Head of Discipline - Software Engineering

Salary: £90,000 - 90,000 per year

Requirements:

• A degree or equivalent experience in software engineering, computer science, systems engineering or a related STEM discipline
• 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 leadership with strong technical judgement, professional authority and the confidence to challenge weak estimates, poor discipline or uncontrolled change
• Pragmatic and fair decision-making skills, balancing delivery pressure, functional priorities, project needs, governance, assurance and auditability
• Strong people leadership and coaching ability, with experience developing engineers, supporting performance and translating software risks into clear technical, project and business consequences

Responsibilities:

• Lead our Software Engineering discipline across all products and projects, ensuring competent people, robust software methods, disciplined technical execution and effective lifecycle control
• Own and maintain our software engineering standards, lifecycle methods, coding practices, toolchains and assurance expectations
• Ensure software delivery supports safety, security, qualification, accreditation, configuration control and customer acceptance requirements
• Provide competent software resources, technical planning input, independent challenge and subject matter leadership to Engineering Leads and Project Managers
• Define and assure lifecycle gate and technical review artefacts, including baselines, build records, verification evidence, defect status and release readiness
• Maintain compliance with applicable standards and drive continuous improvement through technical reviews, audits and governance activities

Technologies:

• CI/CD
• Security
• Support

More:

We are SEA, and we build state-of-the-art applications for naval ship and fleet protection and undersea surveillance systems. Our systems are in service across the globe, supporting navies with rapid response, system effectiveness and interoperability. This Head of Software Engineering role is based at either our Bristol, Beckington or Barnstaple sites with regular travel to all three, and it offers flexible working. We provide generous rewards, a strong work-life balance, excellent career and training opportunities, hybrid and flexible working, 25 days annual leave plus buy and sell options, up to 16 days flexi leave accrual, half-day Fridays, private medical health insurance, an Employee Assistance Program, a health cash plan, an all-staff bonus, a pension plan with up to 8% employer contribution, cycle to work scheme, wellbeing and social activities, employee discounts, life assurance, development opportunities and extensive site facilities including EV charging, parking, showers, refreshments and an onsite bistro in Barnstaple.

last updated 32 week of 2026