Chief software architect

Salary: £90,000 - 105,000 per year Requirements: We require advanced knowledge and experience in C/C++, Rust, or embedded product development, including RTOS environments. We require expertise in software engineering practices, methodologies, and current technology trends. We require a proven track record of delivering complex software solutions on schedule while exceeding customer expectations. We require experience with version control systems, change control, bug tracking, and automated testing frameworks. We require familiarity with defence or high-assurance development standards, including coding standards such as MISRA. We require experience leading or mentoring engineering teams in a technical leadership capacity. We require the ability to work in an onsite role in Maidenhead. We require eligibility for DV security clearance for mission-critical defence programmes. Responsibilities: We provide technical leadership across multiple projects, ensuring the best approaches, architecture, and tool chains are selected. We collaborate with stakeholders to develop software requirements, architectures, and designs that meet system and security needs. We work closely with software leads and project managers to create development plans that deliver value early to customers. We mentor and coach software engineers, sharing knowledge and driving process improvements for technical excellence. We specify, design, and review software using UML and SysML modelling tools to ensure high-quality, modular, and compliant solutions. We champion best practices in software development, including continuous integration, automated testing, and secure coding standards. We oversee software engineering strategy across multiple high-security projects. We support bids and proposals and help influence organisational software standards. We collaborate across software, hardware, systems, and firmware teams to deliver secure, scalable, and high-quality solutions. Technologies: Architect Embedded Firmware Hardware Support Rust Security UML DevSecOps Linux More: We are a company at the forefront of advanced cryptographic and key management solutions, delivering innovative software for cyber and defence systems that support decision-making at tactical and strategic levels. As a Chief Software Architect, you will lead a team of 20–30 engineers across multiple high-security projects, helping to shape our software engineering strategy and technical standards. We value trust, collaboration, and innovation, and we offer an onsite role in Maidenhead with good flexibility in working hours. This is an opportunity to make a real impact on critical defence programmes that protect lives and enhance global security. last updated 25 week of 2026