Lead Software Engineer

Lead Software Engineer – Cheltenham (Hybrid)

Define Possible at Northrop Grumman UK. At Northrop Grumman, you are part of a team driving innovation where it matters most – solving tomorrow’s challenges and shaping the technology solutions of the future. This mind-set goes beyond our customer solutions; it’s the foundation for your career development and the impact we have within the community.

The Opportunity

This is more than just a job; it’s a mission. As a Lead Software Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in designing, developing, and maintaining the critical infrastructure that powers our services. You’ll work across a variety of exciting, complex projects within a unique mission space, building elegant, stable solutions that have real-world impact. You’ll also bring strong leadership, guiding your team through both technical and delivery challenges to ensure solutions meet customer needs.

"My purpose is to lead a team of engineers, rise to the challenges presented, push the boundaries and define possible together."

What You’ll Do

• Take ownership of the team’s deliverables, working closely with the Scrum Master to define the best path forward.
• Contribute across the entire software development lifecycle, from requirements and design through implementation, testing, and deployment.
• Collaborate with product teams, front-end engineers, and QA to deliver high-quality solutions.
• Mentor and guide junior developers, contributing to team capability and skill growth.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience as a Software Developer with a strong focus on one of the following: Backend Java development (Spring Boot, Maven) or Frontend development (React, npm).
• Proven experience designing, developing, and deploying scalable backend systems.
• Familiarity with CI/CD, containerisation, deployment technologies, and cloud platforms (Jenkins, Kubernetes, Docker, AWS).
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, ideally gained in an agile environment.

If you don’t meet every requirement, we still encourage you to apply. We value potential, curiosity, and a willingness to grow.

Security Clearance

Due to the nature of our work, you must be a British National for this clearance type. You must be able to currently hold the Highest Level of UK Government security clearance.

Benefits

• Flexible working options, including hybrid working and an optional compressed fortnight.
• Private healthcare.
• Cash health plan.
• Holiday buy/sell scheme.
• Career development programmes and specialist training.
• Performance-based bonuses.

Why Join Us?

A Mission to Believe In: Every day we help build a more secure and connected world across land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace. The work we do together matters.

A Place to Belong and Thrive: Every voice matters. You can bring your authentic self to work and be part of an inclusive community supported by employee-led groups and partnerships that champion diversity, mental health, and service leavers.

Your Career, Your Way: Shape your career with diverse roles, mentoring, training opportunities, and the flexibility to balance your professional and personal life. We invest in your wellbeing, growth, and future.

Ready to Apply? Yes – Submit your application online. Possibly – Contact our team for more information: talenquiries@uk.ngc.com. No – Explore other opportunities with us. We’re growing across the UK.