Head of Discipline - Software Engineering

In this role you will lead SEA’s Software Engineering discipline, shaping standards, lifecycle methods and governance across all products. You will drive safe, secure and compliant software delivery while providing technical leadership to Engineering Leads and Project Managers. You’ll define lifecycle gates, baselines and release readiness, and champion continuous improvement through audits and governance. Based at one of three sites with regular travel, you’ll influence how we protect critical naval systems and enable cross-site collaboration.

• hybrid/flexible working
• 25 days’ annual leave (+buy/sell)
• private medical health insurance
• group pension plan with up to 8% employer contribution
• life assurance policy
• cycle to work scheme

• Own and maintain software engineering standards, lifecycle methods, coding practices and assurance expectations across SEA products and projects
• Ensure delivery supports safety, security, qualification, accreditation, configuration control and customer acceptance requirements
• Provide competent software resources, technical planning input, independent challenge and subject-matter leadership to Engineering Leads and Project Managers
• Define and assure lifecycle gate and technical review artefacts (baselines, build records, verification evidence, defect status, release readiness)
• Maintain compliance with applicable standards and drive continuous improvement through technical reviews, audits and governance activities

• Degree or equivalent experience in software engineering, computer science, systems engineering or related STEM discipline with significant software leadership experience in governed environments
• Strong practical understanding of software lifecycle models, configuration control, build management, CI/CD, automated testing, release management and assurance expectations
• Credible software engineering leader with strong technical judgement and the confidence to challenge weak estimates, poor discipline or uncontrolled change
• Pragmatic, fair decision-maker balancing delivery pressure, priorities, governance and auditability
• Strong people leader and coach capable of developing engineers and communicating software risks clearly

• leadership and people development
• communication and influencing
• ability to challenge and negotiate
• software lifecycle models
• configuration control
• build management