Head of Software Engineering (EW)

Job Description:

The Opportunity

Leonardo Electronic Warfare is seeking an outstanding engineering leader to shape the future of software engineering across one of the UK's most advanced defence technology businesses.

Leading a community of approximately 180 software engineers across Luton, Lincoln and Bristol, you will be accountable for the capability, performance and long-term evolution of Software Engineering within EW which includes products such as BriteCloud, Praetorian, SAGE and GCAP and many more.

This role extends well beyond software delivery. We are looking for a leader who can define strategy, build organisational capability, develop future leaders and drive transformational change. You will influence how software is engineered across our portfolio, ensuring we continue to deliver mission-critical capability faster, more efficiently and with ever-increasing levels of quality.

You will work closely with Chief Engineers, Product Architects, Engineering Leaders and Business stakeholders to deliver both today's commitments and tomorrow's capability.

What you'll do

As Head of Software Engineering, you will:

• Lead and develop a software engineering community of around 180 engineers across multiple sites and programmes.
• Define and execute the Software Engineering strategy for Electronic Warfare.
• Build a high-performing organisation with strong succession pipelines, career pathways and leadership development.
• Drive continuous improvement in engineering effectiveness, quality, productivity and delivery performance.
• Champion the adoption of modern software engineering practices, digital technologies, automation, DevSecOps and AI-enabled engineering approaches.
• Establish a culture of technical excellence, accountability, learning and innovation.
• Shape software technology, process and toolchain roadmaps in partnership with technical and business leadership.
• Ensure the software function has the capability and capacity required to meet future business demand.
• Provide governance, assurance and functional leadership across the EW portfolio.
• Represent EW Software Engineering within Leonardo UK and the wider engineering community.

What we're looking for

You will be an accomplished engineering leader with experience of leading large software organisations through significant change.

You'll bring:

• A proven track record of leading software engineering functions through senior managers and technical leaders.
• Experience translating engineering strategy into measurable business outcomes.
• Demonstrable success driving organisational transformation and improving engineering performance at scale.
• Strong leadership credentials, with a passion for developing people, future leaders and technical talent.
• The ability to influence senior stakeholders and build alignment across engineering, programme and business communities.
• Experience balancing near-term delivery pressures with long-term capability development.
• Strong commercial awareness, including workforce planning, investment decisions and budget management.
• Experience operating within complex, highly regulated engineering environments.

Technical Credibility

You do not need to be the deepest technical specialist in every domain, but you must have the credibility to lead a large software engineering function.

Experience in one or more of the following areas would be advantageous:

• Embedded and real-time software
• Safety-critical or mission-critical systems
• DevSecOps and software factory approaches
• Model-Based Engineering
• Software architecture and platform development
• Digital engineering and engineering transformation
• AI-enabled software development

Experience with standards such as DO-178C, IEC61508, ISO26262 or equivalent is highly desirable.

Why this role?

This is a rare opportunity to lead one of Leonardo UK's largest software engineering communities and directly influence the future of software engineering across Electronic Warfare.

We are seeking a leader who can see beyond today's challenges, develop the next generation of engineering talent, and deliver lasting improvements in capability, performance and business outcomes.

If you are passionate about leading people, transforming organisations and shaping the future of software engineering, we'd like to hear from you

Security Clearance

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

Why join us

At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.

• Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
• Secure your Future: Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Your Wellbeing Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
• Rewarding Performance: All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
• Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
• Refer a friend: Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
• Tailored Perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
• Flexible working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role.

For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website.

Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. Our employees are not just part of a team—they are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.

At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace.

We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.

Be part of something bigger - apply now!

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Primary Location:

GB - Luton - Cap. Green 300

Additional Locations:

GB - Bristol - Coldharbour Lane, GB - Lincoln

Contract Type:

Permanent

Hybrid Working:

Onsite