Job Title: Contract Solutions Architect – Software Focus (SC Cleared)
Location: Hybrid (Remote & Ad Hoc Leeds/Manchester/London)
Contract Type: Contract
IR35: Inside
Duration: 6 Months +
Rate: £450-£525 (DOE)
Clearance Required: Active SC Clearance
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Solutions Architect with a strong software engineering background to join a high-profile UK Government department on a contract basis. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to mission-critical digital transformation initiatives that impact millions of citizens.
You will be responsible for designing and delivering scalable, secure, and maintainable software solutions across a range of government services. Working closely with delivery teams, stakeholders, and technical leads, you’ll ensure architectural integrity and alignment with strategic goals.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the design of end-to-end software solutions across complex systems and services.
* Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define architecture patterns, principles, and standards.
* Ensure solutions are secure, performant, and compliant with government regulations.
* Provide technical leadership and guidance throughout the software development lifecycle.
* Translate business requirements into robust technical designs.
* Engage with senior stakeholders to communicate architectural decisions and trade-offs.
Essential Skills & Experience
* Active SC Clearance (must be currently valid).
* Proven experience as a Solutions Architect in large-scale software environments.
* Strong background in software engineering (e.g., Java, .NET, Python, or similar).
* Deep understanding of modern architectural patterns (e.g., microservices, event-driven, API-first).
* Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP).
* Familiarity with DevOps practices and CI/CD pipelines.
* Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
Desirable
* Experience working within UK Government or public sector environments.
* Knowledge of GDS standards and service design principles.
* Exposure to Agile delivery methodologies.