This is an opportunity to take a pivotal technical leadership role within a highly respected engineering organisation working at the forefront of secure and advanced systems. If you're someone who enjoys solving complex problems, influencing technical direction, and developing high-performing teams, this role offers the chance to make a genuine impact on critical, real-world programmes. You'll be joining an environment where technical excellence is valued, innovation is encouraged, and your expertise will directly shape how systems are designed and delivered.
Why This Role Stands Out
High-impact work on complex, mission-critical systems
Real technical ownership across multiple programmes
Influence and autonomy to shape architecture, standards, and tools
Strong team culture focused on collaboration and knowledge sharing
Flexible working hours (including early Friday finishes) despite being fully onsite
A business that genuinely invests in engineering capability and continuous improvement
The Role
As a Lead / Chief Software Architect, you'll sit at the heart of engineering delivery, providing technical leadership, architectural direction, and mentoring across a portfolio of projects.
Define and guide software architecture and design decisions
Provide technical leadership across multiple concurrent projects
Lead, mentor, and support a team of talented software engineers
Partner closely with systems, hardware, and firmware teams
Champion best practice engineering standards, tools, and processes
Drive modular design, reuse, and long-term maintainability
Support early-stage project planning, estimation, and proposals
Play a key role in building a culture of technical excellence and continuous improvement
What You'll Bring
Technical Strength
Strong experience with C/C++ or Rust, ideally in embedded or systems environments
Experience working across Linux and/or Windows platforms
Good understanding of modern engineering practices (CI/CD, DevOps, automated testing)
Ideally, exposure to real-time or embedded systems (RTOS)
Architecture & Design
Proven ability to define and deliver robust, scalable architectures
Experience with UML / SysML modelling and structured design approaches
Passion for clean design, modularity, and code reuse
Leadership & Impact
Experience leading or mentoring engineers in a technical capacity
Comfortable influencing across teams and projects
A track record of delivering complex solutions to high standards
Nice to Have
Experience within secure, regulated, or high-integrity environments
Knowledge of secure software or cryptographic systems
Familiarity with standards such as MISRA or similar
Requirements
Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related field
Must be eligible for UK high-level security clearance (British citizenship required)
What's On Offer
£85,000 - £95,000 salary
Annual bonus scheme
Private medical cover
Strong pension contribution
25 days holiday + bank holidays (option to buy more)
Life assurance
Flexible benefits package
Flexible working hours with a strong focus on work-life balance
The Environment
This is a fully onsite role in Berkshire, due to the secure nature of the work conducted. However, the organisation recognises the importance of flexibility, offering adjustable start/finish times and a supportive approach to balancing work and life commitments.
Apply Now
If you're ready to step into a role where your technical leadership will be valued, your ideas will shape outcomes, and your work will genuinely matter, apply today
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