Lead Software Engineer - Python (Django) - SC Cleared

Lead Software Engineer - Python (Django) - SC Cleared - Contract

Rate: Up to £750 per day (Umbrella)

Duration: 12 months

Location: 40% office based (London, Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff, North East)

IR35: Inside

Security Clearance: SC (essential)

The role

A government organisation is seeking a Senior / Lead Software Engineer to design, develop and support secure, scalable digital services within a regulated export control environment. You will provide technical leadership across agile squads, contributing to resilient, user-centred services aligned to GDS standards and national security requirements.

Key responsibilities

Lead design and delivery of scalable Python/Django-based services

Translate user needs into robust technical solutions

Build secure, test-driven, high-quality code across multiple workstreams

Support and maintain live services (performance, stability, reliability)

Collaborate across multidisciplinary agile teams (BA, UCD, Engineers)

Contribute to system design, integration, and architecture decisions

Drive continuous improvement in engineering practices and delivery

Skills & Experience

Strong Python and Django development experience (essential)

Proven system design and architecture capability

Experience working in agile, multidisciplinary teams

Strong communication and technical leadership skills

Experience in secure / regulated environments (e.g. government, defence)

SC clearance (or eligibility) essential

5-10+ years' software engineering experience (ideally senior/lead level)

If you are available and interested, please apply in the first instance and you will be contacted to discuss the position further.