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# Lead Software Engineer

- **Company:** Understanding Recruitment
- **Location:** Greater London, UK
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Java (Programming Language), JavaScript (Programming Language), C++ (Programming Language), Computer Programming, Python (Programming Language), PostgreSQL, Machine Learning, Software Construction, Software Engineering, TypeScript, Rust (Programming Language), Software Security, SC Clearance, Kubernetes
- **Published:** August 25, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.understandingrecruitment.com/job/lead-software-engineer-9199/

## About the Role

* Several years of strong software engineering experience
 * Experience leading or managing other engineers
 * Strong programming skills in C++, Java, Rust or Python, and/or TypeScript/JavaScript
 * Experience designing and delivering complex production systems
 * Strong architectural judgement and pragmatic decision-making
 * An interest in using modern AI coding tools effectively

Experience with Kubernetes, PostgreSQL, embedded systems, ML or application security is useful, but you don't need all of them.

You'll need the right to work in the UK and be eligible for UK SC clearance. This is an office-first role, with some flexibility when needed.

## Description

Lead Software Engineer

Want to stay hands-on technically while having real influence over a product, engineering team and roadmap?

This is a lead role where you'll still architect and write production software, while mentoring strong engineers and owning the technical direction of a key product area.

What's in it for you?

 * Own the technical direction of a major product area
 * Stay hands-on with complex, high-impact engineering
 * Influence architecture, product decisions and the wider roadmap
 * Lead and mentor talented software engineers
 * Build mission-critical software used in the real world
 * Competitive salary + equity
 * 7% pension, private healthcare and free daily meals

What you'll be doing

 * Architecting and building complex production software
 * Owning technical decisions across your product area
 * Leading and mentoring other engineers
 * Working closely with product and design on new features
 * Reviewing code and improving engineering standards
 * Contributing to product and technical roadmap decisions
 * Building software with security and reliability at its core

What you'll bring

 * Several years of strong software engineering experience
 * Experience leading or managing other engineers
 * Strong programming skills in C++, Java, Rust or Python, and/or TypeScript/JavaScript
 * Experience designing and delivering complex production systems
 * Strong architectural judgement and pragmatic decision-making
 * An interest in using modern AI coding tools effectively

Experience with Kubernetes, PostgreSQL, embedded systems, ML or application security is useful, but you don't need all of them.

You'll need the right to work in the UK and be eligible for UK SC clearance. This is an office-first role, with some flexibility when needed.


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