SME Software Team Leader

Job Description

Job Title: SME Software Team Leader

Location: Prestwick – Hybrid 3 days a week onsite

We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role.

Salary: £55,498+ Depending on experience

Who we are:

Join BAE Systems and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow, shaping a safer future, for all of us.

From the depths of the ocean, to the far reaches of space, there’s no limit to where a career at BAE Systems could take you.

Job Description:

As a Software Team Leader, you will play a key role in delivering cutting-edge software solutions for mission-critical hardware systems while providing leadership, direction and support to a team of software engineers. Working on complex aerospace and defence products, you will be involved throughout the full product lifecycle, from requirements capture and design through to development, integration, verification and support. You will be responsible for guiding technical delivery, coordinating team activities, and fostering a collaborative, high-performing engineering environment that enables individuals and teams to succeed. Working closely with systems, hardware and test engineers, you will contribute to the development of sophisticated real-world systems that must perform reliably in demanding operational environments. As both a technical leader and people manager, you will help drive engineering excellence, support the professional development of your team, and ensure the successful delivery of software solutions that meet customer and business requirements. Your work will directly support capabilities used by military personnel in frontline operations, where quality, performance and reliability are paramount.

Core duties:

• Lead, mentor and support a team of Software Engineers, driving performance, engagement and professional development.
• Plan and coordinate software engineering activities to ensure delivery against quality, cost and schedule objectives.
• Provide technical leadership across the full software development lifecycle, from requirements capture through to integration and support.
• Lead the design and development of software solutions for complex and safety-critical systems.
• Support the generation and management of software and system requirements.
• Oversee software verification, validation and testing activities to ensure robust and reliable solutions.
• Drive software-to-hardware and system integration activities, working closely with Systems, Hardware and Test teams.
• Ensure compliance with project processes, engineering standards and software development best practice.
• Monitor progress, manage technical risks and provide accurate status reporting to project and engineering leadership.
• Review technical deliverables and documentation, ensuring high-quality outputs are delivered to customers.

Essential Skills:

• Degree qualified in Software Engineering, Computer Science or a related discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
• Previous experience leading, mentoring or managing software engineering teams within a complex engineering environment.
• Strong software engineering background with proficiency in C, C++, C# or Ada.
• Experience developing embedded or real-time software systems.
• Good understanding of the full software development lifecycle, including requirements, design, development, integration and testing.
• Strong communication, stakeholder management and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams.

The Software Engineering Team:

You will join a highly skilled, collaborative team responsible for developing mission-critical software for the Eurofighter Typhoon, one of the world’s most advanced combat aircraft. Bringing together software engineers, systems engineers and test specialists, the team works across the full engineering lifecycle to deliver innovative solutions that support frontline capability. Operating in a fast-paced and technically challenging environment, the team is trusted to develop robust, high-integrity software that performs reliably in demanding real-world scenarios. You will have the opportunity to work on complex engineering problems, contribute to cutting-edge defence technology, and see the direct impact of your work on products used by customers around the world. With a strong focus on knowledge sharing, continuous improvement and professional development, the team offers an environment where engineers can grow their technical expertise while collaborating with some of the industry’s leading specialists.

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.

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: 7th July 2026

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

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