Software Development Lead

Job Description - Software Development Lead )

Software Development Lead -

Software Development Lead

Warton - We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role

£60,326+ depending on experience

• Lead and define software development activities in line with departmental priorities and technology roadmaps.
• Coordinate collaboration across multi-disciplinary teams, internal experts, and external partners to deliver high-quality engineering outcomes.
• Champion best-practice software engineering methods and promote adoption of relevant industry standards.
• Ensure robust engineering governance, working with Technical Authorities and domain specialists in Ground Test, Flight Test, and Flight Operations.
• Oversee project delivery to agreed time, cost, and quality targets, managing risks and providing clear progress reporting to stakeholders.
• Prepare business cases and investment proposals to support software research and capability development initiatives .
• Identify and evaluate emerging technologies through Technology Watch activities to inform future capability roadmaps.
• Provide effective line management , conducting performance reviews and supporting career development from early careers through to senior specialists.

• Strong understanding of the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) and core software engineering principles , including SOLID design practices.
• Proficiency in Model-Based Software Engineering (MBSE) and design tools such as Enterprise Architect or Cameo.
• Experience in leading and managing engineering teams, from small groups to larger multi-disciplinary teams.
• Ability to develop proposals, bids, and business cases, supporting strategic investment and project planning activities
• Knowledge of open systems architectures, such as the Pyramid Reference Architecture (PRA), FACE, ECOA, IMS, or DDS.
• Experience with modern software-driven architectures, including containerisation, microservices, and virtual machines.
• Ability to align software architecture with broader system architecture, ensuring coherent end-to-end design integration.
• Hands‑on experience performing Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) integration and testing.
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines in collaborative environments on Windows and Linux, using open-source toolsets (e.g. Git Lab).

You’ll receive benefits including a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance and a Company contributed Share Incentive Plan. You’ll also have access to additional benefits such as flexible working, an employee assistance programme, Cycle2work and employee discounts – you may also be eligible for an annual incentive.

Join the Systems Technology & Capability Delivery Team within Falcon Works, where we’re shaping the future of aerospace innovation. Our mission is to identify emerging technologies, mature early concepts, and deliver real value into next-generation Air Sector products.

This is a fast‑paced, creative environment, different from traditional, requirements‑led development, where ideas move rapidly from concept to application.

We’re looking for curious, adaptable, and self‑driven engineers who are passionate about technology and thrive in collaborative, multi-disciplinary settings. You’ll work closely with specialists across domains such as Mission Systems, Autonomy , Simulation, and Test & Evaluation, as well as external partners from academia, SMEs, and industry.

As a Software Development Lead , you’ll help turn bold ideas into reality, leading innovative software solutions from concept to demonstration, and playing a key role in defining the technologies that will power future air systems.

This is a place where you’ll be able to make a real difference. You’ll be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity of thought, rewards integrity, and merit, and where you’ll be empowered to fulfil your potential. We welcome people from all backgrounds and want to make sure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible. If…