At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to deliver mission-critical software for national security.
- Company: Join a tech and engineering organisation focused on safety and resilience.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with mentoring opportunities and a collaborative team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security while developing cutting-edge software solutions.
- Qualifications: Experience in back-end and front-end development, preferably with Java and React.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Join a growing team helping strengthen the UK’s safety and resilience. Join a technology and engineering organisation supporting customers across National Security, Defence and Intelligence, delivering systems that operate in complex and highly secure environments. As a Full Stack Software Lead, you’ll help deliver mission‑critical software solutions that support national security outcomes. You’ll work closely with customers and multidisciplinary teams to build secure, reliable products that enable better decision‑making and operational effectiveness. This is a hands‑on leadership role where you’ll combine technical delivery with mentoring, collaboration and continuous improvement.
What you’ll be doing:
- Leading a software engineering team delivering high‑quality back‑end and full‑stack solutions
- Collaborating with customers and engineering stakeholders to shape technical roadmaps and delivery priorities
- Translating user needs into well‑defined epics, stories and technical solutions
- Building secure, maintainable software using modern engineering and test‑driven development practices
- Contributing to architectural decisions and selecting appropriate technologies and design patterns
- Developing and maintaining APIs, user interfaces and data pipelines within existing platforms and infrastructure
- Supporting agile ways of working, including planning, refinement, demos and retrospectives
- Mentoring and supporting other engineers, helping create an inclusive and collaborative team environment
- Encouraging knowledge sharing, continuous learning and sustainable delivery practices
What we’re looking for:
We recognise that great candidates may not meet every requirement listed below. If your experience is a close match, we’d still encourage you to apply.
Technical experience:
- Experience with back‑end development using Java (Spring Boot) and/or Go
- Front‑end development experience using React or Vue.js
- Experience with testing frameworks such as JUnit, Jest or Cypress
- Familiarity with tools and platforms such as GitLab/Git, Docker, Kubernetes, Helm and CI/CD tooling
- Experience working within agile software delivery teams
Additional experience that would be valuable:
- Scrum Master or agile delivery experience
- Experience using AI‑assisted development tools such as coding assistants or agentic workflows
- Experience working in secure, regulated or mission‑critical environments
Location: This role is primarily based in Manchester, with some time spent on customer sites for secure integration and deployment activities. Hybrid working may be available depending on project requirements.
Security clearance: Due to the nature of the work, valid eDV clearance is required for this role.
Fullstack Software Lead- National Security employer: Forwardrole
Join a forward-thinking technology and engineering organisation that prioritises the safety and resilience of the UK. As a Full Stack Software Lead in Manchester, you will thrive in a collaborative work culture that values continuous learning and innovation, while also benefiting from opportunities for professional growth and mentorship. With a focus on delivering mission-critical solutions, you'll be part of a team that not only shapes national security outcomes but also embraces agile methodologies and modern engineering practices.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fullstack Software Lead- National Security
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the tech and national security sectors. Attend meetups, webinars, or even local events to get your name out there. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect Fullstack Software Lead role!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those involving back-end development with Java or Go, and front-end work with React or Vue.js. This is your chance to demonstrate your technical prowess and problem-solving abilities.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on agile methodologies and your experience with tools like GitLab, Docker, and CI/CD. Be ready to discuss how you've led teams and mentored others, as this role is all about collaboration and leadership.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged in their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Fullstack Software Lead- National Security
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your back-end and front-end development experience, especially with Java and React, as these are key for us.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re passionate about national security and how your background makes you a great fit. Share specific examples of your leadership and mentoring experiences to show us what you can bring to the team.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to mention your familiarity with tools like GitLab, Docker, and CI/CD. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their technical prowess and understanding of modern engineering practices.
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 don’t miss out on any important updates during the process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Forwardrole
✨Know Your Tech Stack
Make sure you’re well-versed in the technologies mentioned in the job description, like Java (Spring Boot), Go, React, and Vue.js. Brush up on your knowledge of testing frameworks too, as they’ll likely come up during technical discussions.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this is a hands-on leadership role, be prepared to discuss your experience in mentoring and leading teams. Share specific examples of how you've fostered collaboration and continuous improvement within your previous teams.
✨Understand the Mission
Familiarise yourself with the national security landscape and the challenges it faces. Being able to articulate how your skills can contribute to mission-critical software solutions will demonstrate your commitment and understanding of the role.
✨Prepare for Agile Discussions
As agile ways of working are crucial for this position, be ready to discuss your experience with agile methodologies. Think of examples where you’ve contributed to planning, retrospectives, or any role you’ve played in enhancing team dynamics.
