Lead Software Architect in Manchester, United Kingdom

Energy Jobline CVL; Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global engineering consultancy in Manchester is looking for a Software Architect to lead the software architecture of underwater surveillance systems. The successful candidate will have over 8 years of experience and expertise in C/C++ and Java, with a focus on safety-critical software design. This on-site position requires SC Clearance and offers the chance to contribute to critical defence operations worldwide.

Qualifications

• 8+ years’ experience in software engineering and architecture.
• Strong knowledge of C/C++ and Java, including experience with their respective toolchains.
• Experience designing safety-critical software in regulated industries.
• Proficiency in unit testing and software lifecycle management.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

C/C++

Java

Software Design

Unit Testing

Static Analysis

Software Lifecycle Management

Technical Documentation

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or related field

Tools

Atlassian (JIRA, Confluence, Bitbucket)

Docker

VMware

CI/CD tools (Jenkins, JFROG Artifactory)

Job description

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We focus on the Oil & Gas, Renewables, Engineering, Power, and Nuclear markets as well as emerging technologies in EV, Battery, and Fusion. We are committed to ensuring that we offer the most exciting career opportunities from around the world for our jobseekers.

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 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

Required Skills & Experience:

• 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.

Soft Skills & Collaboration:

• 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.

Education and Training:

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• OR a technical military background with experience in high-integrity, embedded, or defence systems.

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.

If you are interested in applying for this job please press the Apply Button and follow the application process. Energy Jobline wishes you the very best of luck in your next career move.