Lead Software Engineer

Job Description
Your impact
We are looking for a motivated and experienced Software Team Leader to join our Advanced Targeting Systems line of business.

You will be leading a team dedicated to developing software-driven test and support equipment for cutting edge advanced targeting systems. Key responsibilities will include guiding the software development team in creating innovative software solutions specifically for advanced targeting and laser equipment.

As a Lead Software Engineer you will

• Develop technical expertise in the Advanced Targeting Test Equipment software to support the development of the next generation of software driven test equipment
• You will develop and guide a team of software engineers with a cross section of skills and experience to deliver solutions to complex test requirements
• Support software engineering governance and Lifecycle Management (LCM) activities related to software engineering such as bids, design reviews and audits.
• Play an important part in the definition of, and sign-off, all software planning and process artefacts
• Take a lead role in the development of Software requirements, design and verification artefacts.
• Provide expertise and guidance on software process, software architecture and integration activities.
• Undertake integration activities to help support the delivery of fully functional test solutions
• Work with Project Engineering Manager to grow the skills and capabilities of our engineering teams.

What You'll Bring
You really must have

• Proven industry experience of leading a Software development team, ideally in a safety critical environment.
• Multi-threaded software development experience using C and/or C++.
• Robust working knowledge of software configuration management tools.
• Experience in applying governance and guidance on Software Engineering LCM process.
• Proven leadership and decision-making skills in a high complexity, dynamic environment at a senior level.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a proven ability to build trust and respect across engineering teams and senior leadership groups.
• Experience of integration, with an understanding of the resultant issues, cost and schedule implications, and potential mitigations.

Having experience in the following will also help you stand out

• Agile lifecycles.
• C# experience.
• Appreciation of safety-critical software development.
• Systems engineering approaches.
• Experience with Atlassian toolset, including Jira, Bitbucket and Confluence.
• Experience with Microsoft Foundation Classes (MFC).

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, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit https

Why join us
At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we're here to help you thrive.

• 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.

For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website.

Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. Our employees are not just part of a team—they are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.

At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.

Be part of something bigger - apply now

Primary Location
GB - Edinburgh

Contract Type
Employee-Permanent

Hybrid Working
Hybrid