We're looking for a Lead Software Engineer for a public sector organisation based in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff or the North East (hybrid) on an initial 12-month contract, paying up to Β£750 per day (Inside IR35, Umbrella). There is an expectation to attend the office 40% of the week across one of the listed locations. The successful Lead Software Engineer will lead the design, development, and delivery of scalable, secure software solutions within a government-focused environment, contributing to services that support the regulation of controlled goods and exports. Working across four Agile squads in a multidisciplinary team of around 27, they will provide technical leadership, oversee development across multiple workstreams, and take ownership of both new delivery and live service performance. Python and Django development to a senior or lead level - Building secure, test-driven, high-quality code - Agile delivery within multidisciplinary teams including BAs and UCD specialists - At least 5 years of software engineering experience, ideally 8 to 10 years GDS standards and Government Digital Service aligned delivery - Lead Software Engineer, Senior Software Engineer, Python Developer, Django Developer, Backend Engineer, Full Stack Engineer, Software Architect, GDS, Agile, System Design, Government, Public Sector, Defence, Export Control, London, Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff, North East, Hybrid, Contract, Inside IR35