Principal Software Architect

Salary: £67,000 - 107,000 per year

Requirements:

• We are looking for someone with 15+ years of experience in software engineering, with significant time in architectural roles.
• We are looking for proven experience designing distributed systems across cloud and application layers.
• We are looking for strong experience with at least one major cloud platform (Azure, AWS, or GCP), ideally across multiple platforms.
• We are looking for experience integrating hardware or embedded systems with cloud-based platforms.
• We are looking for a strong understanding of modern software architecture patterns and best practices.
• We are looking for demonstrated ability to influence technical direction across multiple teams.
• We are looking for excellent communication skills across both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Preferred: experience in hardware-software or IoT environments.
• Preferred: exposure to mobile and SDK-based architectures.
• Preferred: experience modernising or migrating legacy systems.
• Preferred: familiarity with AI-assisted development approaches.
• Preferred: a track record of delivering pragmatic, implementable architecture rather than only conceptual design.
• We are looking for a hybrid working approach with strong on-site presence expected, typically 3 days per week in Bristol.
• We are looking for a high level of engagement with engineering teams.

Responsibilities:

• We will define and evolve a clear end-to-end architecture across the firmware/device layer, cloud platform, and mobile and desktop applications.
• We will own the target system architecture and design principles.
• We will own system boundaries and interaction models.
• We will own integration patterns across domains.
• We will ensure the architecture supports scalability, maintainability, product evolution across multiple device variants, and alignment with long-term business and product strategy.
• We will define and maintain a coherent technology strategy across the software organisation.
• We will establish an aligned technology stack across cloud, mobile, desktop, and firmware domains.
• We will ensure technology choices reflect industry best practices, team capability and constraints, and long-term sustainability.
• We will work collaboratively with domain leads to evaluate trade-offs, agree practical adoption paths, and avoid unnecessary fragmentation.
• We will act as the accountable owner for architectural integrity across the organisation.
• We will review and sign off major design decisions.
• We will define and enforce architectural standards and guardrails.
• We will ensure consistency across teams without blocking delivery.
• We will drive resolution with domain leads where conflicts arise and escalate where required.
• We will allow justified exceptions where delivery needs require flexibility.
• We will ensure deviations are captured as technical debt or feed back into architectural evolution.
• We will build a clear understanding of the current software landscape and define a path forward.
• We will document the current architecture and technology stack.
• We will identify gaps, risks, and constraints.
• We will create a target architecture aligned to business and product direction.
• We will develop migration and/or retirement proposals for legacy systems.
• We will ensure transition plans are realistic, incremental, and aligned to delivery priorities.
• We will support effective delivery by ensuring system-level clarity across teams.
• We will work with the Software Program Manager on cross-team coordination and dependencies.
• We will work with Product Owners to ensure system-level intent is clear before development.
• We will clarify system-level behaviour and constraints.
• We will ensure cross-platform interactions are defined early.
• We will reduce late-stage integration issues.
• We will build lightweight proofs of concept where needed.
• We will use modern tooling, including AI-assisted development, to accelerate validation.
• We will test the feasibility of new technologies and patterns before wider adoption.
• We will communicate architectural concepts clearly across executive stakeholders, engineering leadership, technical leads, and engineers.
• We will translate complex ideas appropriately for the audience.
• We will ensure decisions are understood and adopted.
• We will actively gather and incorporate feedback.

Technologies:

• AI
• AWS
• Azure
• Cloud
• Embedded
• Firmware
• GCP
• Hardware
• IoT
• Support
• Mobile
• Architect
• Product Owner

More:

We are SPX Technologies, a global company of problem solvers, collaborators, and innovators building innovative solutions that help create a safer, more efficient, and sustainable world. Through our RiSE talent development framework, we Reach, Identify, Strengthen, and Engage our employees to support their continued development. Within our Detection and Measurement business, Radiodetection is a global leader in the design and development of equipment and software used by utility companies to install, protect, and maintain underground infrastructure networks. We offer competitive and performance-based compensation packages and bonus plans, educational assistance, leadership development programs, and recognition programs. We value diversity, inclusion, and an environment where everyone has a voice and is encouraged to realise their fullest potential. This is a hybrid role with strong on-site presence expected, typically three days per week in Bristol.

last updated 36 week of 2026