Lead Software Architect

Alten Ltd; Manchester; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A global engineering consultancy in Manchester is seeking a Software Architect to design and lead software for cutting-edge underwater surveillance systems. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in C/C++ and Java, focusing on safety-critical software for defence operations. This role involves collaboration with cross-functional teams and oversight of architectural governance. Candidates must have SC clearance and a proven track record in software engineering and architecture.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in software engineering and architecture.
• Strong knowledge of C/C++ and Java, including experience with their respective toolchains.
• Proficiency in unit testing and static analysis.

Responsibilities

• Define and maintain the software architecture for a complex distributed system.
• Oversee design reviews and mentor engineers.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align software architecture with requirements.

Skills

C/C++

Java

Safety-critical design

Technical documentation

Leadership

Tools

Docker

JIRA

Jenkins

Job description

Company Description

Are you passionate about engineering? Do you want to make a difference?

ALTEN is a global engineering and technology consultancy operating across over 30 countries worldwide. We partner with industry leaders across sectors including Aeronautics, Aerospace, Defence, Naval, Automotive, Energy, Rail, and many more to deliver innovative engineering solutions that drive technological advancement and support sustainable transformation. Our teams of passionate and agile engineers work on cutting‑edge projects that shape the future of technology and sustainability. At ALTEN, we empower talented engineers to innovate, solve complex challenges, and deliver impactful solutions that build tomorrow’s world—today.

Job Description

Help design the next generation of underwater surveillance systems by leading the software architecture of complex distributed platforms. At ALTEN, we're supporting a critical programme that demands high-integrity, safety‑related software developed to exacting standards. As a Software Architect, you’ll play a key role in defining architecture, guiding design decisions, and ensuring robustness across the system. This is a chance to apply your expertise in C / C++, Java, and safety‑critical frameworks to shape software that supports defence operations worldwide.

Key Details

Location: On‑site – Manchester (5 days / week)

Experience Level: 8+ years in Software Engineering

Clearance Required: SC Clearance with no caveats (5 Years in the UK minimum)

Key Responsibilities

• Define and maintain the software architecture for a complex, large distributed system within a safety‑critical defence domain
• Oversee design reviews, mentor engineers, and lead on architectural governance throughout the development lifecycle
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to align software architecture with system‑level requirements
• Ensure compliance with relevant safety standards such as DO-178, DEF STAN, IEC 61508, IEC 62304, or ISO 26262
• Contribute to Software FMEA, risk analysis, and the implementation of high‑integrity coding practices
• Produce robust technical documentation and artefacts to support project delivery and certification

Qualifications

• 8+ years’ experience in software engineering and architecture.
• Strong knowledge of C / C++ and Java, including experience with their respective toolchains and development environments.
• Demonstrated experience designing safety‑critical or safety‑related software in regulated industries.
• Proficiency in unit testing, static analysis, and software lifecycle management.
• Expertise in Software FMEA and architectural‑level fault handling.
• Skilled in writing technical documentation for complex software systems.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills for cross‑functional collaboration.
• Ability to mentor teams and influence technical decisions.
• Adaptable, proactive, and effective in fast‑paced Defence environments.

Desirable Skills

• Experience with UML, SysML, or other modelling methods
• Background in defence projects or mission‑critical systems
• Knowledge of IP networking protocols and secure communications
• Familiarity with virtualisation and containerisation technologies (e.g. Docker, VMware)
• Use of Atlassian toolsets (JIRA, Confluence, Bitbucket)
• Understanding of CI / CD pipelines and tools like Jenkins, JFROG Artifactory

Security Clearance Requirement

UKSV (United Kingdom Security Vetting) clearance is required for this role, with Security Check (SC) as the minimum standard, either already held or with a willingness to undergo the process.

Some roles / projects may require Developed Vetting (DV) clearance; while not mandatory, a willingness to obtain DV clearance would be beneficial.

As part of the onboarding process, candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS); details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website.