Location: Chertsey, SurreySecurity Requirement: Sole UK National (Must be able to obtain SC/DV Clearance)Our client is a global leader in Defence innovation, currently scaling their elite underwater systems division. We are looking for a Lead Software Engineer to bridge the gap between complex system architecture and high-performance delivery. In this role, you won''t just be managing a team; you will be the technical heartbeat of projects that protect national interests. From acoustic signal processing to real-time embedded systems, you will lead a multi-disciplinary team to translate abstract requirements into mission-critical reality. What You ll Do Architectural Ownership: Define and lead the software design (UML/Enterprise Architect) within a wider systems framework. Team Leadership: Mentor, supervise, and drive the output of a skilled engineering team, ensuring quality and adherence to industry standards. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with PMs and Firmware/Electronics Engineers to ensure seamless integration of hardware and software. Customer Facing: Act as a technical authority, presenting designs and progress to both internal stakeholders and Ministry of Defence (MoD) customers. Modernization: Drive the adoption of modern practices, including Docker and containerization, within traditional embedded environments. Your Technical Arsenal The Core: Expert-level C++ development within Linux/Windows environments. Design: Proficiency in structured design tool