Contract Software Engineering Lead

Contract Software Engineering Lead

Location: Reading (Hybrid/On-site as required)
Sector: Aerospace & Defence
Security Clearance: Required or eligible

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Software Engineering Lead to play a pivotal role in delivering and scaling advanced software engineering capabilities within a complex, regulated aerospace and defence environment.

This role will focus on shaping and managing a modern Software function, embedding digital engineering best practices, and leading multi-partner delivery across distributed and international teams. You will operate at both strategic and delivery levels, ensuring alignment with regulatory frameworks, programme objectives, and long-term capability goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the definition, implementation, and governance of software engineering methods, standards, and toolchains across complex delivery environments

• Drive adoption of DevSecOps practices, modern software life cycle environments, and digital thread enablement

• Provide technical and delivery leadership for model-based software design and digital engineering initiatives

• Manage integration across multiple partners, suppliers, and system integrators within a Software Factory context

• Ensure compliance with aerospace and defence regulatory and certification frameworks (including DO-178C and associated supplements)

• Engage and influence senior stakeholders across engineering, programme, and commercial functions

• Own financial and resource planning for software engineering capabilities, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control

• Operate effectively in dynamic, evolving programmes, balancing structure with pragmatism and delivery focus

Essential Skills & Experience

• Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline

• Project or Programme Management certification (eg APM, PRINCE2) or demonstrable experience managing complex delivery environments

• Extensive experience with software engineering toolchains, DevSecOps, and software life cycle environments

• Proven experience in Model-Based Software Design

• Minimum 10 years experience within Aerospace and/or Defence, with strong understanding of regulatory and certification frameworks

• Strong knowledge of Digital Engineering, including model-based engineering and environment provisioning

• Experience managing multi-partner and supplier integration in large-scale software programmes

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to align diverse teams

• Strong financial and resource management capability

Security

• Active security clearance or eligibility for clearance within a defence programme is mandatory

Whats on Offer

• Opportunity to lead and shape high-impact digital engineering capability in major defence programmes

• Work within complex, technically challenging, and nationally significant environments

• Competitive daily rate or salary (dependent on engagement model and experience)

If you are a senior software or digital engineering leader with deep aerospace or defence experience and are looking to make a strategic impact, we would like to hear from you.