Head of Embedded Software

Position Overview

This is a rare opportunity to lead one of the most influential software functions in the organisation. You will report directly to the VP Software Engineering UK, defining the technical direction, developing engineering capability, and leading the delivery of mission-critical embedded software that supports sophisticated defence technologies. Salary is circa £105,000 depending on experience. The role supports dynamic (hybrid) working with 2-3 days per week on-site and requires frequent travel to the remote site.

• Define the technical direction and set engineering standards for the embedded software team.
• Lead the design, development, integration, and verification of highly complex real-time embedded software that operates directly on missile hardware.
• Ensure delivery of robust, safe, secure, and efficient embedded software for all products and platforms.
• Act as the Software Design Authority and influence the Software Centre of Excellence at UK/France level.
• Drive continuous improvement, standardisation, and adoption of engineering best practices across multiple projects or programmes.
• Develop and inspire high-performing software engineering teams, including capability development, succession planning, and skills growth.
• Manage stakeholders, influence senior leaders, customers, and multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Use engineering metrics and performance data to drive informed decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Act collaboratively in a safety-critical environment, ensuring compliance with safety, security, and configuration-management best practices.

• Extensive experience leading the development and delivery of complex embedded software systems in a safety-critical or high-integrity environment.
• Proven track record of delivering software projects on time, within budget and to the required quality standards.
• Strong technical leadership with credibility to act as a Software Design Authority or equivalent technical authority.
• Demonstrable expertise in embedded software architecture, design, integration, and verification.
• Knowledge of software reuse strategies and optimisation of engineering efficiency.
• Excellent stakeholder-management skills and ability to influence senior leaders, customers and multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong commercial awareness with experience managing budgets, resources and programme performance.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, able to convey complex technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience using engineering metrics and performance data to drive informed decisions.
• Knowledge of safety, security and configuration-management best practices in software engineering.

• Salary: circa £105,000 depending on experience.
• Company Bonus: up to 50% of base salary.
• Company Car Allowance.
• Pension: maximum total employer and employee contribution of up to 14%.
• Flexible working: support for flexible working arrangements.
• Enhanced parental leave: up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave.
• Facilities: subsidised meals, free car parking and more.
• Private Medical Insurance: standard enrolment into company-funded PMB benefit.

• Security Clearance:
  British citizenship or dual UK national with British citizenship required.
• All successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS) after the offer stage.
• Travel:
  Frequent travel required between the Stevenage and Bristol sites.
• Hybrid work: 2-3 days per week on-site; remote work is possible for the remainder of the week.

MBDA is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce.