Lead Specialist – Software Development for Engineering Analysis in Leicester

As the Lead Specialist – Software Development for Engineering Analysis, you will provide technical leadership for the creation and development of software solutions that support engineering analysis across the organisation. You will create and own the vision for the benefits this software can provide and define the strategy for how RR‑SMR develops it, ensuring outputs are robust, efficient and meet quality assurance given safety significance. You will act as the company’s singular technical authority for the development of this type of software, ensuring that all internally developed or supply‑chain‑developed tools meet the highest standards of quality, reliability and governance. A key part of this role is capability building: coaching, mentoring and upskilling engineers undertaking software development, helping them to apply good development practice and ensuring consistent, high‑quality outputs. You will directly build and lead a team of a few dedicated software engineers for complex tasks, and support a broader population of engineers doing some software development as part of their roles within the analysis discipline teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a small team of dedicated software engineers to drive complex and multi‑disciplinary software development projects.
• Develop and own the strategy, tools, processes and guidance required for high‑quality engineering software development.
• Act as the technical authority responsible for the quality of all analysis‑related software created internally or by supply‑chain partners.
• Identify major opportunities for efficiency and quality improvements across analysis workflows and lead initiatives to deliver them.
• Build organisational capability in engineering software development through coaching, mentoring and training.
• Work with our DigIT (Digital + IT) function to ensure the right tools and platforms are available and integrate the work in your area with the broader digital transformation programme.
• Support complex and ambiguous problem‑solving activities across analysis domains.
• Engage with external suppliers, industry forums, research communities, etc., to represent RR‑SMR and secure access to leading capabilities and ideas.
• Influence and shape RR‑SMR’s long‑term strategy for engineering software development, including the use of AI and advanced digital approaches.
• Collaborate with specialists across the Engineering Specialist Taxonomy to support cross‑domain challenges and integration.

Key Skills and Qualifications

• Strong background developing software (using Python or similar) to automate or streamline typical engineering workflows.
• Deep knowledge of good practice, external standards and quality principles for engineering software development.
• Passion for using software to improve efficiency, accuracy and repeatability in engineering analysis.
• Appreciation for typical engineering analysis/simulation workflows and associated user stories.
• Experience applying quality management principles to engineering tools, methods and software workflows.
• Ability to provide robust technical oversight for software developed internally or by suppliers, including defining governance processes.
• Ability to coach, mentor and support engineers developing software solutions, and to provide formal training to upskill teams.
• Experience representing an organisation externally, including with customers, regulators or industry bodies.
• Aware of industry trends, digital advancements and AI‑driven opportunities.
• Degree in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science or related discipline.
• Chartered or actively working toward Chartership.

Location

Hybrid working with primary site in Derby, Manchester or Warrington.

Salary and Benefits

Salary band: £60,000 – £78,750, dependent on skills, values and knowledge.

• Bonus – Performance‑related target opportunity 12.5%
• Benefits Allowance – £2,200 per annum for a bespoke package.
• Pension – 12% employer and 6% employee contributions.
• Holidays – 28 days plus public holidays, with ability to buy or sell up to 4 days.
• Private Medical Insurance – BUPA single cover.
• Life Assurance – 6× pensionable pay.
• Home Office Support – £250 one‑off payment for new starters.

Benefits to You

We offer a flexible, inclusive and supportive working environment, opportunities for career growth, and a culture that values diversity, collaboration and continuous learning.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. As a Disability Confident organisation, we are committed to fair, supportive and continually improving recruitment practices.

Security Clearance

Applicants must obtain Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance, complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and satisfy a basic financial probity check.