Chief Software Architect

Are you ready to redefine defence technology and lead innovative software solutions that truly make a difference? This is your chance to join a company at the forefront of pioneering advanced cryptographic and key management solutions. As a **Chief Software Architect**, you will lead and shape the software engineering strategy for advanced cyber and defence systems, overseeing a team of 20–30 engineers across multiple high-security projects. The position focuses on defining software architectures, driving best-practice development processes, and ensuring collaboration across software, hardware, systems, and firmware teams to deliver secure, scalable, and high-quality solutions. The role requires deep expertise in embedded and application software development using technologies such as C/C++, Rust, Linux, and RTOS environments, alongside experience with DevSecOps, automated testing, and secure development standards. In addition to technical leadership, the architect will mentor engineers, support bids and proposals, influence organisational software standards, and contribute to the delivery of mission-critical defence technologies requiring DV security clearance. What You Will Do: - Provide technical leadership across multiple projects, ensuring optimal approaches, architecture, and tool chains are selected. - Collaborate with stakeholders to develop software requirements, architectures, and designs that meet system and security needs. - Work closely with software leads and project managers to create development plans that deliver value early to customers. - Mentor and coach software engineers, sharing knowledge and driving process improvements for technical excellence. - Specify, design, and review software using UML and SysML modelling tools, ensuring high-quality, modular, and compliant solutions. - Champion best practices in software development, including continuous integration, automated testing, and secure coding standards. What You Will Bring: - Advanced knowledge and experience in C/C++, Rust, or embedded product development, including RTOSes. - Expertise in software engineering practices, methodologies, and technology trends. - Proven track record of delivering complex software solutions to schedule while exceeding customer expectations. - Experience with tools such as version control systems, change control, bug tracking, and automated testing frameworks. - Familiarity with defence or high-assurance development standards, including coding standards like MISRA. This company is committed to delivering innovative solutions that empower decision-making at both tactical and strategic levels. As a **Chief Software Architect**, you will be instrumental in driving technical excellence and ensuring the success of critical programmes that protect lives and enhance global security. Your contributions will align with the company's values of trust, collaboration, and innovation, making a real impact in the defence industry. Location: The role is an onsite role in Maidenhead, offering good flexibility with working hours. Interested?: If you're ready to take your career to the next level and lead transformative software projects, apply now to become the **Chief Software Architect**. Don't miss the opportunity to make a difference in the future of defence technology. Your CV will be forwarded to Jonathan Lee Recruitment, a leading engineering and manufacturing recruitment consultancy established in 1978. The services advertised by Jonathan Lee Recruitment are those of an Employment Agency. In order for your CV to be processed effectively, please ensure your name, email address, phone number and location (post code OR town OR county, as a minimum) are included.