Lead Python Software Engineer

Location: London or Leatherhead (3 days onsite per week)
Rate: Up to £700 per day (PAYE/Inside IR35)
Duration: 12 Month Contract
Start: ASAP

We are recruiting a Lead Python Software Engineer (SC Cleared) to join a high-profile national security programme.

Active SC clearance is mandatory - candidates without current, transferable SC clearance cannot be considered.

This is an exciting opportunity to work on cutting-edge, mission-critical systems in a highly secure and innovative environment.

• Active SC Clearance (must be transferable)
• Must be a sole British national (no dual nationality)
• Recent experience within a government/defence/secure environment
• Clearance must be valid with 12months + remaining

You will play a key role in leading delivery across complex engineering challenges, including:

• Leading and mentoring high-performing development teams
• Designing and building scalable data processing pipelines
• Driving quality through unit, integration and end-to-end testing
• Contributing to architecture, design and technical documentation
• Working across cloud, DevOps and secure environments
• Solving complex technical problems in a bespoke, high-impact setting

• 7+ years experience with Python (OOP + functional programming)
• Proven experience leading software engineering teams
• Strong background in data pipelines/data engineering
• Experience delivering high-quality, test-driven software
• Knowledge of cloud platforms and DevOps practices
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills

• AWS/Cloud experience
• Containerisation (Docker, Kubernetes, OpenShift)
• Elastic/Kibana
• Security protocols (PKI, TLS)

• Work on national security and mission-critical systems
• Exposure to cutting-edge technology and innovation
• Strong culture of ownership, collaboration and continuous learning
• Long-term 12-month contract with extension potential
• Hybrid model with 3 days onsite in London or Leatherhead

If you are a Lead Python Engineer with ACTIVE SC clearance, we want to hear from you.

Please note: Applications will only be considered if you meet the strict clearance and nationality requirements.