Lead Software Engineer

Job Title: Lead Software Engineer

Location: New Malden, Frimley, Portsmouth, Filton – Bristol, Dorchester- 1 day per week on site on average subject to business needs. We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role

Salary: Circa £68,500 depending on skills and experience

Who we are:

Join BAE Systems and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow, shaping a safer future, for all of us.

From the depths of the ocean, to the far reaches of space, there’s no limit to where a career at BAE Systems could take you.

What you’ll be doing:

You will serve as a key member of the Software Team, providing technical expertise and guidance in the development, testing and maintenance of software packages/applications. Working within a DevSecOps environment, the role guides engineering teams to deliver secure, reliable and high-quality software that meets the performance and assurance requirements of advanced Royal Navy systems.

Core duties:

• Lead and support the day-to-day technical activities of the software development team, providing technical guidance and driving successful delivery outcomes.
• Undertake and oversee the design, development, testing and documentation of software solutions using Agile and DevSecOps best practices.
• Lead technical reviews, discussions and collaboration across engineering teams, ensuring high standards of quality, performance and maintainability.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders while promoting continuous improvement, knowledge sharing and technical excellence across the team.

Essential skills:

• Strong software development skills (experience in Rust preferred), particularly Agile/DevSecOps methodologies
• Ability to provide technical leadership and set the technical direction within a DevSecOps approach to software development.
• Academic qualification in a STEM related subject, and ability/willingness to become recognised as a Chartered Engineer through an appropriate recognised professional institution

The Team:

Join a collaborative, team-focused environment that embraces hybrid and cross-site working, bringing together diverse expertise to develop innovative technologies and modern ways of working. The team works closely across locations to deliver cutting-edge solutions that support the future of maritime defence.

You’ll be involved in exciting new projects that contribute directly to the advancement of Royal Navy systems. The software developed is highly visible, mission-critical, and designed for deployment within complex Naval Ship environments, offering the opportunity to work on technology that has a real operational impact.

Why BAE Systems?

Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work, this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family, support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.

A place where everyone can thrive:

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.

Closing Date: 29th September 2026, interviews for this role will take place w/c12th October

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

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