Lead Software Engineer (Real Time Embedded) in Luton
Lead Software Engineer (Real Time Embedded)

Lead Software Engineer (Real Time Embedded) in Luton

Luton Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Design and deliver high-integrity embedded software solutions for defence projects.
  • Company: Join Leonardo, a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a comprehensive benefits package.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact while innovating in a supportive and collaborative environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in embedded software engineering and a passion for learning.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse team shaping the future of technology.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

Are you an experienced Real-Time Embedded Software Engineer looking to take the next step in your career? Do you want to work for an employer committed to helping you reach your full potential, that empowers engineers to innovate and grow?

Leonardo has exciting opportunities for Principal and Lead Software Engineers to join our multidisciplinary teams delivering advanced solutions for defence projects.

What You’ll Bring

  • Several years of embedded software engineering experience in aerospace, defence, or other mission- or safety-critical domains including demonstrable example of delivery.
  • High-Integrity Coding - Develop robust, high-quality software (e.g., RTCA-DO178C) using object-oriented C++ or Ada.
  • Leadership & Collaboration - Inspire and support colleagues within multi-disciplinary teams to achieve shared goals.
  • DevOps Mindset - Drive automation across build, test, and deployment processes.
  • Hands-On Integration - Work directly with target hardware in lab environments.
  • RTOS Development (Desirable) - Implement real-time embedded applications on Linux or VxWorks RTOS.
  • Lifecycle Mastery - Demonstrate understanding and knowledge of the full software engineering lifecycle—from requirements elicitation through delivery and release.
  • Technical Influence - Champion best practices, modular design, and toolchain optimisation.

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

  • 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 a full list of our company benefits please visit our website. Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Our employees 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!

Lead Software Engineer (Real Time Embedded) in Luton employer: Leonardo

At Leonardo, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and wellbeing of our employees. Located in Capability Green, Luton, we offer a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration, alongside a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous leave, a robust pension scheme, and access to extensive learning resources. Join us to be part of a diverse team dedicated to advancing technology in the aerospace and defence sectors while enjoying flexible working options and a supportive environment.
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Contact Detail:

Leonardo Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Lead Software Engineer (Real Time Embedded) in Luton

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend meetups, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for those interviews! Research the company, understand their projects, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. Practise common interview questions and think about how you can showcase your leadership and collaboration skills.

✨Tip Number 3

Show off your technical chops! Bring examples of your previous work, especially any high-integrity coding projects or real-time embedded applications you've developed. This will help you stand out as a candidate who can hit the ground running.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Leonardo.

We think you need these skills to ace Lead Software Engineer (Real Time Embedded) in Luton

Embedded Software Engineering
High-Integrity Coding
Object-Oriented C++
Ada
Leadership
Collaboration
DevOps Mindset
Automation
Hands-On Integration
RTOS Development
Linux
VxWorks
Software Engineering Lifecycle
Modular Design
Toolchain Optimisation

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in real-time embedded software engineering. Use keywords from the job description to show that you’re a perfect fit for the role.

Showcase Your Projects: Include specific examples of projects you've worked on, especially those related to aerospace or defence. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and technical expertise.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Explain why you want to join Leonardo and how your skills align with their mission. Keep it engaging and personal.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining us!

How to prepare for a job interview at Leonardo

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your embedded software engineering knowledge, especially in high-integrity coding standards like RTCA-DO178C. Be ready to discuss your experience with object-oriented C++ or Ada, and have examples of your past projects at the tip of your tongue.

✨Show Your Leadership Skills

Since this role involves inspiring and supporting colleagues, think of specific instances where you've led a team or collaborated effectively. Prepare to share how you’ve driven shared goals in multi-disciplinary teams, as this will demonstrate your ability to lead and collaborate.

✨Embrace the DevOps Mindset

Familiarise yourself with automation processes across build, test, and deployment. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve implemented these practices in previous roles, as it shows you’re forward-thinking and aligned with modern software development practices.

✨Be Ready for Technical Questions

Expect technical questions related to real-time embedded applications, particularly on Linux or VxWorks RTOS. Brush up on your understanding of the full software engineering lifecycle, and be ready to explain how you approach requirements elicitation through to delivery and release.

Lead Software Engineer (Real Time Embedded) in Luton
Leonardo
Location: Luton

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