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)