Contract Software Engineering Manager
Up to £84 p/h Inside IR35
Reading HQ – Hybrid remote working
Security Clearance Required / Eligible
Aerospace & Defence Sector
Shape the Future of Digital Engineering in Aerospace & Defence
A Defence prime based in the Reading area are looking to onboard a Software Engineering Manager with extensive experience in the Aerospace/Aviation or Defence environment to support the design and build of a new world-class Software capability function within a complex, regulated aerospace/defence environment.
This is a strategic leadership role responsible for enabling secure, compliant, model-based software delivery across multi-partner, international programmes. You will operate at the intersection of engineering excellence, regulatory governance, and large-scale digital transformation.
Essential Experience
* Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline
* Extensive experience as a Software Manager (or similar level) working in Aerospace and/or Defence environments – (This is essential)
* Software architecture experience
* Proven experience in Model Based Software Design and digital engineering
* Strong understanding of DO-178C (and associated supplements)
* Experience defining and implementing software engineering toolchains at scale
* Demonstrated leadership across multi-partner, supplier-integrated environments
* Eligible for (or holding) appropriate security clearance
The Role
* Architect and implement an enterprise-grade software environment
* Define and standardise toolchains, methods, and engineering practices across distributed teams and partners
* Lead adoption of MBSD and Digital Engineering practices
* Ensure compliance with aerospace and defence regulatory frameworks (DO-178C and supplements)
* Integrate suppliers and partners into a cohesive, traceable digital ecosystem
* Govern cyber-resilient, secure software development environments (DevSecOps)
* Manage budgets, vendor relationships, and capability roadmaps
* Drive alignment across engineering, programme leadership, and senior stakeholders
* Enable full digital thread continuity from system requirements through to certified software artefacts
This is a high-impact leadership role with visibility across senior engineering and programme governance forums.