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- Tasks: Lead software design for cutting-edge defence projects and coach teams in best practices.
- Company: Join Leonardo, a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security with over 53,000 employees worldwide.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, mental health support, and access to 4,000+ online courses.
- Why this job: Be part of innovative projects that enhance global safety while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in software engineering, leadership, and stakeholder management; a positive attitude is essential.
- Other info: This role requires security clearance; we welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Job Description:
Your Impact
Are you interested in developing complex software for one of the most cutting-edge defence and aerospace projects in the UK? If you like the sound of developing software for the European Common Radar System (ECRS), then Leonardo would like to hear from you.
We are looking for an experienced Software Architect to join our well established software community as the Radar programmes grow and enter a crucial phase, developing complex functionality.
For more information on Leonardo\’s contribution to ECRS check out:
What you’ll do as a Software Architect:
- Help teams follow the project design standards. Build and maintain local work instruction, processes
- Build a culture of knowledge sharing between the teams.
- Coach/upskill Product Designers
- Report to Chief Software Engineer
- Primary technical POC for Newcastle
- Contribute to the design between the Processing and Platform train
- Contribute to the design of the Processing Solution deployment
- Collate and quantify tech debt across teams. Present tech debt to stakeholders
What we need from you:
Ideally, we are looking for a proactive engineer and leader, someone with:
- Experience in applying Software Engineering design best practice to large scale development projects.
- Experience in eliciting stakeholder expectations.
- Proven knowledge of DO-178C and the pathway to system certification.
- Proven leadership and decision-making skills in a high complexity, dynamic environment at a senior level.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a proven ability to build trust and respect across engineering teams and senior leadership groups.
- Experience of integration, with an understanding of the resultant issues, cost and schedule implications, and potential mitigations.
- Tenacity and determination, with a desire to deliver outputs and results.
- The desire to progress in a Software Architecture role
This is not an exhaustive list, and we are keen to hear from you even if you might not have experience in all the above. The most important skill is a good attitude and willingness to learn.
Security Clearance
This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit:
Why join us
At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. 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.
- Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
- Secure your Future: Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
- Your Wellbeing Matters: 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.
- Tailored Perks : 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.
Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. Our employees are not just part of a team—they are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.
At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.
Be part of something bigger – apply now!
Primary Location:
GB – Edinburgh
Contract Type:
Permanent
Hybrid Working:
Onsite #J-18808-Ljbffr
Software Architect employer: Leonardo UK Ltd
Contact Detail:
Leonardo UK Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Software Architect
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the European Common Radar System (ECRS) and its significance in defence and aerospace. Understanding the project will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees at Leonardo, especially those in software architecture or related fields. They can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your knowledge of DO-178C and system certification processes. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will set you apart as a candidate who understands the complexities of software development in a regulated environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to showcase your leadership and decision-making skills through examples from your past experiences. Think of specific situations where you successfully led a team or made critical decisions under pressure, as this aligns with what Leonardo is looking for.
We think you need these skills to ace Software Architect
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in software architecture and large-scale development projects. Emphasise your knowledge of DO-178C and any leadership roles you've held.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention specific projects or experiences that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, particularly your ability to coach and upskill teams.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is crucial for this role, consider including examples in your application that demonstrate your ability to build trust and respect across teams and with senior leadership.
Highlight Continuous Learning: Leonardo values a willingness to learn. Mention any recent courses or certifications you’ve completed that relate to software architecture or engineering best practices, showing your commitment to professional growth.
How to prepare for a job interview at Leonardo UK Ltd
✨Understand the Project Standards
Familiarise yourself with the project design standards and processes that Leonardo follows. Be prepared to discuss how you can help teams adhere to these standards and contribute to building local work instructions.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Highlight your experience in leading teams and making decisions in complex environments. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully coached or upskilled team members in previous roles.
✨Communicate Effectively
Demonstrate your excellent communication skills by articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare to discuss how you've built trust and respect across engineering teams and senior leadership groups in the past.
✨Prepare for Technical Discussions
Brush up on your knowledge of DO-178C and system certification pathways. Be ready to discuss technical debt and how you would present it to stakeholders, as this is a key aspect of the role.
