Software Project Leader (SPL) – Weapon System Software (Platform)

MBDA; Bristol; On-site; GBP 72,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence organisation is seeking a Software Project Manager to lead a team in developing next-generation missile systems. The role involves managing software projects, ensuring high-quality code, and engaging with customers. Ideal candidates will have strong technical skills and experience in project management.

Benefits

Company Bonus

Pension Contribution

Flexible Working

Enhanced Parental Leave

Subsidised Meals

Free Car Parking

Qualifications

• Experience in software project management and a strong technical understanding.
• Ability to balance technical leadership with project management responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Manage work packages, bid estimating, and task allocation.
• Coordinate suppliers and resolve competing priorities.
• Engage with customers throughout the software development lifecycle.

Skills

Software Project Management

Technical Understanding

Communication Skills

Critical Thinking

Job description

We have a fantastic opportunity for a technically minded Software Project Manager, with a proven track record of delivering integrated software systems, to lead a team of 10+ engineers developing next-generation missile systems!

Salary: circa £72,000 depending on experience

Dynamic (hybrid) working: typically a minimum of 4 days per week on-site, due to workload classification

Security Clearance: British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship.

Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply. As a minimum and after offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), which are managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.

What we can offer you:

• Company Bonus: Bonus of up to 21% of base salary

• Pension: maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%

• Flexible working: We welcome applicants who are looking for flexible working arrangements

• Enhanced parental leave: offers up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave -enhancements are available for paternity leave, neonatal leave and fertility testing and treatments

• Facilities: Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and much more

The opportunity:

You will be working at the forefront of European missile system design, delivering safe, secure, and reliable software for deployment in weapon system environments.

This is a technical and hands-on project management role, supporting the continued design and development of a middleware weapon system software layer.

Responsibilities include:

• Work package management

• Bid estimating

• Task allocation

• Progress tracking and reporting

• Supplier coordination

• Resolving competing priorities.

This role includes involvement in all aspects of software development, integration, delivery into service, and in-service support aspects, requiring strong customer engagement throughout.

Acting as a role model to both the team and the wider organisation by promoting innovative approaches to delivery whilst ensuring our strong commitment to safe, high-quality code.

What we're looking for from you:

• Someone with software project management experience and a strong technical understanding, as this is a key part of the role.

• You will have the ability and experience to balance technical leadership, team building, and project management responsibilities.

• A passion for software engineering and project management.

• The software that you develop will be used across multiple products within numerous weapon system applications, so strong communication skills are essential.

• Ability to think critically to solve complex software problems.

• Comfortable collaborating within a team, contributing to design, implementation, and integration.

• Ability to clearly document processes and technical knowledge.

Our company: Peace is not a given, Freedom is not a given, Sovereignty is not a given

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.

We are proud of our employee-led networks, examples include: Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity, Disability and more

We recognise that everyone is unique, and we encourage you to speak to us should you require any advice, support or adjustments throughout our recruitment process.

Follow us on LinkedIn (MBDA), X (@MBDA_UK), Instagram (MBDA_UK) and Glassdoor or visit our MBDA Careers website for more information.

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