Chief Software Architect

Salary: £90,000 - 105,000 per year

Requirements:

• Advanced knowledge and experience in C/C++, Rust, or embedded product development, including RTOS environments.
• Expertise in software engineering practices, methodologies, and technology trends.
• Proven track record of delivering complex software solutions to schedule while exceeding customer expectations.
• Experience with version control systems, change control, bug tracking, and automated testing frameworks.
• Familiarity with defence or high-assurance development standards, including coding standards such as MISRA.
• DV security clearance is required for this mission-critical defence role.

Responsibilities:

• Provide technical leadership across multiple projects, ensuring the right approaches, architecture, and toolchains are selected.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to develop software requirements, architectures, and designs that meet system and security needs.
• Work closely with software leads and project managers to create development plans that deliver value early to customers.
• Mentor and coach software engineers, sharing knowledge and driving process improvements.
• Specify, design, and review software using UML and SysML modelling tools to ensure high-quality, modular, compliant solutions.
• Champion best practices in software development, including continuous integration, automated testing, and secure coding standards.
• Lead and shape the software engineering strategy for advanced cyber and defence systems.
• Oversee a team of 20 to 30 engineers across multiple high-security projects.
• Support bids and proposals and influence organisational software standards.

Technologies:

• Embedded
• Support
• Rust
• Security
• UML
• Architect
• DevSecOps
• Firmware
• Hardware
• Linux

More:

We are at the forefront of pioneering advanced cryptographic and key management solutions, delivering innovative software for advanced cyber and defence systems. Our work empowers decision-making at tactical and strategic levels and helps protect lives and enhance global security. This is an onsite role in Maidenhead, with good flexibility in working hours. We value trust, collaboration, and innovation, and we offer the opportunity to make a real impact in the defence industry.

last updated 31 week of 2026