Lead Software Engineer

Job Description:

Job Description

We're seeking Lead Software Engineers to step into pivotal Technical Authority roles across our Electronic Warfare (EW) and Future Combat Air programmes in Luton. This role combines deep technical oversight with influence, offering significant autonomy and responsibility for key software components or entire projects.

As a Software Technical Authority, you will serve as the most authoritative voice on software matters within your team. You'll collaborate directly with Software Project Engineering Leads to define commitments, navigate risks, and ensure delivery in line with Leonardos internal software process (DEV535) -predominantly DO-178C and related standards.

This opportunity builds the core competencies required for future advancement into Software Design Authority (DA) roles and potentially progression to Chief Engineer level. Structured training, mentorship, and on-the-job experience will support your growth.

Key Accountabilities

Here's what success typically looks like:

• Technical Direction
  • Ensure software architecture and design strategy aligns with platform and system goals
  • Guide teams in applying Secure by Design and safety-critical principles
  • Act as the arbiter of technical trade-offs and resolution of design challenges
• Risk Assessment
  • Lead technical risk identification and mitigation across software components
  • Champion robust software assurance activities aligned with DO-178
  • Support audits and design reviews as the accountable technical lead
• Process Compliance
  • Ensure development activities meet internal governance and regulatory obligations
  • Drive adherence to engineering lifecycle models, including traceability, verification and validation
  • Promote best practices through design reviews and continuous improvement activities
• Mentoring and Capability Building
  • Coach and develop junior engineers in software engineering excellence
  • Facilitate learning around lifecycle artefacts, DO-178C compliance, and technical reasoning
  • Promote continuous improvement and peer-driven knowledge exchange
• Stakeholder Engagement
  • Collaborate with systems, hardware and firmware teams to ensure coherent integration
  • Act as liaison between development teams and project leadership
  • Working with the Chief Software Engineer and System Design Authority, own the relationship between the project team and Design Integrity from a compliance and delivery perspective.

Expected Experience

You're likely to bring:

• Several years embedded software engineering experience in aerospace, defence, or other mission -critical domains
• Hands-on delivery of DO-178C software, with lifecycle experience from requirements through certification
• Leadership background, for example in architectural design, risk mitigation, or technical governance
• Strong domain and product knowledge in Electronic Warfare or Future Combat Air platforms, integration, and mission context
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and coach engineers, with a focus on capability uplift
• Familiarity with legacy systems, export controls, interoperability, and long-term product evolution

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