Lead Software Engineer

Lead Software Engineer (Python / Django) - Hybrid Working

Contract: 12 months (inside IR35). SC clearance.

Based in one of the following offices: London, Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff, North East (60% WFH, 40% onsite).

Belcan is recruiting for an exciting Lead Software Engineer opportunity with our client, working on high-impact & secure systems!

Overview

The Lead Software Engineer will play a key role in shaping technical direction, improving engineering practices, and delivering robust backend systems using Python and Django, while maintaining a strong awareness of full-stack delivery. This role offers the chance to lead the design and delivery of innovative digital services that play a critical role in national infrastructure and regulatory systems. As a Lead Software Engineer, you'll take ownership of building scalable, resilient, and user-focused software solutions. You'll work within a collaborative, agile environment alongside multidisciplinary teams, ensuring high standards across development, testing, and live service performance.

Key Responsibilities

You will lead the design and delivery of scalable software systems, translating user needs into well-defined technical solutions. You'll develop secure, high-quality, test-driven code and take ownership of live service performance, ensuring consistency and reliability. Working closely with developers, business analysts, and UCD specialists, you'll collaborate across multiple workstreams and ensure integration across complex systems while driving continuous improvement in engineering practices.

Requirements

Strong experience with Python and Django

Successful applicants must meet eligibility requirements to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC clearance)

Proven experience in system design and architecture (end-to-end)

Experience working in agile, multidisciplinary teams

Experience working in secure or structured environments

5+ years' experience (ideally 8-10 years)

What's in it for you?

Competitive day rate

Long-term 12-month contract opportunity

Hybrid working (2 days per week in office across multiple UK locations)

Opportunity to work on high-impact, nationally significant programmes

Ready to take your next career step? Click Apply Now for a confidential chat today!

This vacancy is being advertised by Belcan