Summary: The Lead Software Engineer role involves leading the design, development, and delivery of software solutions for a public sector organization in various UK locations, including London and Manchester. This position requires a strong background in Python and Django, with a focus on Agile methodologies and governance-heavy environments. The role is hybrid, with an expectation to work in the office 40% of the time, and is offered on an initial 12-month contract. The position is classified as inside IR35 and requires SC clearance eligibility.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the design, development, and delivery of scalable, secure software solutions.
- Provide technical leadership across multiple Agile squads.
- Oversee development across various workstreams and ensure live service performance.
- Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team of around 27 members.
- Contribute to services that support the regulation of controlled goods and exports.
Key Skills:
- Proven experience in Python and Django development at a senior or lead level.
- Expertise in end-to-end system design and architecture.
- Ability to build secure, test-driven, high-quality code.
- Experience in Agile delivery within multidisciplinary teams.
- Background in structured, governance-heavy or regulated environments.
- At least 5 years of software engineering experience, ideally 8 to 10 years.
- Knowledge of GDS standards and Government Digital Service aligned delivery is beneficial.
- Familiarity with public sector, defence, or export control domain knowledge is advantageous.
- Eligibility to obtain SC clearance.
Salary (Rate): £750 Daily
City: London
Country: UK
Working Arrangements: hybrid
IR35 Status: inside IR35
Seniority Level: Senior
Industry: IT
We're looking for a Lead Software Engineer for a public sector organisation based in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff or the North East (hybrid) on an initial 12-month contract, paying up to £750 per day (Inside IR35, Umbrella).
There is an expectation to attend the office 40% of the week across one of the listed locations.
The successful Lead Software Engineer will lead the design, development, and delivery of scalable, secure software solutions within a government-focused environment, contributing to services that support the regulation of controlled goods and exports. Working across four Agile squads in a multidisciplinary team of around 27, they will provide technical leadership, oversee development across multiple workstreams, and take ownership of both new delivery and live service performance.
You will need proven experience working with the following:
- Python and Django development to a senior or lead level
- End-to-end system design and architecture
- Building secure, test-driven, high-quality code
- Agile delivery within multidisciplinary teams including BAs and UCD specialists
- Working in structured, governance-heavy or regulated environments
- At least 5 years of software engineering experience, ideally 8 to 10 years
Experience in the following would be beneficial:
- GDS standards and Government Digital Service aligned delivery
- Public sector, defence or export control domain knowledge
- Exposure to secure or regulated environments
You'll need to hold or be eligible to obtain SC clearance for this role.
Interested?
Please apply below.
Lead Software Engineer, Senior Software Engineer, Python Developer, Django Developer, Backend Engineer, Full Stack Engineer, Software Architect, GDS, Agile, System Design, Government, Public Sector, Defence, Export Control, London, Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff, North East, Hybrid, Contract, Inside IR35