Principal Software Team Lead

About the Role

Principal Software Team Lead
Full-Time, Permanent
Inchinnan or Westhill

Please note that this role requires security checks.

The Role

As the Principal Software Engineering Team Lead, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the design and delivery of innovative software solutions across JFD's product portfolio. Leading a talented engineering team, you will drive the development of high-quality software throughout the complete engineering lifecycle, from initial concept and design through to verification, validation, release, and end-of-life support.

This role combines technical expertise with strong leadership, ensuring engineering solutions align with JFD’s engineering strategy, governance framework, and established processes. You will be responsible for guiding teams to successfully deliver compliant, safe, and robust software solutions that meet demanding quality, cost, schedule, and regulatory requirements. Working across multiple product lines, you will champion engineering excellence while fostering a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and innovation.

What you'll be doing:

• Lead and inspire a team of software engineers, driving the successful delivery of software solutions in line with JFD's engineering strategy, governance framework, processes, and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee software development activities across the full lifecycle, ensuring projects are delivered to the highest standards of quality, performance, compliance, and customer satisfaction.
• Take ownership of software delivery, managing team performance, software quality, and relationships with external suppliers and contractors to achieve programme objectives.
• Provide technical leadership and accountability for software verification, validation, and release activities, ensuring robust engineering practices are followed and approvals are completed within delegated authority levels.
• Ensure the effective management and maintenance of software source code, build environments, and product design documentation, keeping products aligned with the latest industry standards, regulations, and best practices.
• Deliver engineering scope and project objectives within agreed budgets and timescales, while maintaining accurate reporting on scheduling, resource allocation, capacity planning, performance metrics, and corrective actions.
• Collaborate closely with colleagues across Sales, Supply Chain, Production, HSEQS, Bids, and other key stakeholders to develop, review, and deliver effective technical solutions that meet business and customer requirements.
• Lead all aspects of people management, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, mentoring, career development, resource planning, workload allocation, and fostering a high-performing team culture.
• Work in partnership with fellow Engineering Team Leads to share best practice, optimise resources, drive consistency across engineering disciplines, and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Champion safe and compliant engineering practices by supporting system safety reviews, managing technical risk registers, developing mitigation plans, and ensuring adherence to company safety policies and certification requirements.
• Support the attraction, development, and retention of software engineering talent, helping to build capability and future-proof the engineering function.

What we're looking for:

Essential

• Degree qualified in a relevant engineering discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
• Experience leading software development projects and managing software lifecycle activities.
• Knowledge of product design, systems integration, and core engineering principles.
• Experience using Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems and engineering documentation processes.
• Proven ability to lead and collaborate within multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Understanding of quality and safety standards, such as ISO 9001 and ISO 45001.

Desirable

• Knowledge of Functional Safety standards, including IEC 61508 and IEC 61511.
• Experience in secure product development for embedded and industrial control systems, including Secure by Design principles and IEC 62443.
• Ability to define cybersecurity requirements, conduct threat and risk assessments, and provide cybersecurity governance for safety-critical or mission-critical products.
• Experience assuring third-party software and technology suppliers from a cybersecurity perspective.

Why join us?

• Early finish on Fridays
• Competitive salary and benefits package aligned with experience (Private Medical Insurance, Life Assurance, Cycle to work scheme, Company Pension, etc.)
• Clear pathways for career development and organisational visibility
• Inclusive and supportive culture that values individual contributions
• Meaningful work with impact across safety, innovation, and global operations

About Us

James Fisher is a global engineering services company operating across Energy, Defence, and Maritime Transport. With a strong heritage in maritime operations, we now deliver innovative solutions in challenging environments. Our One James Fisher strategy is focused on building a unified, sustainable business within the Blue Economy, driving progress through technology, expertise, and collaboration.

Visit our website at: Home | James Fisher and Sons plc For more information about our values and behaviours, follow the link: About us | James Fisher and Sons plc

James Fisher Defence (JFD), part of the James Fisher Group, is a global leader in underwater capability, delivering cutting-edge diving, submarine rescue, and hyperbaric solutions to both commercial and defence markets. Operating worldwide, JFD is the foremost provider of submarine rescue services and a trusted name in submarine escape training. We’re also at the forefront of hyperbaric rescue innovation and a leading supplier of advanced diving equipment and saturation systems across the industry. Explore more about JFD

At James Fisher and Sons, we are committed to taking positive action on diversity and strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and recognise that our success is driven by the talent and diversity of our workforce.

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