Lead Software Architect

Alten Ltd; Stockport; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology firm in Stockport is seeking a Software Architect to lead the design of underwater surveillance systems. You will define software architecture for safety-critical systems and guide engineering teams in high-integrity software practices. The ideal candidate has over 8 years of experience and expertise in C/C++ and Java. This role offers a competitive salary and opportunities for career development with a focus on innovation and entrepreneurship.

Benefits

Private Medical Insurance

Pension Scheme

Cycle-to-work Scheme

Flexible working opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years experience in software engineering roles.
• Strong knowledge of C/C++ and Java, including toolchains and environments.
• Demonstrated experience designing safety-critical software.

Responsibilities

• Define and maintain software architecture for a complex system.
• Oversee design reviews and mentor engineers.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards.

Skills

C/C++

Java

Safety-critical software

UML/SysML

Technical documentation

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Software Engineering or Computer Science

Tools

JIRA

Confluence

Docker

VMware

Job description

Overview

Help design the next generation of underwater surveillance systems by leading the software architecture of complex distributed platforms. At ALTEN, we support a critical programme that demands high-integrity, safety-related software developed to exacting standards. As a Software Architect, youll 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.

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)

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

Required Skills & Experience

• Minimum 8 years experience in software engineering roles
• 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
• Deep understanding of software lifecycles, unit testing, static analysis, and best practices in high-integrity coding
• Expertise in Software FMEA and architectural-level fault handling
• Skilled in writing technical documentation for complex systems
• Must hold or be eligible to hold valid SC clearance (without caveats)

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 virtualization 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

Qualifications (Education)

• A Bachelors or Masters degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field OR a technical military background with experience in high-integrity, embedded, or defence systems
• Candidate will ideally already hold active SC Clearance, or be eligible to obtain it (5 years permanent residency in the UK minimum requirement)

Additional Information

Why join us? We foster a community of dually talented individuals who are both entrepreneurs and technology specialists. Our teams embody the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship, enabling us to develop solutions most efficiently. Our commitment to sustainable growth is unwavering, and we continuously strive for accelerated transformation and continuous improvement. Through ALTEN labs, mentoring programs, internal universities, and more, we are always pushing boundaries and embracing new possibilities. We offer opportunities to join inspiring projects in innovative companies. We prioritise career development with personalised support plans tailored to your aspirations. Were here to empower you and help you reach your full potential. Join our passionate team and start building tomorrow, today!

In short you get:

• A personalised career path and a rewarding management style
• A chance to work on exciting engineering projects and technologies with Premium Customers
• A wide diversity of engineering projects and industries
• A competitive salary
• Private Medical Insurance
• Pension Scheme
• Cycle-to-work Scheme and additional benefits
• Social atmosphere, regular gatherings, and team buildings
• Flexible way of working (role dependent)