> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1925504-head-of-discipline-software-engineering](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1925504-head-of-discipline-software-engineering). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md).

---

# Head of Discipline - Software Engineering

- **Company:** Systems Engineering & Assessment Ltd
- **Location:** Barnstaple, UK
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** £90,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Systems Engineering, Automation of Tests, Configuration Management, Continuous Integration, Release Management, Software Engineering, Toolchain, Build Management, Information Technology
- **Published:** August 5, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.totaljobs.com/job/head-of-software-engineering/systems-engineering-and-assessment-limited-job107797024

## About the Role

* A degree or equivalent experience in software engineering, computer science, systems engineering or a related STEM discipline, with significant software leadership experience in complex, governed environments
 * Strong practical understanding of software lifecycle models, configuration control, build management, CI/CD, automated testing, release management and assurance expectations
 * Credible software engineering leader with strong technical judgement, professional authority and the confidence to challenge weak estimates, poor discipline or uncontrolled change
 * Pragmatic and fair decision-maker who balances delivery pressure, functional priorities, project needs, governance, assurance and auditability
 * Strong people leader and coach, able to develop engineers, support performance and translate software risks into clear technical, project and business consequences

Join us and be part of something smaller - with 500 people in the UK and Canada - doing something bigger: protecting what matters.

## Description

Engineered to Protect, that's our promise, we protect what matters.

As Head of Software Engineering, you'll lead SEA's Software Engineering discipline, ensuring competent people, robust software methods, disciplined technical execution and effective lifecycle control across all products and projects.

The Head of Software Engineering will be based at either our Bristol, Beckington or Barnstaple sites with regular travel to all 3. This role allows for flexible working.

The salary for this role is up to £90k, depending on experience.

What you'll be doing

 * You'll own and maintain software engineering standards, lifecycle methods, coding practices, toolchains and assurance expectations across SEA products and projects
 * You'll ensure software delivery supports safety, security, qualification, accreditation, configuration control and customer acceptance requirements
 * You'll provide competent software resources, technical planning input, independent challenge and subject matter leadership to Engineering Leads and Project Managers
 * You'll define and assure lifecycle gate and technical review artefacts, including baselines, build records, verification evidence, defect status and release readiness
 * You'll maintain compliance with applicable standards and drive continuous improvement through technical reviews, audits and governance activities


## Related Videos

- [Speeding up Web Apps performance with WebAssembly and Emscripten](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1985-speeding-up-web-apps-performance-with-webassembly-and-emscripten)
- [Answering the Million Dollar Question: Why did I Break Production?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1171-answering-the-million-dollar-question-why-did-i-break-production)
- [How to govern Vibe Coding for the Enterprise](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100290-how-to-govern-vibe-coding-for-the-enterprise)
- [From Code to Culture: Why Leadership Determines Software Quality](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1998-from-code-to-culture-why-leadership-determines-software-quality)
- [Great DevEx and Regulatory Compliance - Possible?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1426-great-devex-and-regulatory-compliance-possible)
- [From Zero to Mobile Developer in 45 Minutes With SwiftUI](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/183-from-zero-to-mobile-developer-in-45-minutes-with-swiftui)

## Related Articles

- [What is Software Engineering?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/289-what-is-software-engineering)
- [Is Software Engineering Hard?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/448-is-software-engineering-hard)
- [Top Characteristics of a Software Engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/166-top-characteristics-of-a-software-engineer)
- [The Ultimate Software Engineer Career Path Guide for 2023](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/146-the-ultimate-software-engineer-career-path-guide-for-2023)
- [Software Engineer Career: Things You Should Know](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/143-software-engineer-career-things-you-should-know)
- [Where To Find Software Engineering Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/396-where-to-find-software-engineering-jobs)