Lead Software Engineer

Job Title\: Lead Software Engineer

Location\: Various locations across the UK and Scotland - 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

Referral Scheme\: £1000

Grade\: GG11

You’re expected to have completed 12 months in role prior to applying for an advertised vacancy and you should also discuss the internal opportunity with your line manager to ensure sustained business continuity and to further support your career development.

We know there may be exceptional individual circumstances that impact this, in the first instance please discuss this with your line manager.

If you don’t feel you can talk to your line manager, you can contact your HRBP.

PLEASE NOTE\: Should you be invited for interview; you acknowledge that the Recruitment team will contact you and your line manager regarding your application for this opportunity.

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.

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified people, who are BAE Systems employees and have been in their current role for 12 months or longer.

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