> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/3642502-lead-software-and-systems-development-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/3642502-lead-software-and-systems-development-engineer). 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). --- # Lead Software and Systems Development Engineer - **Company:** Pure Resourcing Solutions - **Location:** Norwich, UK - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** £65,000.0 - £85,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** C++ (Programming Language), Code Reuse, Code Review, Linux, Systems Development Life Cycle, Qt (Software), Release Management, Software Engineering, Verification and Validation (Software), Git, SC Clearance, Build Management, Containerization, Git Flow, Docker - **Published:** October 9, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.adzuna.co.uk/jobs/details/5918819992 ## About the Role * Strong software engineering background in C++ on Linux; Qt/GUI experience is a bonus * Experience setting up and improving software processes, including Git workflows, code review, testing and release management * Architecture-first, modular mindset * Containerisation experience, ideally Docker on Linux * Verification and validation experience, ideally with real-time or mission-critical software * Background in complex products, preferably in a regulated domain such as defence, aerospace, medical or automotive * Some people leadership experience, formal or informal, alongside technical leadership * Willingness to travel occasionally within the UK and internationally * Eligibility for SC clearance; you do not need to hold it already ## Description * Lead software and systems within our R&D team, bringing structure to existing practices while maintaining pace * Define and establish how code is written, reviewed, merged, tested and released * Own Git and repository governance across the department, including branching, reviews, merging and releases * Drive a modular architecture with clearly defined interfaces to support code reuse across our product range * Introduce verification and validation at module level as well as system level * Review colleagues code, using authority and diplomacy * Lead and mentor our software and systems team * Work closely with physicists, controls engineers and electronics engineers * Shape the technical roadmap, including the GUI stack and containerisation, and longer-term plans for more connected, secure and updatable systems * Hand clean, validated and traceable work over to engineering for production * Write and ship code hands-on initially, with coding expected to decrease as the team grows Technologies: * Docker * Git * Support * Linux * Qt More: We design and build complex defence systems. Our R&D team of around eight engineers works three to five years ahead of live programmes, exploring future customer requirements, and we are now growing the team. This is a newly created leadership role with scope to shape how the department develops software and build the team. The work includes real-time computation, sensor data and physics-heavy systems, with collaboration across disciplines and a director who actively supports modernising our approach. The position is on-site in Norfolk, with a salary of £65,000-£85,000 and flexibility above or below that range for exceptional candidates. Defence experience is not required.