Lead Software Engineer — Mission‐Critical Delivery (Defence & Security)
Contract | Bristol (Hybrid) | Outside IR35 | High‐priority programme
Build software that actually matters. We're delivering secure, high‐integrity platforms used across Defence & Security—systems where reliability, correctness and speed of delivery are non‐negotiable. If you're a hands‐on leader who can turn complexity into shippable software and align multi‐disciplinary teams behind a clear plan, this is your arena.
Why this role is different
* Real authority: You'll own end‐to‐end technical delivery across multiple workstreams—not just "influence" it.
* High‐impact environment: What you build gets deployed and relied on, not shelved.
* Hands‐on leadership: Lead by example in code, pipelines, and architecture—engineering first, PowerPoint second.
* Calm in the storm: When the situation's ambiguous or time‐critical, you set direction and move the needle.
* Hybrid working: Bristol hub with pragmatic onsite time for planning, integration and secure build activities.
The mission
Own the technical delivery of a high‐priority software programme. You'll translate complex requirements into a coherent execution plan, sequence the work, unblock delivery, and keep senior stakeholders aligned—while still rolling up your sleeves to steer architecture, code quality and platform decisions.
What you'll lead & deliver
* Own the outcomes: End‐to‐end accountability for programme‐level technical delivery across multiple engineering and platform streams.
* Decide at pace: Make time‐critical calls when leadership isn't available—backed by data, risk awareness and sound engineering judgement.
* Turn intent into code: Break down high‐level requirements into clear, testable deliverables that flow through teams without friction.
* Plan & sequence: Maintain living delivery plans, set priorities, and coordinate cross‐team dependencies with ruthless clarity.
* Unblock & de‐risk: Act as the escalation point for blockers, risks and technical issues; drive them to ground.
* Communicate up & across: Brief senior leadership with concise, credible updates; align with design authority on technical & delivery strategy.
* Engineer the platform: Provide direction to software, test and platform engineers; ensure DevSecOps, CI/CD and quality gates are baked in.
* Stabilise & strengthen: Chair planning/triage/defect calls; ensure work is visible, tracked and flowing.
* Build capability: Spot underperformance and capability gaps; advise on hiring, coaching and resourcing; support people under pressure.
Tech you'll encounter
* Languages / frameworks: Python, C#, .NET (guiding multi‐language teams)
* Secure SDLC / DevSecOps: CI/CD, IaC, code quality, SCA/DAST/SAST, supply‐chain controls
* Platforms: RHEL on physical hosts, containerised applications (Docker/Kubernetes/OpenShift)
* Cloud & hybrid: Multi‐cloud/hybrid patterns, artefact registries, secrets management, observability
* Architecture: Distributed systems, API contracts, interface control, performance & resilience engineering
* Plus (nice‐to‐have): Exposure to AI/ML pipelines or model‐based engineering in secure contexts
What you'll bring
* Proven background as a Lead Software Engineer / Technical Delivery Lead in high‐assurance environments.
* Ability to grasp new problem spaces quickly and reason about complex systems and interfaces.
* Track record guiding developers across multiple stacks and enforcing good engineering practice.
* Deep familiarity with secure software development and assurance in regulated or classified settings.
* Experience aligning software, test and platform towards one coherent plan with crisp acceptance criteria.
* Excellent communicator—equally clear with engineers and execs.
* Calm under pressure, pragmatic and delivery‐biased without sacrificing quality.
* Comfortable as the single point of accountability for technical delivery.
Location, clearance & ways of working
* Bristol (Hybrid): Onsite presence for secure build, planning and integration; otherwise flexible.
* Security: Eligibility for UK Security Clearance (SC) required (we'll guide you through the process where applicable).
* Contract: High‐priority engagement with competitive day rate and extension potential based on impact.