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