Lead Software Engineer in Luton

We’re seeking Lead Software Engineers to step into pivotal Technical Authority roles across our Electronic Warfare (EW) and Future Combat Air programmes in Luton. This role combines deep technical oversight with influence, offering significant autonomy and responsibility for key software components or entire projects. As a Software Technical Authority, you will serve as the most authoritative voice on software matters within your team. You will collaborate directly with Software Project Engineering Leads to define commitments, navigate risks, and ensure delivery in line with Leonardo's internal software process (DEV535) — predominantly DO-178C and related standards. This opportunity builds the core competencies required for future advancement into Software Design Authority (DA) roles and potentially progression to Chief Engineer level. Structured training, mentorship, and on-the-job experience will support your growth.

As a Software Technical Authority you will:

• Ensure software architecture and design strategy aligns with platform and system goals
• Guide teams in applying Secure by Design and safety-critical principles
• Act as the arbiter of technical trade-offs and resolution of design challenges
• Lead technical risk identification and mitigation across software components
• Champion robust software assurance activities aligned with DO-178
• Support audits and design reviews as the accountable technical lead
• Ensure development activities meet internal governance and regulatory obligations
• Drive adherence to engineering lifecycle models, including traceability, verification and validation
• Promote best practices through design reviews and continuous improvement activities
• Coach and develop junior engineers in software engineering excellence
• Facilitate learning around lifecycle artefacts, DO-178C compliance, and technical reasoning
• Promote continuous improvement and peer-driven knowledge exchange
• Collaborate with systems, hardware and firmware teams to ensure coherent integration
• Act as liaison between development teams and project leadership
• Working with the Chief Software Engineer and System Design Authority, own the relationship between the project team and Design Integrity from a compliance and delivery perspective.

What you’ll bring:

• Several years embedded software engineering experience in aerospace, defence, or other mission-critical domains
• Hands-on delivery of DO-178C software, with lifecycle experience from requirements through certification
• Leadership background, for example in architectural design, risk mitigation, or technical governance
• Ideally strong domain and product knowledge in Electronic Warfare or Future Combat Air platforms, integration, and mission context
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and coach engineers, with a focus on capability uplift
• Familiarity with legacy systems, export controls, interoperability, and long-term product evolution

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).

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.
• 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.