Lead Embedded Software Architect

Gattaca; Maidenhead; On-site; GBP 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical cover

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Life assurance

Flexible benefits package

Flexible working hours

Job summary

Gattaca seeks a Lead/Chief Software Architect to drive architectural direction and technical leadership across a portfolio of critical projects. This fully onsite Berkshire role partners with systems, hardware and firmware teams to shape standards, tools and long-term maintainability.

You will mentor engineers, define robust architectures, and influence across programs while upholding high security and engineering excellence in a regulated environment.

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, or related field.
• Eligible for UK high-level security clearance (British citizenship required).
• Experience leading or mentoring engineers in a technical capacity.
• Strong track record delivering robust, scalable architectures.

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++

Rust

Embedded systems

Linux/Windows

CI/CD

DevOps

RTOS

UML/SysML

Architectural design

Code reuse/modularity

Education

Engineering/CS/Math degree

Tools

MISRA

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.