Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and mentor engineering teams to deliver impactful digital services.
- Company: Join the Department for Work and Pensions, driving UK’s digital transformation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, security clearance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with cutting-edge technologies and national significance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public services that impact millions of lives.
- Qualifications: Proven software engineering experience and leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Please note this role requires you to pass Security Check clearance. For further information, please see 'Selection process details'. Are you capable of leading & mentoring engineering teams while helping to shape and deliver services? Are you an experienced Software Engineer looking to take the next step in your career?
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Digital and Transformation Group is seeking two exceptional Lead Software Engineers to drive the next phase of one of the UK’s largest and most complex digital transformations. This is a rare opportunity for highly experienced engineers to step into a senior, influential role where deep technical expertise meets strategic leadership.
You’ll lead and inspire multiple engineering teams, work shoulder‑to‑shoulder with senior leaders, and translate complex technical concepts into clear, compelling outcomes for non‑technical stakeholders, all while building modern, cloud‑native services using open‑source technologies such as Java, JavaScript and Node.js, AWS and Azure, TDD, robust CI/CD pipelines, API‑driven microservice architectures, and SQL and NoSQL data platforms.
If you thrive in complex environments, enjoy setting technical direction, and want your work to have national scale and purpose, this role offers influence, challenge and genuine impact. We are looking for outstanding Lead Software Engineers who can make a positive impact and want to contribute to one of the most demanding and important Government services for the UK.
Let’s be clear about the impact of your work – the products we build are changing the face of public services with the potential to dramatically transform the future of millions of people. Our Lead Software Engineers are experts in their field, skilled in multiple disciplines, role models in software craftsmanship and have proven experience in the design, development and support of software products.
Responsible for defining medium to long term strategies for product lines, defining guidelines for the Engineering community and leading their adoption across teams in order to deliver quality software products. You will lead the design of complex software products that make up citizen services in collaboration with Architecture.
There are two teams that successful candidates might join: Within Working Age Services Digital, we support a range of critical services, including the Department’s highest profile benefit service, Universal Credit. These services sit at the heart of society, helping millions of people every day. In addition, we have the green field Jobs and Careers Service which is the government’s new 'Get Britain Working' initiative which moves DWP to having a customer base beyond benefit claimants. Through all of this we need the highest skilled engineers guiding the teams through cutting edge technology decisions working with Product and Delivery leads throughout.
Lead Software Engineer employer: Government Recruitment Service
Contact Detail:
Government Recruitment Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Software Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at DWP or similar organisations on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing a role like Lead Software Engineer.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical skills and leadership experience. Be ready to discuss how you've led teams and tackled complex projects, especially in cloud-native environments.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for public service! Make sure to highlight how your work can positively impact society, especially when discussing your previous projects and their outcomes.
✨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, it shows you’re serious about joining the team!
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 align with the Lead Software Engineer role. Highlight your leadership experience, technical expertise, and any relevant projects you've worked on that showcase your ability to drive digital transformation.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you a perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your experience with technologies like Java, AWS, and CI/CD pipelines.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading and mentoring teams, be sure to include examples of how you've successfully led projects or teams in the past. We want to see how you inspire others and drive results!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Government Recruitment Service
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the technologies mentioned in the job description, like Java, JavaScript, Node.js, AWS, and Azure. Brush up on your knowledge of TDD, CI/CD pipelines, and microservice architectures. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re not just a leader but also a hands-on engineer.
✨Prepare for Leadership Questions
Since this role involves leading and mentoring teams, be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully led projects or teams in the past. Think about challenges you faced and how you overcame them, as well as how you’ve inspired others to achieve their best work.
✨Translate Tech to Non-Tech
You’ll need to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders. Practice explaining your past projects in simple terms, focusing on the outcomes and benefits rather than the nitty-gritty details. This skill is crucial for making an impact in a role that influences public services.
✨Show Your Passion for Public Service
This position is all about making a difference in people's lives. Be prepared to discuss why you’re passionate about working in government services and how you see technology transforming public services. Your enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates who may not connect with the mission.