Chief Software Architect

Copello Global Ltd; Maidenhead; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Copello Global Ltd in Berkshire is seeking an experienced Chief Software Architect to provide technical leadership across a portfolio of mission-critical programmes. You will influence software strategy and direction across embedded and application environments, collaborating with Systems, Hardware and Firmware teams.

The role requires defining architecture, driving standards, and mentoring engineers while supporting bids and solution development in a regulated defence context.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in software architecture or technical leadership.
• Strong knowledge of the full software development lifecycle.
• Experience with C/C++, Rust, Embedded Software, RTOS, Linux or Windows.
• Track record delivering complex software in defence, aerospace, space or other regulated environments.
• Strong understanding of software design, verification, configuration management and secure development.
• Experience leading, mentoring or technically developing engineering teams.
• Experience with cryptographic systems, UML, SysML or Enterprise Architect would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Define and review software architecture and technical strategies.
• Drive consistent software engineering standards and best practice.
• Champion modular, reusable and scalable software solutions.
• Support the adoption of CI/CD, DevOps, DevSecOps and automated testing.
• Provide technical guidance and resolve complex engineering challenges.
• Lead technical reviews and approve key engineering documentation.
• Mentor and develop experienced software engineers.
• Support bids, proposals, technical estimates and solution development.
• Drive continuous improvement across software tools, processes and ways of working.

Skills

Software architecture

Technical leadership

Full SDLC knowledge

C/C++

Rust

Embedded software

RTOS

Linux/Windows

Defence industry experience

Mentoring engineers

Job description

Shape the software strategy behind next-generation defence technology.

Copello are partnering with a leading defence and engineering organisation in Berkshire to find an experienced Chief Software Architect to provide technical leadership across a portfolio of complex, mission-critical programmes.

This is a senior technical role combining software architecture, engineering leadership and hands-on technical direction.

You’ll influence how software is designed, developed and delivered across embedded and application environments.

The Role

You’ll provide technical leadership across multiple software programmes, working closely with Systems, Hardware and Firmware teams to deliver secure, robust and high-performing solutions.

You’ll be responsible for:

• Defining and reviewing software architecture and technical strategies.
• Driving consistent software engineering standards and best practice.
• Championing modular, reusable and scalable software solutions.
• Supporting the adoption of CI/CD, DevOps, DevSecOps and automated testing.
• Providing technical guidance and resolving complex engineering challenges.
• Leading technical reviews and approving key engineering documentation.
• Mentoring and developing experienced software engineers.
• Supporting bids, proposals, technical estimates and solution development.
• Driving continuous improvement across software tools, processes and ways of working.

We’re keen to speak with experienced software leaders with:

• Significant experience in software architecture or technical leadership.
• Strong knowledge of the full software development lifecycle.
• Experience with C/C++, Rust, Embedded Software, RTOS, Linux or Windows.
• A track record delivering complex software within defence, aerospace, space, communications or other regulated environments.
• Strong understanding of software design, verification, configuration management and secure development.
• Experience leading, mentoring or technically developing engineering teams.

Experience with cryptographic systems, UML, SysML or Enterprise Architect would be advantageous.

Why this role?

This is an opportunity to have a genuine influence on software strategy, architecture and engineering excellence within a technically challenging defence environment.

If you’re currently a Chief Software Architect, Principal Software Engineer, Software Engineering Manager, Technical Lead or Senior Software Architect, and you're ready for a role with greater influence, we'd love to hear from you.