Lead Architect

Copello; Stevenage; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Defence organisation is seeking a skilled Lead Architect to join their Systems Engineering team in Stevenage. This role involves leading system architecture artefacts within Mission Planning & Control, guiding teams, and collaborating with stakeholders. The ideal candidate has a strong background in systems architecture, excellent communication, and leadership skills. This opportunity is central to strategic defence programmes in the UK.

Qualifications

• Strong background in complex systems architecture.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Strong leadership skills to guide and motivate others.

Responsibilities

• Lead the creation and delivery of all system architecture artefacts.
• Set architectural direction and ensure consistency across product lines.
• Work collaboratively with stakeholders to drive progress.

Skills

Complex systems architecture

Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)

Excellent communication

Leadership skills

Analytical thinking

Tools

IBM Rhapsody

IBM Engineering Workflow Management

DOORS Next Generation

Job description

Overview

Copello are partnering with a leading Defence organisation in the search for a skilled Lead Architect to join their award winning Systems Engineering team. In this high impact role, you will play a pivotal part in the delivery of cutting-edge Mission Planning & Control products, supporting the development of future technologies. This opportunity sits at the heart of one of the UK's most complex and strategically important defence programmes, developed in close collaboration with international partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead the creation and delivery of all system architecture artefacts within Mission Planning & Control.
• Set architectural direction, guide other team members, and ensure consistency across multiple product lines.
• Work collaboratively with senior stakeholders and cross-functional teams to drive progress and assure delivery.
• Influence design and champion re-use and modularity in architecture solutions.
• Take ownership of work packages, leading small to medium teams with autonomy and accountability.

Qualifications

• Strong background in complex systems architecture, with practical experience in Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE).
• Experience or understanding of product line architecture principles is an advantage.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence across multi-disciplinary teams.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to guide and motivate others to deliver.
• Analytical thinker, able to quickly understand and solve highly complex problems.
• Proficiency in one of the following:
  • IBM Rhapsody & SysML
  • IBM Engineering Workflow Management (formerly Rational Team Concert)
  • DOORS Next Generation