Lead Software Engineer
// Role Summary
Lead a team of engineers in designing, developing, and maintaining critical infrastructure for complex projects with real-world impact. This role offers a mission to believe in and a supportive environment for career growth.
// Key Responsibilities
- Lead software engineers in a hybrid Manchester-based role.
- Design, develop, and maintain critical infrastructure across the full software lifecycle.
- Mentor junior developers and contribute to team growth.
- Requires current highest level of UK Government security clearance.
- Experience with Java backend (Spring Boot) or Frontend (React) development preferred.
- Familiarity with CI/CD, containerization, and cloud platforms is advantageous.
// Role Specification
Lead Software Engineer - Manchester (Hybrid)
At Northrop Grumman UK, we are 'Defining Possible' by solving tomorrow's challenges and shaping the technology solutions of the future. This role is more than just a job; it's a mission where 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, building elegant, stable solutions that have real-world impact.
As a Lead Software Engineer, you will bring strong leadership, guiding your team through both technical and delivery challenges to ensure solutions meet customer needs. Your purpose will be to lead a team of engineers, rise to challenges, push 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. 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.