Contract | Inside IR35 | 6 months
Location: Manchester preferred (hybrid, flexibility offered)
Security clearance
SC clearance is required
Active SC is preferred, though candidates with lapsed but transferable SC may be consideredThe opportunity
We're looking for a hands‑on Lead Technical Architect with a strong engineering background to help design, build and evolve cloud‑native platforms used by other developers.
This is not a strategy‑only architecture role. You'll work closely with engineers, contribute to codebases, and lead architectural decisions by building and delivering real systems.
If you're an engineer at heart who's progressed into architecture - or a technical architect who still codes - this role is likely to suit you well.
What you'll be doing
Designing and building scalable, secure, cloud‑native platforms on AWS
Working directly alongside engineers, writing and reviewing production code
Defining and implementing serverless architectures in large, multi‑account AWS environments
Using Infrastructure as Code, particularly AWS CDK, to shape platform foundations
Designing and evolving authentication and authorisation solutions (OAuth2 / OIDC)
Communicating architectural vision clearly to engineers and non‑technical stakeholders
Building internal tooling and shared platforms, where your primary users are other developersWhat we're looking for
You'll be a strong fit if you have:
A strong engineering background, with hands‑on delivery experience
Commercial experience with JavaScript / TypeScript and Node.js
Deep practical experience with AWS, particularly serverless services
Experience designing and operating production systems at scale
Knowledge of OAuth2 / OIDC or similar web‑based authentication mechanisms
Confidence working in collaborative, multi‑disciplinary teams
The ability to explain complex technical decisions clearly and pragmaticallyAWS certification is desirable but not essential.
Ideal background
We're particularly interested in candidates who have:
Progressed from software engineer → senior/lead engineer → technical architect
Built and operated platforms or internal developer tooling
Remained close to code rather than moving into purely enterprise or governance rolesThis role is not suited to enterprise architects or architecture‑only profiles without recent hands‑on development experience.
Location & working pattern
Manchester is the preferred base location, as most of the team is based there
Hybrid working is expected (approx. 2 days per week in the office, with flexibility)
Occasional travel to other UK locations may be required for cross‑team collaboration