Job Description:The OpportunityLeonardo Electronic Warfare is seeking an outstanding engineering leader to shape the future of software engineering across one of the UK's most advanced defence technology businesses.Leading a community of approximately 180 software engineers across Luton, Lincoln and Bristol, you will be accountable for the capability, performance and long-term evolution of Software Engineering within EW which includes products such as BriteCloud, Praetorian, SAGE and GCAP and many more.This role extends well beyond software delivery. You will influence how software is engineered across our portfolio, ensuring we continue to deliver mission-critical capability faster, more efficiently and with ever-increasing levels of quality.You will work closely with Chief Engineers, Product Architects, Engineering Leaders and Business stakeholders to deliver both today's commitments and tomorrow's capability.What you'll doAs Head of Software Engineering, you will:Lead and develop a software engineering community of around 180 engineers across multiple sites and programmes.Define and execute the Software Engineering strategy for Electronic Warfare.Build a high-performing organisation with strong succession pipelines, career pathways and leadership development.Drive continuous improvement in engineering effectiveness, quality, productivity and delivery performance.Champion the adoption of modern software engineering practices, digital technologies, automation, DevSecOps and AI-enabled engineering approaches.Shape software technology, process and toolchain roadmaps in partnership with technical and business leadership.Ensure the software function has the capability and capacity required to meet future business demand.Represent EW Software Engineering within Leonardo UK and the wider engineering community.What we're looking forYou will be an accomplished engineering leader with experience of leading large software organisations through significant change.A proven track record of leading software engineering functions through senior managers and technical leaders.Experience translating engineering strategy into measurable business outcomes.Demonstrable success driving organisational transformation and improving engineering performance at scale.Strong leadership credentials, with a passion for developing people, future leaders and technical talent.The ability to influence senior stakeholders and build alignment across engineering, programme and business communities.Experience balancing near-term delivery pressures with long-term capability development.Strong commercial awareness, including workforce planning, investment decisions and budget management.Experience operating within complex, highly regulated engineering environments.Technical CredibilityYou do not need to be the deepest technical specialist in every domain, but you must have the credibility to lead a large software engineering function.Embedded and real-time softwareSafety-critical or mission-critical systemsDevSecOps and software factory approachesModel-Based EngineeringSoftware architecture and platform developmentDigital engineering and engineering transformationAI-enabled software developmentExperience with standards such as DO-178C, IEC61508, ISO26262 or equivalent is highly desirable.This is a rare opportunity to lead one of Leonardo UK's largest software engineering communities and directly influence the future of software engineering across Electronic Warfare.We are seeking a leader who can see beyond today's challenges, develop the next generation of engineering talent, and deliver lasting improvements in capability, performance and business outcomes.If you are passionate about leading people, transforming organisations and shaping the future of software engineering, we'd like to hear from youSecurity ClearanceThis role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work-life balance. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.Secure your Future: Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).Rewarding Performance: All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.Refer a friend: Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.Spend up to 500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.Flexible working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role.For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website.Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace.Full time
Head of Software Engineering (Permanent) 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.
