At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technical delivery and mentor a new engineering team in Bristol.
- Company: Join a growing National Security and Defence organisation with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, annual bonus, enhanced pension, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for career growth and professional development in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in secure software projects while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in a Technical Lead role and strong understanding of software development lifecycle.
The predicted salary is between 64000 - 89375 £ per year.
We are supporting a growing National Security and Defence organisation with the appointment of a Technical Lead / Lead Software Engineer to help establish and grow a new engineering capability in Bristol. This is a senior Lead opportunity for an experienced engineer who enjoys combining hands-on technical oversight with people leadership, mentoring, and delivery responsibility. The role will initially involve working closely with established teams before leading the development of a dedicated Bristol-based team supporting multiple secure programmes.
The successful lead software engineer will operate within a matrix environment across a variety of projects spanning cloud, DevOps, software engineering, and AI-enabled capabilities within highly secure and safety-critical environments.
Key Responsibilities:- Lead technical delivery across multiple secure software and engineering programmes
- Support the growth and development of a new Bristol-based engineering team
- Mentor and develop engineers, apprentices, and junior team members
- Ensure engineering processes, standards, and software lifecycle governance are followed
- Work closely with programme and functional leadership to support long-term capability growth
- Contribute to project planning, technical strategy, and delivery assurance
- Build strong working relationships across distributed teams and bring people together effectively within a collaborative engineering environment
- Previous experience in a Technical Lead, Team Lead, or Engineering Leadership role
- Strong understanding of the full software development lifecycle
- Experience delivering large-scale or complex software systems within regulated or secure environments
- Strong stakeholder engagement and people leadership capability
- Experience mentoring and developing engineering teams
- Ability to operate effectively across multiple concurrent projects and teams
- Java
- C / C++
- Cloud and DevOps technologies
- AI-enabled systems and secure environments
- Safety-critical engineering standards and processes
- Active SC Clearance is required
- Candidates willing and eligible to progress through higher levels of clearance are highly desirable
- Annual bonus scheme
- Enhanced pension contribution (up to 10.5%)
- 9-day fortnight and half-day Fridays condensed hours option
- Private healthcare and dental cover
- Car lease and share schemes
- Flexible hybrid working arrangements
The organisation is open to candidates on notice periods of up to three months, with significant programme growth planned from September onwards. For a confidential discussion, please get in touch directly.
Lead Software Engineer employer: Fortice
Join a forward-thinking National Security and Defence organisation in Bristol, where you will not only lead innovative engineering projects but also play a pivotal role in shaping a new team dedicated to secure software development. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, mentorship, and a collaborative work culture, this company offers excellent benefits including a generous pension scheme, private healthcare, and flexible working arrangements, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Software Engineer
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend meetups, tech conferences, or even local events. Building relationships can lead to job opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Show Off Your Skills
Don’t just talk about your experience; demonstrate it! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those involving cloud, DevOps, or AI. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your coding skills and understanding the software development lifecycle. Practice common interview questions and be ready to discuss how you’ve led teams and delivered complex projects.
✨Apply Through Our Website
We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance at landing that Lead Software Engineer role. It shows your commitment and gives us a chance to see your application first-hand!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Software Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Lead Software Engineer role. Highlight your leadership experience and technical expertise in areas like Java, cloud technologies, and secure environments.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share specific examples of how you've led teams and delivered complex software systems, and don’t forget to mention your passion for mentoring!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In your application, be sure to emphasise your understanding of the full software development lifecycle and any relevant projects you've worked on. This is your chance to shine, so let us know what you can bring to the table!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in Bristol!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fortice
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
As a Lead Software Engineer, you’ll need to demonstrate your technical prowess. Brush up on your knowledge of Java, C/C++, and cloud technologies. Be ready to discuss your experience with secure environments and how you've tackled complex software systems in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves mentoring and leading teams, so be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully guided engineers or apprentices. Highlight your approach to fostering collaboration and building strong relationships within distributed teams.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with the organisation's mission in national security and defence. Be ready to discuss how your technical strategies align with their goals and how you can contribute to long-term capability growth in Bristol.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about challenges you've faced in previous projects, especially in regulated environments, and how you navigated them while ensuring compliance with safety-critical standards.
