Overview
In this role you lead the EW software community across Luton, Lincoln, and Bristol to deliver capable software solutions that protect lives and enhance mission effectiveness. You drive end-to-end software delivery, strategy, and governance, shaping roadmaps with product architects and stakeholders. You will develop talent pipelines, foster technical excellence, and oversee risk, budget, and partner management. This is a chance to guide a cross-site software agenda within a global aerospace and defence leader.
Pay / Benefits
- time to recharge: up to 12 flexi-days per year
- pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution
- mental health support and wellbeing resources
- access to 4,000+ online courses (Coursera & LinkedIn Learning)
- referral bonus
- flexible benefits up to 500 for private healthcare, dental, etc.
Responsibilities
- Ensure timely software capability delivery and manage recruitment and training to build a full career-path pipeline
- Improve software project delivery through better estimation, monitoring, and timely interventions
- Own the Software Development Process, Toolchain, and Technology strategy and deploy them across the business
- Collaborate with business sector stakeholders, Engineering Leadership and Product Architects to develop product and technology roadmaps
- Provide strategic technical leadership and enforce consistent excellence across the EW portfolio
- Act as the process authority for the sector and drive governance, standards, and compliance
- Collaborate with other Engineering areas to create an integrated process and toolchain
- Acquire and share knowledge via industry bodies, partnerships, conferences, benchmarking and recruitment
- Identify and manage long-term technology and resource partners
- Oversee cost centre management, budget control and strategic planning
- Support risk, security and compliance requirements relevant to the sector
Key requirements
- Strong leadership capabilities to drive technical excellence and team performance
- Strategic mindset with clear decision-making and ability to inspire software teams
- Strong software design background to align with product architects on coherent design and strategy
- Experience in Agile Transformation, Component Architectures, Model Driven Engineering, Digital Transformation, Embedded Software, Avionics Software
- Proven track record in fostering accountability and collaboration while delivering high-impact solutions and managing stakeholder expectations
- Experience with industry standards such as RTCA/DO-178C, IEC61508 or ISO26262
- Security clearance with BPSS and potential NSV/SC/DV requirements
- Willingness to learn and adapt across the EW domain
- leadership
- communication
- decision-making
- Agile Transformation
- Component Architectures
- Model Driven Engineering
Head of Software Engineering (EW) in Luton employer: Leonardo DRS
Leonardo is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets collaboration. As a Campaign Manager, you'll thrive in a culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth, supported by comprehensive benefits including an award-winning pension scheme and access to over 4,000 online courses. With flexible working options and a commitment to inclusion, Leonardo empowers you to make a meaningful impact in the defence and aerospace sector while enjoying a fulfilling work-life balance.
