Lead Software Engineer (Real Time Embedded)

Are you an experienced Real-Time Embedded Software Engineer looking to take the next step in your career? Do you want to work for an employer committed to helping you reach your full potential, that empowers engineers to innovate and grow?

If so, Leonardo has exciting opportunities for Principal and Lead Software Engineers to join our multidisciplinary teams delivering advanced solutions for defence projects.

You will play a key role in designing and delivering high integrity embedded software solutions demonstrating both technical expertise and collaborative leadership. Key skills and behaviours include:

• Several years of embedded software engineering experience in aerospace, defence, or other mission- or safety-critical domains including demonstrable example of delivery.
• High-Integrity Coding: Develop robust, high-quality software (e.g., RTCA-DO178C) using object-oriented C++ or Ada.
• Leadership & Collaboration: Inspire and support colleagues within multi-disciplinary teams to achieve shared goals.
• DevOps Mindset: Drive automation across build, test, and deployment processes.
• Hands-On Integration: Work directly with target hardware in lab environments.
• RTOS Development (Desirable): Implement real-time embedded applications on Linux or VxWorks RTOS.
• Lifecycle Mastery: Demonstrate understanding and knowledge of the full software engineering lifecycle—from requirements elicitation through delivery and release.
• Technical Influence: Champion best practices, modular design, and toolchain optimisation.

This is not an exhaustive list, and we are keen to hear from you even if you might not have experience in all the above. The most important skill is a good attitude and willingness to learn.

This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit: https://careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/security-and-vetting