Lead Embedded Software Architect

Gattaca; Maidenhead; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical cover

25 days holiday + bank holidays (opt.

Life assurance

Flexible benefits package

Flexible working hours with strong WLB

Job summary

Gattaca is seeking a Lead / Chief Software Architect to provide technical leadership and architectural direction across a portfolio of mission-critical projects in Berkshire, fully onsite. You will mentor engineers, shape design decisions, and collaborate with systems, hardware and firmware teams to deliver robust solutions.

You will champion modern engineering practices, drive reusable modular architectures, and contribute to early planning and proposals while maintaining high standards of

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, or related field.
• Experience delivering robust, scalable architectures.
• Exposure to embedded or systems environments is a plus.
• Familiarity with modern engineering practices (CI/CD, DevOps).
• Ability to mentor engineers and lead across teams.

Responsibilities

• Define and guide software architecture and design decisions.
• Provide technical leadership across multiple concurrent projects.
• Lead, mentor, and support a team of software engineers.
• Partner with systems, hardware, and firmware teams.
• Champion best practice engineering standards, tools and processes.
• Drive modular design, reuse and long-term maintainability.
• Support early-stage project planning, estimation and proposals.
• Foster a culture of technical excellence and continuous improvement.

Skills

C/C++ or Rust

Linux/Windows

CI/CD DevOps

RTOS exposure

Architectures & design

UML SysML

Modular design

Education

Engineering/CS degree

Job description

This is an opportunity to take a pivotal technical leadership role within a highly respected engineering organisation working at the forefront of secure and advanced systems.

If you’re someone who enjoys solving complex problems, influencing technical direction, and developing high-performing teams, this role offers the chance to make a genuine impact on critical, real-world programmes.

You’ll be joining an environment where technical excellence is valued, innovation is encouraged, and your expertise will directly shape how systems are designed and delivered.

Why This Role Stands Out

• High-impact work on complex, mission-critical systems
• Real technical ownership across multiple programmes
• Influence and autonomy to shape architecture, standards, and tools
• Strong team culture focused on collaboration and knowledge sharing
• Flexible working hours (including early Friday finishes) despite being fully onsite
• A business that genuinely invests in engineering capability and continuous improvement

The Role

As a Lead / Chief Software Architect, you’ll sit at the heart of engineering delivery, providing technical leadership, architectural direction, and mentoring across a portfolio of projects.

You’ll:

• Define and guide software architecture and design decisions
• Provide technical leadership across multiple concurrent projects
• Lead, mentor, and support a team of talented software engineers
• Partner closely with systems, hardware, and firmware teams
• Champion best practice engineering standards, tools, and processes
• Drive modular design, reuse, and long-term maintainability
• Support early-stage project planning, estimation, and proposals
• Play a key role in building a culture of technical excellence and continuous improvement

What You’ll Bring

Technical Strength

• Strong experience with C/C++ or Rust, ideally in embedded or systems environments
• Experience working across Linux and/or Windows platforms
• Good understanding of modern engineering practices (CI/CD, DevOps, automated testing)
• Ideally, exposure to real-time or embedded systems (RTOS)
• Proven ability to define and deliver robust, scalable architectures
• Experience with UML / SysML modelling and structured design approaches
• Passion for clean design, modularity, and code reuse

Leadership & Impact

• Experience leading or mentoring engineers in a technical capacity
• Comfortable influencing across teams and projects
• A track record of delivering complex solutions to high standards

Nice to Have

• Experience within secure, regulated, or high-integrity environments
• Knowledge of secure software or cryptographic systems
• Familiarity with standards such as MISRA or similar

Requirements

• Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related field
• Must be eligible for UK high-level security clearance (British citizenship required)

What’s On Offer

• Private medical cover
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays (option to buy more)
• Life assurance
• Flexible benefits package
• Flexible working hours with a strong focus on work-life balance

The Environment

This is a fully onsite role in Berkshire, due to the secure nature of the work conducted. However, the organisation recognises the importance of flexibility, offering adjustable start/finish times and a supportive approach to balancing work and life commitments.