Lead Software Engineer

Job Title: Lead Software Engineer

Location: Hybrid – 40% onsite in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff or Northeast
Duration: 12 months

IR35: Inside IR35

Overview

Our client is seeking experienced Lead Software Engineers to design, build and support secure, scalable digital services within a government environment. The role will focus on delivering resilient software solutions that support export control and regulatory systems, while providing technical leadership across agile delivery teams.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Strong commercial experience with Python and Django
• Proven ability to design and deliver complex systems end-to-end
• Experience leading engineering delivery within agile teams
• Strong stakeholder engagement, communication and collaboration skills
• Experience working within secure, structured or regulated environments
• Minimum 5+ years' experience (8–10 years preferred)

Top 3 Evaluation Criteria

• Python & Django expertise
• System design and architecture capability
• Communication, collaboration and team leadership

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of scalable software solutions
• Translate business and user requirements into technical outcomes
• Develop secure, test-driven, high-quality code
• Support and improve live services, performance and stability
• Collaborate with Business Analysts, Developers and UCD specialists
• Drive engineering best practice, continuous improvement and technical standards
• Oversee delivery across multiple workstreams and system integrations

Technical Environment

• Python
• Django
• Backend-focused role with full-stack awareness
• Agile delivery
• GDS-aligned digital services

Desirable Experience

• Government Digital Service (GDS) standards
• Public sector, government or defence projects