Chief Software Architect

Copello; Thatcham; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Copello is partnering with a leading defence and engineering organisation in Berkshire to appoint a Chief Software Architect. You will provide technical leadership across multiple programmes, shaping software strategy and standards in a highly regulated environment.

You will drive architecture decisions, mentor engineers and champion secure, scalable solutions while collaborating with Systems, Hardware and Firmware teams to deliver robust software for mission-critical programmes.

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 regulated environments.
• Strong understanding of software design, verification, configuration management and secure development.
• Experience leading or mentoring engineering teams.

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 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

SDLC knowledge

C/C++

Rust

Embedded Software

Linux/Windows

CI/CD

Security testing

Tools

UML

SysML

Enterprise Architect

Job description

Chief Software Architect

Berkshire | Permanent

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.

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.

What We’re Looking For

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.