Software Development Lead

Location: Warton – Enjoy a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements. Let's discuss the best options for you!

Salary: Starting at £60,326+, based on your experience.

• Lead and define software development activities aligned with departmental priorities and technology roadmaps.
• Coordinate collaboration across multi-disciplinary teams, internal experts, and external partners to achieve high-quality engineering outcomes.
• Champion best-practice software engineering methods and promote the adoption of relevant industry standards.
• Ensure robust engineering governance by working with Technical Authorities and domain specialists in Ground Test, Flight Test, and Flight Operations.
• Oversee project delivery, managing risks and providing clear progress reports to stakeholders while meeting time, cost, and quality targets.
• 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 to senior specialists.

Essential:

• Strong understanding of the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) and core software engineering principles, including SOLID design practices.
• Proven experience in developing software using multiple high-level programming languages (e.g., C, C++, Java, Python).
• Proficiency in Model-Based Software Engineering (MBSE) and design tools like 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 to support strategic investment and project planning activities.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of open systems architectures, such as the Pyramid Reference Architecture (PRA), FACE, ECOA, IMS, or DDS.
• Experience with modern software-driven architectures, including containerization, microservices, and virtual machines.
• Ability to align software architecture with broader system architecture for coherent end-to-end design integration.
• Hands-on experience with 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., GitLab).

We offer a competitive benefits package, including:

• A competitive pension scheme
• Enhanced annual leave allowance
• Company-contributed Share Incentive Plan
• Flexible working options
• Employee assistance program
• Cycle2work and employee discounts
• Potential eligibility for an annual incentive

Join our dynamic Systems Technology & Capability Delivery Team within FalconWorks, 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, distinct from traditional, requirements-led development, where ideas rapidly transition from concept to application.

We seek 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 can truly make a difference. Join an inclusive culture that values diverse perspectives, rewards integrity and merit, and empowers you to reach your full potential. We welcome individuals from all backgrounds and strive to make our recruitment processes as inclusive as possible. If you have a disability or health condition that may affect your performance in certain assessments, please discuss potential reasonable adjustments with your recruiter.

Please note that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to security and export control restrictions. Factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can affect your eligibility for certain roles. All applicants must achieve at least the Baseline Personnel Security Standard, with many roles requiring higher levels of National Security Vetting, typically necessitating 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK.

Closing Date: 27th November 2025

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications. If you’re interested, we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible!

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