Senior Manager - Software Engineering

Location: Farnborough (Full‑time, on‑site)
Contract: 6‑month initial contract (likely extension)
Pay Rate: £39.00 per hour PAYE / £52.17 per hour Umbrella
IR35 Status: Off‑Payroll Working Rules (IR35) Apply

About the Role

A leading aerospace and engineering organisation is seeking an experienced Senior Manager, Software Engineering to lead a growing software team working on advanced high‑altitude aviation technology. This position is focused on leadership, delivery, and engineering governance rather than hands‑on coding.

You will manage a team of five software engineers, overseeing the planning, development, verification and integration of software for a complex, safety‑critical aerospace platform.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the day‑to‑day activities of the software engineering team, ensuring delivery against goals.
• Mentor, coach and develop team members professionally and technically.
• Oversee software planning, requirements definition, development, verification and integration.
• Act as the technical authority for software, ensuring compliance with relevant aerospace standards (including DO‑178C).
• Collaborate with systems engineering, avionics, flight operations and maintenance teams.
• Liaise with external authorities and suppliers when required.

Skills & Experience Required

• Approximately 10 years' experience in software engineering leadership roles.
• Strong background in safety‑critical or aerospace software environments.
• Knowledge of C and Python beneficial (not a coding role).
• Strong understanding of the full software development lifecycle.
• Experience with aerospace standards such as DO‑178C and related regulatory frameworks.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement and leadership abilities.

If you are interested in this role please apply with an up to date copy of your CV for consideration.