At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to deliver mission-critical software solutions for National Security.
- Company: Join Roke, a leading tech company with a focus on innovation and safety.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days holiday, flexible working, and a strong benefits package.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for continuous learning and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while working on projects that protect people and missions.
- Qualifications: Experience in Java, React, and agile team leadership is essential.
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 our Manchester office 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 Page. Eligibility details can be found on gov.uk.
Software Team Lead in Manchester employer: Roke
Contact Detail:
Roke Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Software Team Lead in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those that align with the role of a Full Stack Software Lead. This is your chance to demonstrate your expertise in Java, React, and agile methodologies.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common technical questions and scenarios related to back-end and front-end development. Practice explaining your thought process and how you lead teams through challenges.
✨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 genuinely interested in joining our mission to enhance national security.
We think you need these skills to ace Software Team Lead in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience with Java, React, and agile methodologies. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for national security and how you can contribute to our mission. Let us know why you’re excited about this role and working with us at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Software Team Lead, we need to see your leadership chops. Include examples of how you've led teams, mentored others, and delivered successful projects. We love seeing candidates who can inspire and guide their teams!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
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 GitLab and Docker. 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 tasks and kept 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 mission-critical solutions and protect against evolving threats.
✨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 but also helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values and career goals.