Job Description
Contract Software Engineering Lead
Location: Reading (Hybrid/On-site as required)Sector: Aerospace & DefenceSecurity Clearance: Required or eligible
Overview
We are seeking an experienced Software Engineering Lead to play a pivotal role in delivering and scaling advanced software engineering capabilities within a complex, regulated aerospace and defence environment.
This role will focus on shaping and managing a modern Software function, embedding digital engineering best practices, and leading multi-partner delivery across distributed and international teams. You will operate at both strategic and delivery levels, ensuring alignment with regulatory frameworks, programme objectives, and long-term capability goals.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the definition, implementation, and governance of software engineering methods, standards, and toolchains across complex delivery environments
* Drive adoption of DevSecOps practices, modern software life cycle environments, and digital thread enablement
* Provide technical and delivery leadership for model-based software design and digital engineering initiatives
* Manage integration across multiple partners, suppliers, and system integrators within a Software Factory context
* Ensure compliance with aerospace and defence regulatory and certification frameworks (including DO-178C and associated supplements)
* Engage and influence senior stakeholders across engineering, programme, and commercial functions
* Own financial and resource planning for software engineering capabilities, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control
* Operate effectively in dynamic, evolving programmes, balancing structure with pragmatism and delivery focus
Essential Skills & Experience
* Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline
* Project or Programme Management certification (eg APM, PRINCE2) or demonstrable experience managing complex delivery environments
* Extensive experience with software engineering toolchains, DevSecOps, and software life cycle environments
* Proven experience in Model-Based Software Design
* Extensive experience within Aerospace and/or Defence, with strong understanding of regulatory and certification frameworks
* Strong knowledge of Digital Engineering, including model-based engineering and environment provisioning
* Experience managing multi-partner and supplier integration in large-scale software programmes
* Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to align diverse teams
* Strong financial and resource management capability
Security
* Active security clearance or eligibility for clearance within a defence programme is mandatory
Whats on Offer
* Opportunity to lead and shape high-impact digital engineering capability in major defence programmes
* Work within complex, technically challenging, and nationally significant environments
* Competitive daily rate or salary (dependent on engagement model and experience)
If you are a senior software or digital engineering leader with deep aerospace or defence experience and are looking to make a strategic impact, we would like to hear from you.