Dental and healthcare cash plans with multiple cover levels.
• Healthcare and leisure benefits: cashback on everyday medical, dental, optical, and access to special deals.
• Discount and voucher platform, Costco membership for eligible employees, technology vouchers up to £2,500, and charity donation support.
• MyCar Scheme – access to up to two new vehicles via a salary sacrifice arrangement.
• Holiday purchase – extra holiday days available for purchase with tax and National Insurance savings.
• Facilities: subsidised meals, free car parking, on‑site gym, and social activity club.
• Enhanced parental leave: up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption, and shared parental leave, with additional paternity, neonatal and fertility enhancements.