Job Description:
Lead Software Engineer (Python / Django) - Inside IR35 Contract Length: 12 Months
Day Rate: Up to £750 per day (Umbrella)
Location: Hybrid (40% office-based) | London, Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff, or North East
Are you a seasoned Software Engineer who thrives on solving complex system design challenges? Do you want to use your Python and Django expertise to protect the national interest?
Our goverment client is looking for four exceptional Lead Software Engineers to drive the design and delivery of critical, secure export control systems. This is a chance to provide technical leadership within a structured, high-impact government environment, overseeing critical systems that regulate sensitive goods, aircraft, and defence assets.
The Role and Team Structure You will join a robust, highly collaborative digital department of roughly 27 people, split across 4 agile squads. Each squad is fully formed with a Business Analyst, User-Centred Design (UCD) specialists, and three Senior Developers looking to you for technical steering.
Your focus will be heavily backend-driven system design, though you'll maintain full-stack awareness to help orchestrate roughly 27 distinct frontend user journeys.
Key Responsibilities: Technical Leadership: Lead the end-to-end design and delivery of scalable, secure software solutions across multiple workstreams.
Clean Code and Standards: Champion test-driven development, documentation, and continuous system improvements.
Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Translate complex user and policy needs into technical outcomes alongside BAs and UCD professionals.
Live Service Ownership: Support and maintain the stability and performance of live services in a high-governance environment.
Technical and Domain Environment Primary Stack: Python, Django
Delivery Framework: Agile, ticket-based workflows, and GDS (Government Digital Service) aligned standards.
Domain Context: Defence, export control, and secure government systems.
What We Are Looking For Essential Criteria: Deep Python and Django Expertise: A minimum of 5 years of professional experience (ideally 8-10 years) building robust backend systems.
End-to-End System Design: Proven capability to architect scalable, secure software solutions from the ground up.
Collaborative Leadership: Outstanding communication skills with a "T-shaped" skillsetdeep technical focus combined with broad system awareness and a delivery-focused mindset.
Security Clearance: An active, valid SC clearance is mandatory at the point of application.
Desirable Criteria: Experience delivering services aligned with GDS standards .
Prior experience in the public sector, defence, or heavily regulated environments (e.g., export controls, logistics, or compliance).
How to Apply With a firm deadline from the authority, we are moving quickly. Please submit your CV ensuring your Python/Django experience and system design capabilities are clearly highlighted.
£700.00 - £750.00 / day
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