Senior Software Engineer in Cheltenham

UK CITIZENSHIP REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION: Yes

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE TYPE: UK-Highest Level of Government Clearance

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

Salary: £44,100 - £66,100

What’s your possible? At Northrop Grumman UK, you are part of a team driving innovation where it matters most – solving tomorrow’s challenges and shaping the technology solutions of the future. It’s what we call Defining Possible. This mindset goes beyond our customer solutions; it’s the foundation for your career development and the positive impact we create within our communities.

The Opportunity

This is more than just a job; it’s a mission. As a Senior Software Engineer, you will design, develop and maintain the critical software that underpins our mission‑led solutions. You’ll work across varied and meaningful projects, collaborating with talented engineers to solve complex and unique technical challenges. With the chance to influence architectural decisions, contribute to hands‑on development, and help shape our engineering practices, this role offers a rare opportunity to make a genuine impact in a team committed to pushing boundaries.

What you’ll be doing:

• Deliver hands‑on development and contribute directly to the codebase, including peer reviews.
• Design software features and clearly communicate design choices in line with product roadmaps.
• Break down complex work into clear, achievable tasks aligned with Agile delivery.
• Support the setup and maintenance of CI/CD pipelines.
• Showcase progress through demonstrations to internal and external stakeholders.

What we’re looking for:

• Experience as a Software Engineer in one or more of the following: Backend development (Java Spring Boot, Maven, Python) or Frontend development (JavaScript/TypeScript, React, npm).
• Familiarity with CI/CD, containerisation, deployment tools and cloud platforms (e.g. Jenkins, Kubernetes, Docker, AWS).
• Understanding of database technologies such as SQL, Elasticsearch or MongoDB.
• Strong communication, collaboration and problem‑solving skills, ideally with some experience of Agile ways of working.

If you meet most—but not all—of the criteria, we still encourage you to apply. We value potential as much as experience.

Security Clearance

Due to the nature of our work, you must be a UK national for this level of clearance. You must currently hold the highest level of UK Government security clearance.

What we offer:

• Flexible and hybrid working options, including an optional compressed fortnight with every other Friday off.
• Private healthcare.
• Cash health plan and wellbeing support.
• Holiday buy/sell options.
• Career development pathways, mentoring and professional training.
• Performance‑related bonuses.

Why join Northrop Grumman UK?

• A mission to believe in – Every day we contribute to building a more secure and connected world.
• A place to belong and thrive – Every voice matters. You’ll find supportive employee networks, partnerships with organisations including AFBE, Forces Transition Group, Mind and Women in Defence, and a culture where you can bring your full, authentic self to work.
• Your career, your way – Shape your future with diverse roles, learning opportunities and the flexibility to balance work with life.

Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce, and encourages individuals from all backgrounds and all abilities to apply and consider becoming a part of our diverse and inclusive workforce.