At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engineering teams and tackle complex defence projects with innovative solutions.
- Company: High-growth defence tech start-up with a focus on elite engineering talent.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to work on mission-critical systems.
- Why this job: Join top engineers in solving unique challenges that make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Strong software engineering background and leadership experience required.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for professional development and client engagement.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 ÂŁ per year.
A high-growth technology consultancy is seeking Technical Leads to support delivery across complex, high-impact defence programmes. They specialise in embedding elite engineering talent into client environments, working on mission‑critical systems. They are deliberately setting a very high bar, hiring engineers from top universities who are among the strongest technically in their field. The work is very problem‑solving focused, small teams tackling complex systems, often working on completely new challenges every few months. You’ll genuinely be working alongside some of the best engineers/teams in the country, solving problems no one else has before.
They’re hiring for, and value, people who:
- Enjoy working on challenging systems
- Truly understand problem‑solving principles
- Are adaptable and articulate
The Role
As the Technical Lead, you will combine hands‑on engineering with leadership responsibilities, guiding multi‑disciplinary teams in demanding and often ambiguous environments. Responsibilities include:
- Leading engineering teams and setting technical direction
- Defining architecture, standards, and engineering trade‑offs
- Mentoring engineers across varying levels of experience
- Conducting code and design reviews
- Engaging directly with clients to shape requirements and manage expectations
- Planning delivery, estimation, and prioritisation
- Managing technical debt while balancing delivery pressures
Requirements
- Strong software engineering background with leadership experience
- Experience in Application, or Low‑Level/Embedded, or AI/ML, languages e.g. C#, Python, C++, Rust, Typescript, C, Java, AI/ML tools, LLMs/RAG, SQL etc…
- Proven ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non‑technical stakeholders
- Experience working in client‑facing or consulting environments
- Familiarity with modern engineering practices (CI/CD, IaC, containers, testing)
- Ability to operate effectively in fast‑paced, ambiguous environments
Additional Criteria
- Degree in Computer Science or a related discipline (2:1 or above) from a leading university
- Eligibility for UK SC‑level security clearance
- Interest, or experience, in defence, national security, or similar sectors is advantageous
Technical Lead | Defence Tech in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Switch Tech Talent
Contact Detail:
Switch Tech Talent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Lead | Defence Tech in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the defence tech space. Attend meetups, conferences, or even online webinars. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly to hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your projects, especially those that align with defence tech. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can do and sets you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on problem-solving principles and coding challenges. Practice makes perfect, so use platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to sharpen your skills before the big day.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals like you. Tailor your application to highlight your leadership experience and technical expertise, and let us know how you can contribute to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Lead | Defence Tech in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Technical Lead role. Highlight your leadership experience and technical skills that match the job description. We want to see how you’ve tackled complex systems and problem-solving in your past roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about defence tech and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm and a clear understanding of the role.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, don’t just list your skills—show us how you’ve used them to solve real-world problems. We’re looking for examples that demonstrate your adaptability and ability to lead teams through challenging situations.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Switch Tech Talent
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specific technologies mentioned in the job description, like C#, Python, or AI/ML tools. Brush up on your coding skills and be ready to discuss your past projects in detail, as they’ll likely want to see how you’ve applied these technologies in real-world scenarios.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss examples of complex problems you've solved in previous roles. Think about the challenges you faced, the approaches you took, and the outcomes. This will demonstrate your ability to tackle the kind of high-impact defence projects they work on.
✨Communicate Clearly with Non-Techies
Since you’ll be engaging with clients who may not have a technical background, practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms. This skill is crucial for a Technical Lead, so think of ways to break down your experiences into relatable stories.
✨Emphasise Leadership and Teamwork
Be prepared to talk about your leadership style and how you mentor others. Share specific instances where you’ve led a team through ambiguity or tight deadlines, as this aligns perfectly with the role’s responsibilities in guiding multi-disciplinary teams.