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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal Software Engineer - **Company:** Overviewleonardo - **Location:** Basildon, UK (Remote available) - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Agile Methodology, JIRA, Unit Testing, C++ (Programming Language), Ubuntu (Operating System), CMake, Software Debugging, Linux, DevOps, Programming Tools, Firmware, Hardware Design, Iterative and Incremental Development, Inter-Process Communication, Microsoft Visual Studio, Software Engineering, Software Systems, TCP/IP, Multithreading, Scripting, Git - **Published:** September 10, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.apply4u.co.uk/jobs/principal-software-engineer/46514847 ## About the Role Job DescriptionThe Opportunity Are you a Software Engineer with C++ experience looking for your next challenge? Here at Leonardo, we are seeking an experienced Principal Software Engineer to take on pivotal technical work within 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.What you will do: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 we are looking for:Several years of C/C++ software engineering experience in aerospace, defence, or other mission/safety-critical domains.Networking fundamentals, including TCP/IP, UDP, and socket programmingRTOS concepts, such as multi-threading and inter-process communication (IPC) DDS MiddlewareExperience with development tools including: Microsoft Visual Studio CMake Git Ubuntu LinuxExperience with embedded SoC platforms, such as Xilinx, Texas Instruments, or similar processorsStrong debugging and troubleshooting skills on embedded platformsEmbedded Linux custom target hardware development and debugging experienceExperience of using Iterative development lifecycles (for example tailored Agile.)Experience using tools associated with Iterative development lifecycles (Jira / DevOps.)Familiarity with development to design and coding standards.Nice-to-have skills:Python scripting for development supportExperience with Unit Test FrameworksSkills in technical risk identification and mitigation across software components.Hands-on delivery with lifecycle experience from requirements through to certification.Demonstrated ability to mentor and coach engineers, uplifting capability and promoting software engineering excellence.Ability to collaborate across disciplines, working closely with systems, hardware, and firmware teams to ensure coherent integration.What you will get:Flexible working: We offer our employees the time and flexibility they need to enjoy a balanced life through flexible hours and part time optionsFlexible benefits: Our company-funded approach to flexible benefits allows employees to make choices appropriate for them. Each employee has access to a wide choice of lifestyle, health and wellbeing options best suited to their individual lifestyle goals.Above average employer pension contributionsAnnual bonusAnnual leave: We offer 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays and 12 flexi daysNetwork groups : To demonstrate our ongoing commitment to diversity & inclusion we have network groups for Carers (employees who care for someone who is either older, disabled or seriously ill) Enable (supporting people with disabilities) Equalise (development ## Related Videos - [Code to Road in < 12 hours](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1082-code-to-road-in-12-hours) - [Improving quality with Agentic AI with Rovo Dev and Xray](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2005-improving-quality-with-agentic-ai-with-rovo-dev-and-xray) - [How a Small Team Shrank a Microsoft Monorepo by 94%](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1236-how-a-small-team-shrank-a-microsoft-monorepo-by-94) - [Agile work at CARIAD – Creating a customer web application for controlling the vehicle ](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/200-agile-work-at-cariad-creating-a-customer-web-application-for-controlling-the-vehicle) - [Collaboration Quantified: Lessons from Open Source Developer Networks](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1422-collaboration-quantified-lessons-from-open-source-developer-networks) - [Git for Code Reviews](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/429-git-for-code-reviews) ## Related Articles - [Fully Remote Software Engineer Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/447-fully-remote-software-engineer-jobs) - [The 12 Best Jobs for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/401-the-12-best-jobs-for-software-engineers) - [Software Engineer Salary London](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/252-software-engineer-salary-london) - [Where To Find Software Engineering Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/396-where-to-find-software-engineering-jobs) - [Where to Find Entry-Level Software Engineering Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/397-where-to-find-entry-level-software-engineering-jobs) - [The Ultimate Software Engineer Career Path Guide for 2023](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/146-the-ultimate-software-engineer-career-path-guide-for-2023)