Software Development Manager

Job Description Your impact

We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Software Development Manager to make high-level decisions to drive the software development for an Electro Optics and Infra Red (EO/IR) programme in Leonardo’s Advanced Targeting Sector
. This project is part of the wider Team Tempest programme, in which Leonardo and other key partners are working at pace to develop the technologies, knowledge, skills and expertise necessary to see a new generation of fighter aircraft go into service in 2035.

Leonardo’s Electro Optics and Infra Red (EO/IR) technologies play a crucial role in providing total situational awareness, targeting and self-protection to armed forces on land, at sea and in the air. Your contribution will be:

• Lead and organise the development team, to deliver software into the programme.
• Manage cost, schedule and dependencies of the software development programme.
• Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to determine functional and non-functional requirements needed to deliver the programme to the customer base.
• Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to share knowledge, use and contribute to software development initiatives across the sector and related lines of business.
• Clearly communicate/present programme software development information to key business stakeholders both within and out with the software discipline.
• Use Technical knowledge of the subject area, or a related subject area to guide direction and decisions in the software development.
• Deliver Coaching and mentoring for engineering career progression for the development team (Personal Development Plans).
• Use modern tools and methodologies to drive forward the software development activity (for example incremental development or agile)
• Run a streamlined software development flow, including integration with development tools, employing automated (CI/CD) approaches wherever possible.
• Ensure all the relevant team members are trained with the appropriate software engineering skills, from appropriate technology and workflow to coding standards.
• Communicate successfully to development team – develop best practice guidelines and be part of developing a learning culture within the development teams.
• Oversee progress of related development teams and manage dependencies.

We really need you to have experience in the following:

• Outstanding organizational and leadership skills where you can successfully manage people with clear communication and presentation skills and effective conflict resolution.
• Proven high-level experience of dealing with external customers.
• Experience of leading a development team working complex engineering solutions.
• Understanding of IP and Security principles.
• Understanding of Cyber Security principles.
• Understanding of Safety, Mission Assurance and Certification for software applications.

While not essential, experience in the following will really help you stand out:

• Experience developing real-time embedded software applications.
• Knowledge of embedded operating systems including Linux and/or RTOS such as VxWorks.
• Experience in software development and coding in high level languages, for example C++.
• Knowledge of modern software application design and architecture, for example Component based architectures, TDD, BDD
• Understanding of software quality assurance principles

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

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…