Senior Manager, Software Engineering

Location: Farnborough (On‑Site)
Industry: Aerospace / High‑Altitude Platforms / Safety‑Critical Systems

Contract: 6 Month inside IR35

Rate: £52ph

Lead the software engineering function behind next‑generation, high‑altitude aerospace technology.

I'm recruiting on behalf of an innovative aerospace organisation developing world‑leading, solar‑powered, high‑altitude platforms designed for ultra‑long‑endurance flight. Operating above 60,000 ft, these platforms enable mission‑critical applications including direct‑to‑device connectivity, high‑resolution Earth observation, environmental monitoring and global‑scale humanitarian operations.

This is a rare opportunity to step into a high‑impact leadership position within a rapidly growing and genuinely pioneering engineering environment.

The Role: Senior Manager, Software Engineering

As the Senior Manager for Software Engineering, you will lead an expanding team responsible for the full software lifecycle across a highly complex, safety‑critical aerospace system. Reporting into the Systems Design leadership team, you will shape technical strategy, oversee delivery, and develop the people, processes, and capabilities of the software department.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the day‑to‑day activities, performance, and delivery of the software engineering team.
Mentor and develop engineering talent, driving both personal and professional growth.
Play a key role in scaling the team through recruitment and capability development.
Oversee software planning, design, implementation, verification, and integration.
Act as the software technical authority, ensuring safety, performance, and regulatory compliance.
Define and maintain high‑ and low‑level software requirements.
Collaborate closely with systems engineering, avionics, flight operations, and maintenance teams.
Liaise with external authorities (e.g., regulators) and software suppliers.

Candidate Profile

Degree in Computer Science, Aerospace, Electronics, Systems Engineering or similar.
Strong background as a senior software engineer, technical lead, or software manager.
Experience developing safety‑critical software in C/C++/Ada or similar languages.
Expert knowledge of aerospace and safety standards such as:
ARP‑4761A, ARP‑4754A, DO‑178C, DO‑254A, DO‑248, DO‑300
Strong understanding of requirements definition, systems engineering and verification practices.
Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and problem‑solving abilities.

This vacancy is being advertised by Belcan