IT & Software

Lead Software Engineer

Leonardo DRS

Luton · Bedfordshire · United Kingdom

Overview

In this Lead Software Engineer role, you shape the technical direction for embedded software on EW and Future Combat Air programmes in Luton. You drive architecture and governance, ensuring safety-critical software meets DO-178C and certifiable standards. You work closely with cross-functional teams to maintain design integrity and uplift engineering excellence. This is a strategic, hands-on leadership position offering autonomy and impact across critical software components and projects.

Pay / Benefits
  • pension scheme with employer contribution
  • flexible benefits up to 500 annually
  • private healthcare
  • mental health support
  • 4,000+ online courses via Coursera/LinkedIn Learning
  • hybrid working
Responsibilities
  • Define and steer software architecture and design strategies aligned with system goals
  • Ensure DO-178C compliance and governance adherence across lifecycle
  • Identify and mitigate software risks across components
  • Lead hands-on development and certification activities for DO-178C software
  • Mentor engineers and promote software engineering excellence
  • Collaborate with systems, hardware, and firmware teams for coherent integration
  • Champion design integrity and act as accountable technical lead during audits/reviews
  • Engage with legacy systems, interoperability, and long-term product evolution
Key requirements
  • Several years of embedded software experience in aerospace, defence, or mission/safety-critical domains
  • Ability to set technical direction and architecture
  • Experience delivering DO-178C software and managing lifecycle from requirements to certification
  • Strong technical risk identification and mitigation skills
  • Technical leadership with architectural design, risk mitigation, or governance
  • Mentor/coach capability to uplift teams
  • Familiarity with legacy systems, export controls, interoperability
  • Ability to collaborate across disciplines and ensure integration across domains
  • Security clearance processes (BPSS/NSV potentially, SC/DV) or eligibility requirements
  • Mentoring and coaching
  • Cross-functional collaboration
  • Willingness to learn and positive attitude
  • DO-178C compliance and software certification
  • Embedded software development in safety-critical environments
  • Software architecture and design governance

Reference: WJ-747_30136658

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