
UK CITIZENSHIP REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION: YesRELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time
Lead Software Engineer
Location Cheltenham – hybrid
Salary £58,000 - £86,000 DOE
Clearance You must currently hold the highest level of UK Government clearance
Define Possible at Northrop Grumman UK
What’s your possible?
At Northrop Grumman UK, you are part of a team driving innovation where it matters most – solving tomorrow’s challenges and shaping the technology solutions of the future. It’s what we call Defining Possible
This mind-set goes beyond our customer solutions; it’s the foundation for your career development and the impact we have within the community.
The Opportunity
This is more than just a job; it’s a mission.
As a Lead Software Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in designing, developing and maintaining the critical infrastructure that powers our services. You’ll work across a variety of exciting, complex projects within a unique mission space, building elegant, stable solutions that have real‑world impact.
You’ll also bring strong leadership, guiding your team through both technical and delivery challenges to ensure solutions meet customer needs.
“My purpose is to lead a team of engineers, rise to the challenges presented, push the boundaries and define possible together.”
What You’ll Do
What We’re Looking For
If you don’t meet every requirement, we still encourage you to apply. We value potential, curiosity and a willingness to grow.
Security Clearance
Due to the nature of our work, you must be British National for this clearance type.
You must be able to currently hold the Highest Level of UK Government security clearance
Our recruitment team is available to support you through the process: talentenquiries@uk.ngc.com
Benefits
Why Join Us?
A Mission to Believe In
Every day we help build a more secure and connected world across land, sea, air, space and cyberspace. The work we do together matters.
A Place to Belong and Thrive
Every voice matters. You can bring your authentic self to work and be part of an inclusive community supported by employee‑led groups and partnerships that champion diversity, mental health and service leavers.
Your Career, Your Way
Shape your career with diverse roles, mentoring, training opportunities and the flexibility to balance your professional and personal life. We invest in your wellbeing, growth and future.
Ready to Apply?
Yes – Submit your application online.
Possibly – Contact our team for more information: talentenquiries@uk.ngc.com
No – Explore other opportunities with us. We’re growing across the UK.
Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce, and encourages individuals from all backgrounds and all abilities to apply and consider becoming a part of our diverse and inclusive workforce.

We are a close-knit community of big thinkers collaborating to keep the world safe. Our passion, creativity and expertise bring next-level technology solutions to life in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, strike, space, and logistics and modernization for our customers around the globe.
On the Northrop Grumman team, you’ll join our pursuit of excellence immersed in a dynamic culture of innovation and respect. Your unique perspective will help achieve our shared vision for the future of global security. Every step of the way, you'll be supported by world-class training, employee resource groups and a comprehensive benefits package that enables greater health and happiness for you and your family.
Worldwide and across disciplines, we’re challenging what’s possible for technology to protect people and places from undersea to outer space and into cyberspace. And we see the impact of our performance every day. We are Northrop Grumman, and we work on what matters—now, you too can make a difference.
Explore opportunities in engineering, IT, manufacturing, business management, cybersecurity and more at jobs.northropgrumman.com/careers.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.
Our careers site can be found at jobs.northropgrumman.com/careers. If you are contacted about a job at Northrop Grumman, please verify the email came from the domain @ngc.com before engaging with that contact. If you are contacted by a Northrop Grumman recruiter on LinkedIn, please that their profile includes the verified check mark to ensure the contact is legitimate.