C++ Software Engineer

Job Description:

Salary Range: £54,000 - £70,000

Leonardo UK operates a grade-based salary framework with broad bands. The salary range shown reflects the approved grade band for this role, or a narrower hiring range published within that band, and is benchmarked against the external market. Exceptions above the standard range are managed through governance controls to protect internal equity.

Your impact

We are on the hunt for talented software engineers to support our Integrated Sensors & Protection line of business, working on a range of defence projects. Direct industry experience is not required; we are happy to explore all backgrounds and help develop all our software engineers.

We want to develop a new generation of features and capabilities using innovative software solutions and we need you to create them. You will be a key part in a community of world-class software engineers who will continuously improve, collaborate and innovate with other engineers to create market-leading products within the defence industry.

What you will do

• Deliver and integrate high-quality software code, ensuring reliability in critical applications.
• Support and motivate others working with in multi disciplined teams
• Influence the development approach considering design principles, modularity and reuse, best practice, toolchain and much more.
• Develop your expertise in an environment that prioritises learning, mentorship, and career progression.
• Work closely our engineering teams, contributing to multidisciplinary solutions.

What you’ll bring

• Experience with developing C++ Linux applications
• Experience with developing C# Windows applications
• Familiarity with the Software lifecycle processes including Requirements Management, Design, Implementation, Test and Integration
• Familiarity with Configuration Management process and tools e.g. git
• Software design experience e.g. SysML / UML
• Test case / procedure development experience
• Software/Hardware integration and debugging
• Networking experience
• Software development on ARM core within FPGAs
• Knowledge of Docker, Virtual machines and Continuous Integration (CI) tools
• Knowledge of software development standards such as RTCA 178C and coding standards such as AUTOSAR / MISRA C/C++

This is not an exhaustive list, and we are keen to hear from you even if you might not have experience in all the above. The most important skill is a good attitude and willingness to learn.

You will be required to work in our Southampton office 1 to 4 days a week. Employees are welcome to work onsite 5 days a week, but our flexible working allows working from home. This project will require time onsite regularly, but it will vary depending on the work required.

Security Clearance

This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) will apply, this includes meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit:

Why join us

At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.

• Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
• Secure your Future: Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Your Wellbeing Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
• Rewarding Performance: All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
• Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.

Primary Location:

GB - Southampton

Contract Type:

Permanent

Hybrid Working:

Hybrid