Lead Software Engineer Rate: £600 a day IR 35 Determination: Outside IR35 Location: Southampton Working Pattern: 20% onsite Clearance: SC Clearance required Overview: Technical Leadership, Operational and People Management, Technical direction of complex projects A global defence technology consultancy are looking for an experienced Lead Software Engineer to provide hands‑on leadership across a high‑priority software delivery programme. This is a senior contractor role requiring a self‑starter who can quickly understand a complex problem domain, translate requirements into actionable deliverables, and drive engineering teams to successful outcomes. You will act as the technical and delivery focal point for multiple workstreams, ensuring work is sequenced, risks are managed, progress is unblocked, and the programme maintains momentum. This role blends technical leadership, delivery ownership, and stakeholder management, and is ideal for someone with a background in leading engineering teams in fast-moving, high-pressure environments. Key Responsibilities Delivery & Execution Leadership & Direction Stakeholder Management Operational Management People & Capability Your technical skills and experience Strong background as a Lead Software Engineer or Technical Delivery Lead. Ability to rapidly understand new technical problem spaces and system architectures. Experience guiding developers across multiple languages/frameworks (e.g., Python, C#, .NET). Strong understanding of secure software development and assurance. Experience with enterprise architecture, CI/CD pipelines, DevSecOps practices. Knowledge of cloud technologies and containerised environments (specifically RHEL environments running on physical hosts, and with containerised applications) Demonstrated ability to shape technical direction and deliver complex systems