Lead Software Architect
ALTEN – Manchester, England, United Kingdom
Base Pay Range
Our compensation is based on your skills and experience. Talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Job Overview
Help design the next generation of underwater surveillance systems by leading the software architecture of complex distributed platforms at ALTEN. This critical programme demands high‑integrity, safety‑related software developed to exacting standards. As a Software Architect, you’ll define architecture, guide design decisions, and ensure robustness across the system.
Key Details
* Location: On‑site – Manchester (5 days/week)
* Experience Level: 8+ years in Software Engineering
* Clearance Required: SC Clearance with no caveats (5 years in the UK minimum)
Key Responsibilities
* Define and maintain the software architecture for a complex, large distributed system within a safety‑critical defence domain
* Oversee design reviews, mentor engineers, and lead on architectural governance throughout the development lifecycle
* Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to align software architecture with system‑level requirements
* Ensure compliance with relevant safety standards such as DO-178, DEF STAN, IEC 61508, IEC 62304, or ISO 26262
* Contribute to Software FMEA, risk analysis, and the implementation of high‑integrity coding practices
* Produce robust technical documentation and artefacts to support project delivery and certification
Qualifications
* 8+ years’ experience in software engineering and architecture
* Strong knowledge of C/C++ and Java, including experience with their respective toolchains and development environments
* Demonstrated experience designing safety‑critical or safety‑related software in regulated industries
* Proficiency in unit testing, static analysis, and software lifecycle management
* Expertise in Software FMEA and architectural‑level fault handling
* Skilled in writing technical documentation for complex software systems
Soft Skills & Collaboration
* Excellent communication and leadership skills for cross‑functional collaboration
* Ability to mentor teams and influence technical decisions
* Adaptable, proactive, and effective in fast‑paced Defence environments
Desirable Skills
* Experience with UML, SysML, or other modelling methods
* Background in defence projects or mission‑critical systems
* Knowledge of IP networking protocols and secure communications
* Familiarity with virtualisation and containerisation technologies (e.g. Docker, VMware)
* Use of Atlassian toolsets (JIRA, Confluence, Bitbucket)
* Understanding of CI/CD pipelines and tools such as Jenkins, JFROG Artifactory
Technical Qualifications
* A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field
* OR a technical military background with experience in high‑integrity, embedded, or defence systems
Security Clearance Requirement
UKSV (United Kingdom Security Vetting) clearance is required for this role, with Security Check (SC) as the minimum standard, either already held or with a willingness to undergo the process. Some projects may require Developed Vetting (DV) clearance; willingness to obtain DV is beneficial. As part of onboarding, candidates will complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS).
Why Join Us?
We foster a community of dually talented individuals who are both entrepreneurs and technology specialists. Our teams embody the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship, enabling us to develop solutions most efficiently. We are committed to sustainable growth and continuous improvement, offering opportunities to work on inspiring projects with premier clients.
Benefits
* A personalised career path and a rewarding management style
* A chance to work on the most exciting engineering projects and technologies alongside premium customers
* A diverse portfolio of engineering projects and industries
* Competitive salary
* Private medical insurance
* Pension scheme
* Cycle‑to‑work scheme and many additional benefits
* Social atmosphere, regular gatherings, and team buildings
* Flexible working arrangements (role dependent)
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