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.