Software Quality Assurance Team Lead

Job Description Leonardo is looking to recruit a Software Quality Assurance Team Lead, based at its site in Luton. The role will directly support the Electronic Warfare Line of Business in a number of key programmes, ensuring quality is actively involved throughout the software development lifecycle. Working across the Combat Air, IMS and S&PT Sectors, the position provides an independent assurance that projects are executed in accordance with defined processes and that agreed customer software quality requirements are realised in line with planned expectations. The role at this level is capable of providing advice and guidance within existing systems and procedures. Role holders will manage their own work with limited supervision, resolve problems and queries, and manage others to achieve objectives. The holder may contribute to customer and vendor aspects, working within quality planning and participating in areas such as non-conformance, corrective action and continuous improvement as a specialist in these areas. Along with leading and supporting others, this is also a hands‑on role where the Team Lead will be expected to be directly involved in supporting project activities. Your Impact Identify and manage software specific risks, threats, and opportunities across projects, ensuring alignment with Programme Assurance Plans. Support Software QA’s to deliver quality outcomes in line with project milestones throughout the lifecycle. Lead quality system enhancements and initiatives that strengthen assurance and compliance. Coach, mentor and assess team members from a variety of backgrounds, supporting their personal and professional growth. Use collaborative leadership skills to inspire and support change at both individual and team levels. Work in conjunction with Procurement and Supplier Quality to create a specific Supplier Management Plan for software outsourcing activities. Assess the ability of current and prospective subcontracted companies to perform software development to required standards. Provide actionable insights through data reporting to internal and external stakeholders. Create and maintain software quality assurance plans in accordance with contractual conditions and company standards. Estimate software quality assurance resources as part of forward load management. Assess projects for compliance with software development plans and processes. Be fully aware and engaged with the IPT risks and opportunities. Review software plans, requirements, design, test specifications, and test results. Participate in software lifecycle reviews. Perform software audits and reviews and support external audits. Verify the release of deliverable software. What You’ll Bring Experience in a complex, high‑technology industry such as defence, electronics, or manufacturing. Knowledge and experience of software tools (e.g., Requirements management, Configuration Management, Test, Code Coverage and Static Analysis). Working knowledge of quality frameworks including AS9100, ISO9001, AQAP 2210, DO‑178C and associated continuous improvement tools. Hands‑on experience with quality tools like DOORS, Dimensions, SAP, DevOps. Strong analytical skills and the ability to communicate findings in a way that supports decision‑making. Demonstrated ability to work effectively across teams with different experiences, backgrounds, and roles. Ability to travel to customers, suppliers or other Leonardo sites if required. What We Need From You Further education and experience ideally in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing or experience in Defence Electronics or a similarly "complex" industry. Be able to demonstrate knowledge within the areas of AS9100 / ISO9001 and Continuous improvement. Knowledge and practical experience of software quality. Excellent communicator with good interpersonal skills and a collaborative working style across all functions of the business. Excellent time‑management and organisational skills facilitating prioritisation and running multiple tasks in parallel, against challenging time requirements. Security Clearance This role is subject to pre‑employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, which could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance, please visit https://careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/security-and-vetting. Why Join Us Time to Recharge – Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi‑days each year. Secure your Future – Benefit from our award‑winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution. Your Wellbeing Matters – Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee‑led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity). Rewarding Performance – All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme. Never Stop Learning – Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning. Refer a friend – Receive a financial reward through our referral programme. Tailored Perks – Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more. Flexible working – Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part‑time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role. Primary Location GB – Luton – Cap. Green 300 Contract Type Employee‑Permanent Hybrid Working Hybrid #J-18808-Ljbffr