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Software Engineer - Job Opportunity at Leidos

Bristol, GB
Full-time
Senior
Posted: July 3, 2025
Hybrid
£65,000 - £85,000 per year, with potential for significant premiums due to DV clearance requirements and the specialized nature of defense contracting. Senior roles in this sector with security clearance typically command 20-30% above standard software engineering salaries.

Benefits

Contributory pension scheme providing long-term financial security and retirement planning advantages
Private medical insurance offering comprehensive healthcare coverage and priority access to medical services
33 days annual leave including public and privilege holidays, providing superior work-life balance compared to standard UK allowances
Flexible benefits package including life assurance, health schemes, and gym memberships for comprehensive wellness support
Annual buy and sell holiday options providing personalized time-off management
Cycle to work scheme promoting sustainable commuting with tax benefits
Dynamic working arrangements offering location and schedule flexibility
Referral programme providing financial incentives for talent acquisition

Key Responsibilities

Lead development of mission-critical software tools and techniques that directly impact national security and defense operations
Drive requirements generation and management processes ensuring alignment with complex customer needs and strategic objectives
Architect and implement technical solutions for high-stakes security applications involving COTS and specialist hardware integration
Execute comprehensive system testing and verification activities including test generation, execution, and documentation for security-critical applications
Facilitate complex system integration activities combining hardware and software components in secure government environments
Provide technical leadership and supervision of engineering teams including estimation, progress monitoring, and strategic reporting
Ensure adherence to rigorous project processes and software development practices required for government security clearance projects
Develop bespoke software solutions for cyber security applications across multiple platforms including iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's or Master's Degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or a related field

Experience

Professional experience in the design and implementation of complex solutions, ideally both clean-slate projects and updates to legacy code bases

Required Skills

C++, Java, Rust: Proficiency in one or more of these programming languages for both application and embedded code development IDEs and Toolchains: Experience with development tools, integrated development environments (IDEs), and toolchains relevant to development boards Adaptability: Ability to adapt to new technologies and work in a dynamic environment Experience of Communication Protocols to interface with peripheral devices Proficiency in coding for embedded systems Unit Testing: Experience in writing and conducting unit tests for code reliability Git: Proficient in using version control systems like Git for code collaboration Problem-Solving: Ability to analyse problems and come up with effective solutions Communication: Strong communication skills to convey technical concepts and collaborate with team members Comfortable with platform APIs, development environments and native debugging approaches on one or more of: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, or Android Commitment to code correctness and quality assurance through static analysis, code review, automated testing, and continuous integration

Certifications

Professional membership of BCS or IET UK DV clearance eligibility
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The defense technology sector is experiencing unprecedented growth driven by increased government spending on cybersecurity and national security infrastructure, with the UK government allocating significant budget increases for defense technology modernization. This trend is creating substantial demand for senior software engineers with security clearance capabilities. There is a critical shortage of software engineers with UK security clearance capabilities, particularly at the DV (Developed Vetting) level, creating a highly competitive market for qualified candidates. This shortage is driving premium compensation packages and accelerated career progression opportunities. The integration of AI, machine learning, and advanced cybersecurity solutions into defense applications is reshaping the industry, requiring engineers with expertise in both traditional systems programming and cutting-edge security technologies. Companies are prioritizing candidates who can bridge legacy systems with modern security architectures.

Role Significance

Typically leading teams of 5-8 engineers across multiple concurrent projects, with responsibility for technical mentorship, project delivery, and cross-functional collaboration with hardware teams, security specialists, and government stakeholders.
This is a senior-level position requiring extensive leadership responsibilities, technical architecture decisions, and direct client interaction. The role involves managing complex projects, leading engineering teams, and making strategic technical decisions that impact national security operations.

Key Projects

Development of secure communication systems for government and military applications Integration of hardware and software components for mission-critical defense systems Modernization of legacy defense systems while maintaining security protocols Implementation of advanced encryption and cybersecurity measures for national security applications

Success Factors

Ability to navigate complex security clearance requirements while maintaining technical excellence and innovation in software development approaches Strong project management and technical leadership skills capable of managing multiple concurrent projects with varying priorities and stakeholder requirements Deep understanding of both legacy system integration and modern software development practices, enabling successful modernization of critical defense infrastructure Excellent communication skills for interfacing with government clients, technical teams, and senior stakeholders in high-stakes environments

Market Demand

Extremely high demand driven by critical skills shortage in security-cleared software engineering positions, with multiple government contracts requiring immediate fulfillment and limited candidate pools meeting clearance requirements.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

C++/Java/Rust proficiency is absolutely essential as these languages form the backbone of secure, performance-critical defense applications where reliability and security are paramount. The ability to work across multiple languages demonstrates the versatility required for complex system integration projects. Security clearance eligibility and experience with government projects is critical, as this role specifically requires DV clearance and the ability to work within strict security protocols. This requirement significantly limits the candidate pool and makes this skill extremely valuable. Embedded systems programming expertise is crucial for this role as defense applications often require low-level hardware integration and real-time system performance. This skill is essential for the hardware-software integration responsibilities outlined in the position. System integration experience is vital as most defense solutions involve complex combinations of hardware and software components that must work seamlessly together in mission-critical environments.

Beneficial Skills

Cryptography and security protocol knowledge would be highly valuable given the cybersecurity focus of the role and the sensitive nature of defense applications Experience with wireless protocols and USB communication would enhance the candidate's ability to work with diverse hardware interfaces common in defense systems Leadership and project management skills would accelerate career progression given the technical leadership responsibilities inherent in this senior role Knowledge of government contracting processes and compliance requirements would provide significant advantages in client interaction and project delivery

Unique Aspects

This role offers the rare combination of cutting-edge technology development with national security impact, providing meaningful work that directly contributes to national defense capabilities
The position requires and provides access to UK DV clearance, which is highly valuable and transferable across the defense industry, significantly enhancing long-term career prospects
The role involves working with both legacy systems and modern technologies, providing comprehensive technical experience that spans multiple technology generations
Leidos offers exceptional job security through long-term government contracts while providing opportunities to work on diverse, challenging projects across multiple domains

Career Growth

Typically 3-5 years to principal level positions, with accelerated progression possible due to security clearance premium and critical skills shortage in the defense sector.

Potential Next Roles

Principal Software Engineer/Architect leading large-scale defense technology initiatives Technical Director overseeing multiple engineering teams and strategic technology decisions Program Manager for major government contracts and defense technology implementations Chief Technology Officer for defense contracting organizations

Company Overview

Leidos

Leidos is a Fortune 500 technology, engineering, and science solutions company serving government and commercial markets globally. The company is a major player in the defense contracting space with significant contracts across multiple government agencies and international defense organizations.

Leidos holds a strong market position as one of the largest defense contractors globally, with consistent revenue growth and a substantial portfolio of long-term government contracts. The company is recognized as a leader in systems integration and cybersecurity solutions for government applications.
Leidos has significant operations in the UK and Europe, with Bristol serving as a key location for their defense and security operations. The company has established strong relationships with UK government agencies and maintains active security clearance capabilities.
The company emphasizes mission-focused work culture with strong emphasis on security, collaboration, and technical excellence. Leidos promotes flexible working arrangements while maintaining the security protocols required for government contracting work.
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