Software Development Lead

Software Development Lead

Location: Bristol, GB, BS16 1EJ

Onsite or Hybrid: Hybrid

Job Title: Software Development Lead

Location: Hybrid, UK

Compensation: Competitive Salary + Benefits

Role Type: Full time / Permanent

Role ID: SF70831

Engineering the Digital Future of Defence

At Babcock, we're working to create a safe and secure world, together. If you join us, you can play your part as a Software Development Lead at Devonport Royal Dockyard, near Plymouth, Devon.

The role

As a Software Development Lead, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping the future of digital solutions across one of the UK's most important defence engineering environments. This is a meaningful career path one where your leadership directly contributes to national security while giving you space to grow your own technical expertise, including in emerging AI technologies and modern engineering practices.

Day-to-day, you'll guide a talented team of developers, set the technical direction, and help create innovative software that supports vital defence, aerospace, and engineering operations.

• Lead, coach, and inspire a high performing development team.
• Oversee the design, development, and deployment of secure, scalable software applications.
• Guide the team through Scrum processes to ensure effective sprint planning and delivery.
• Support and enhance the existing technology stack while driving capability growth in areas such as AI/ML, LLM-powered development tools, intelligent automation, and data driven engineering practices. Champion best practice across DevOps, engineering quality, technical standards, and responsible adoption of AI-enabled engineering tools.

This role is full time, 37.5 hours per week and provides hybrid working arrangements with days onsite and days working from home.

Essential experience of the Software Development Lead

• Prior experience working in a technical leadership role or as a lead developer.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and empower others.
• A proactive, innovative mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and a strong interest in AI assisted software engineering.
• Experience with or interest in AI enabled development practices, intelligent DevSecOps pipelines, and emerging AI tools that improve software quality and delivery.
• Proven experience facilitating Scrum ceremonies and Agile delivery.

Qualifications for the Software Development Lead

We value difference and don't have a fixed idea when it comes to background or education, provided you can show the required level of experience and/or willingness to learn new AI driven approaches, we'd like to hear from you.

Security Clearance

The successful candidate must be able to achieve and maintain Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) security clearance for this role. Must be UK Nationals and Sole National (no dual nationals).

Many of the positions within our company are subject to national security clearance and Trade Control restrictions. This means that your eligibility for certain roles may be affected by your place of birth, nationality, current or former citizenship, and any residency you hold or have held. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK () .

What we offer

• Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance
• Access to a Digital GP, annual health check, and nutritional consultations through Aviva DigiCare+
• Employee share scheme
• Employee shopping savings portal
• Payment of Professional Fees
• Reservists in the armed forces receive 10 days special paid leave
• Holiday Trading - buy or sell up to one working week of holiday
• "Be Kind Day" - one paid volunteering day each year
• Flexible working options to support work life balance
• A dynamic working environment

Babcock International

For over a century Babcock has helped to defend nations, protect communities and build a better world. To continue, we must adapt, advance and be a sustainable business with a shared goal.

We are a disability confident committed employer

We are a disability confident committed employer. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages, please email with the subject header 'Reasonable adjustments requirement'. We're committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone's free to thrive. We are happy to talk about flexible working - please ask about alternative patterns of work at interview.

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