At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to deliver mission-critical software solutions for National Security.
- Company: Join Roke, a leading tech and engineering company with a strong heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days holiday, flexible working, and a supportive environment.
- Other info: Opportunities for growth and learning in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while working on projects that matter.
- Qualifications: Experience in Java, React, and agile team leadership required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Join our growing team and help strengthen the UK’s safety and resilience. We’re a leading technology and engineering company supporting customers across National Security, Defence and Intelligence, delivering systems that operate in the most demanding and sensitive environments. As a Full Stack Software Lead, you’ll deliver mission critical solutions for National Security customers - building products that protect people, platforms, missions and information against evolving threats. You’ll help customers use data to improve mission outcomes, lead teams hands-on, and mentor others while working at the forefront of innovation.
What you’ll be doing:
- You’ll lead a team delivering valuable increments across back‑end technologies.
- Partner with engineering and customer technical leaders to shape the roadmap.
- Turn user needs into epics/stories and define effective ways of working.
- Build secure, maintainable software using test‑driven practices.
- Select suitable patterns across established and emerging technologies.
- Convert designs into working implementations and document to required standards.
- Develop and maintain APIs, UI components and data pipelines within existing data infrastructure.
- Lead and contribute to agile ceremonies (stand‑ups, refinement, planning, demos).
- Keep the team aligned on upcoming features, impacts, and user needs.
What you’ll bring (or Required Skills / Qualifications):
- Back‑end: Java (Spring Boot) and/or Go.
- Front‑end: React or Vue.js.
- Testing: JUnit/Jest/Cypress (or equivalent).
- Tooling: GitLab/Git, Docker, Kubernetes, Helm, GitLab CI/Argo CD/Jenkins, Jira/Confluence.
- Experience leading agile teams (Scrum Master training desirable).
- Use of AI tools to support development (e.g., IDE assistants, chatbots, agentic workflows).
- Able to learn new technologies quickly.
Why Roke:
You’ll work with smart, supportive people on projects that genuinely matter, in an environment that values technical excellence, collaboration and continuous learning. We invest in your growth, value diverse thinking and offer flexible working alongside a strong benefits package (including 30 days’ holiday plus bank holidays). Roke combines a 70+ year heritage with the agility to make a real impact.
Location: Based in Gloucester and customer sites for high‑side integration/deployment. Limited hybrid working may be possible, subject to project needs and may vary between assignments.
Clearance: Valid eDV clearance is required for this post. If you are eligible but don’t hold eDV, please explore other engineering roles via Roke’s Careers Page. Eligibility details can be found on gov.uk.
Software Team Lead in Cheltenham employer: Roke
Contact Detail:
Roke Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Software Team Lead in Cheltenham
✨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. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Software Team Lead role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those involving Java, React, or any relevant tech. We recommend sharing this on GitHub or your personal website, so potential employers can see your work in action.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on agile methodologies and your technical skills. We suggest doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to get comfortable discussing your experience leading teams and delivering software solutions.
✨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, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Software Team Lead in Cheltenham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Software Team Lead role. Highlight your back-end and front-end expertise, especially with Java, Spring Boot, React, or Vue.js. We want to see how you’ve led teams and delivered mission-critical solutions!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about working in National Security and how your experience aligns with our mission. Be sure to mention any agile leadership experience and your approach to mentoring others.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to include specific examples of your technical skills in your application. Whether it’s your experience with Docker, Kubernetes, or using AI tools in development, we want to know how you’ve applied these technologies in real-world scenarios.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Roke
✨Know Your Tech Stack
Make sure you’re well-versed in the technologies mentioned in the job description, like Java (Spring Boot), Go, React, and Vue.js. Brush up on your knowledge of testing frameworks like JUnit and Jest, as well as tools like Docker and Kubernetes. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Software Team Lead, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and mentor a team. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully led agile teams or facilitated ceremonies like stand-ups and planning sessions. Highlight how you’ve turned user needs into actionable stories and how you keep your team aligned.
✨Understand the Mission
Since this role is focused on national security, it’s crucial to understand the importance of the work you’ll be doing. Research the company’s projects and their impact on safety and resilience. Be ready to discuss how your skills can contribute to building secure and maintainable software that protects people and information.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, project roadmaps, and how they incorporate new technologies. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values and career goals.