Leonardo
Head of Software Engineering (EW)
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Head of Software Engineering (Electronic Warfare)
Salary Range: £77,760 - £117,058
Leonardo UK operates a grade-based salary framework with broad bands. The salary range shown reflects the approved grade band for this role or a narrower hiring range within that band, benchmarked against the external market. Exceptions above the standard range are managed through governance controls to protect internal equity.
About the Role
This is a critical opportunity for a Head of Software Engineering within Leonardo UK’s Electronic Warfare (EW) line of business, covering sites in Luton (Primary), Lincoln, and Bristol.
Purpose
Within the EW line of business, our mission is to develop and deliver solutions that protect lives and enhance mission effectiveness. Our technology is designed to counter threats in the electromagnetic spectrum, providing situational awareness and protecting platforms and passengers against air domain risks.
You will lead a software community of approximately 180 engineers, spanning three capability areas: Sensors, Data Fusion, and Effectors.
Key Responsibilities
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Strategic Leadership:
- Provide strategic technical leadership, ensuring consistent technical excellence across the EW portfolio.
- Develop and maintain product and technology roadmaps in collaboration with business stakeholders, Engineering Leadership, and Product Architects.
- Serve as the single point of process authority for the engineering sector.
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Software Development and Capacity:
- Oversee the timely delivery of capability and capacity for software development, including recruitment, training, and establishing an end-to-end talent pipeline across the career continuum.
- Drive continuously improved software project delivery, focusing on better estimation, project monitoring, and timely interventions.
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Process and Toolchain Governance:
- Lead the Software Development Process, Toolchain, Resource, and Technology Strategy, ensuring alignment and delivery within the business.
- Prioritise knowledge acquisition, participation in industry bodies, partnerships, conferences, and benchmarking to support continuous improvement.
- Collaborate with other Engineering divisions to streamline processes and achieve a uniform Engineering toolchain.
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Resource and Technology:
- Identify and manage long-term resource and technology partnerships.
- Ensure legislative and standards compliance (e.g., RTCA/DO-178C, IEC 61508, ISO 26262).
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Cost Centre and Budget Management:
- Manage Cost Centre finances, control the budget, and contribute to strategic planning across the engineering team.
Requirements & Skills
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Leadership and Strategic Thinking:
- Strong ability to drive technical excellence and team performance.
- A strategic mindset that facilitates clear decision-making and empowers teams through complex challenges.
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Technical Proficiency:
- Deep expertise in software design, ideally with hands-on leadership in industries such as Agile Transformation, Component Architectures, Model-Driven Engineering, Embedded Software, or Avionics.
- Relevant experience adhering to industry standards (e.g., RTCA/DO-178C, IEC 61508, ISO 26262).
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Organisational Capability:
- Proven ability to foster accountability and collaboration, making teams thrive in a culture of continuous improvement.
- Strong communication skills and the facility to manage diverse stakeholder expectations while delivering high-impact solutions.
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Mindset and Characteristics:
- Passionate about empowering others in both technical excellence and professional growth.
- Response with resilience, integrity, and adaptability.
Note: Not an exhaustive list. While alignment with many of these attributes is desirable, creativity, adaptability, and a willingness to learn are paramount.
Security Clearance
This role is subject to pre-employment security screening under the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). Depending on your role, further controls called National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply—up to developed vetting (DV) is possible.
For more information, please visit: UK Leonardo Security & Vetting
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Benefits
Leonardo values our team, providing a blend of tailored benefits designed to support wellbeing, career growth, and work-life balance:
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Time to Recharge:
- Generous leave provisions, along with an opportunity to accrue up to 12 flexi-days per year.
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Secure Your Future:
- Award-winning pension scheme, with employer contributions up to 15%.
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Wellbeing Matters:
- Comprehensive support for mental health, financial planning, inclusion, and diversity (gender equality, LGBTQ+, disability, veteran, carer, and ethnic minority networks).
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Rewarding Performance:
- Bonuses available for employees at management level and below.
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Learning and Growth:
- Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
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Referral Rewards:
- Financial incentives to refer friends for open positions.
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Flexible Benefits:
- Annual budget of up to £500 per employee for private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech/gym subscriptions, and beyond.
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Flexible Working:
- Hybrid working supported for those based in Luton (primary site). Part-time querying invited.
For the full list of benefits, visit Leonardo’s career website.
About Leonardo
As a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security, Leonardo employs 53,000+ people, including 8,500 across nine sites in the UK.
At Leonardo, we’re committed to:
- Building an inclusive, accessible workplace, celebrating diversity and fostering collaboration.
- Shaping technological innovation to solve complex challenges for global safety.
- Empowering our people through autonomy, career progression, and growth.
If you have accessibility or accommodation needs during recruitment, please get in touch—we’re here to help.
Be part of something greater: Join us! Apply now for a role within this vital UK Software Engineering Leadership position.
Primary Location: Luton GB – Cap. Green 300 Additional Locations: Bristol (Coldharbour Lane), Lincoln Contract Type: Permanent Remote Working: Hybrid, with core focus on base sites
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