SME Software Team Leader

Software Team Leader

Join BAE Systems as a Software Team Leader and play a pivotal role in delivering cutting-edge software solutions for mission-critical hardware systems. You will provide leadership, direction, and support to a team of software engineers, working on complex aerospace and defence products.

This role involves full product lifecycle management, from requirements capture and design through to development, integration, verification, and support. You will be responsible for guiding technical delivery, coordinating team activities, and cultivating a collaborative, high-performing engineering environment that empowers individuals and teams to excel.

Collaborating 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 drive engineering excellence, support the professional development of your team, and ensure the successful delivery of software solutions that meet stringent customer and business requirements. Your work will directly impact 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 practices.
• 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 advanced combat aircraft. This team brings together software engineers, systems engineers, and test specialists, working across the full engineering lifecycle to deliver innovative solutions that support frontline capability. Operating in a fast-paced and technically challenging environment, the team develops 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, this team offers an environment where engineers can grow their technical expertise while collaborating with industry-leading specialists.

Why BAE Systems?

BAE Systems offers a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work, you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy tailored rewards, support for your financial and personal wellbeing, and a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture allows you to feel a sense of belonging and pride in the difference you make.

A place where everyone can thrive:

BAE Systems is committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We believe that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.

Security & Export Control:

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 (BPSS). 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.