Introduction

Company cultures & job summary

Our client is looking for a Software Architect to lead a software engineering team working on advanced cryptographic and cyber defence programmes. You'll need deep expertise in embedded or application software architecture, with a strong background in C/C++, Rust, or similar, and experience setting best practice processes across complex multi-discipline programmes. SC clearance is required as a minimum, with willingness to work towards DV.

Working Patterns and location - Fully on site

Key responsibilities

• Provide technical direction and architectural leadership across multiple concurrent software programmes.

• Define and roll out best practice software development processes, toolchains and coding standards.

• Collaborate with systems architects and hardware teams to ensure design consistency and reuse.

• Develop software requirements and architectures that satisfy system and security constraints.

• Specify and maintain software designs using UML and SysML modelling tools such as Enterprise Architect.

• Mentor and coach less experienced engineers, sharing knowledge across the software community of practice.

• Review and sign off significant technical documents and chair technical reviews for key deliverables.

• Generate and review technical proposals, providing effort, cost and risk estimates for bids.

Skills & experience

• Advanced experience in C/C++, Rust, or embedded product development including RTOSes.

• Strong knowledge of software engineering methodologies including TDD/BDD, CI/CD and DevSecOps.

• Experience defining and rolling out best practice firmware or software development lifecycles.

• Experience deploying defence coding standards such as MISRA for safety or security-critical systems.

• Proven track record delivering complex software solutions on schedule in a defence or regulated environment.

• Experience with version control, change control and bug tracking tools including administration.

• Ability to lead, mentor and technically influence a software engineering team of 20+ engineers.

• Degree in an engineering, mathematics or science-based discipline.

The client would also like to see some of the below, but this is not essential:

• Sound knowledge of cryptographic design, implementation and high-assurance development processes.

• Experience with DOORS, UML and SysML modelling tools such as RSA or Enterprise Architect.

• Experience with Windows and Linux application and driver development.

• Familiarity with static and run-time analysis tools for secure software development.

• Experience contributing to bids and proposals in a defence prime or systems integration environment.

Our client is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.

Part-time opportunities/flexible working is available to suit individual needs.

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You will be required to hold a minimum of DV Clearance. If you do not hold an active DV Clearance, please familiarise yourself with the vetting process before applying.

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