Software Architect

Thales; Cheadle; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence and technology company in Cheadle is seeking a Senior Software Engineer/Architect to support the delivery of Mine Counter Measures capabilities. The candidate should have extensive experience in C++, Linux, and software architecture. This full-time role offers opportunities for career development in a dynamic environment with flexibility in working patterns.

Benefits

Flexible working patterns

Career development opportunities

Inclusive recruitment process

Qualifications

• 5+ years' experience in software architecture and development.
• Ability to work closely with stakeholders and development teams.
• Experience in developing real-time systems.

Responsibilities

• Deliver Mine Counter Measures capabilities.
• Define and update technical solutions.
• Support the software development team.

Skills

Self-driven problem solver

Demonstrable experience with software architecture of large systems

Confident and commercially aware

Ability to adjust technical detail

Confidence using modelling tools

Strategic awareness

Ability to balance short and long-term goals

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

C++

Java

Python

Linux

Networking

Job description

Location: Cheadle, United Kingdom Thales people provide armed forces customers with operational advantage at every decisive moment throughout the mission. Defence and armed forces customers rely on us to deliver the full range of defence mission systems solutions at land, sea, and air. Our platforms extend across the battlespace including Above and Sonar, Electronic Combat, and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance systems. Together we offer fantastic opportunities for committed employees to learn and develop their career with us. At Thales UK, we research, develop, and supply technology and services that impact the lives of millions of people each day to make life better, and keep us safer. We innovate across the major industries of Aerospace, Defence, Security and Space. Your health and well-being matters to us and that’s why we offer you the flexibility to do what’s important to you; whether that’s part time hours, job sharing, home working, or the ability to flex your start and finish times. Where possible, we support a working pattern that suits your lifestyle and helps you reach your ambitions.

Applications for an exciting role are now open in our Underwater Systems Business Line: Senior Software Engineer / Architect - Linux & C++ & Python

The job:

Due to business growth and increased demand, an additional Senior Software Engineer / Architect is required to support the business in delivering the current and next generation of Mine Counter Measures capabilities. The successful applicant will be involved in a wide range of activities from defining and updating the technical solution, contributing to system requirements, meeting with customers and key stakeholders, guiding and advising the development team, and supporting the entire project team from start to end. In this particular instance (due to the small scale of the team), the SW Architect will be expected to participate in some of the SW development activities. Training and mentoring will be provided, however this is a senior role and the individual is expected to be self‑driven and able to drive others rather than be told what to do. This role will involve bids, architecture and design, development, and support. Occasional travel to sister company and client sites is expected, as projects demand. The role is a full‑time on‑site role, based at our site in Cheadle Heath. The candidate will report to the portfolio Chief Software Architect and Head of SW Delivery, with in‑feeds to senior management, customers, engineering delivery managers, project managers, and developers.

The selected candidate will require the following core skills:

• Self‑driven problem solver (Taking ownership and calling on other expertise and network contacts to act as an unblocker for others and provide steerage)
• Demonstrable experience with software architecture of large systems or development of large complex systems
• Confident and commercially aware when presenting to senior management and senior customers
• Able to adjust the level of technical detail being conversed to suit the audience; you'll be expected to work closely with developers, engineering delivery managers, other architects, product line architects, & customers
• Confidence and ability using modelling tools such as Enterprise Architect – training in the actual tool used will be provided if necessary
• Ability to show strategic awareness and make balanced, thought‑through, defendable decisions.
• Confidence to challenge others and be open to being challenged
• Must be able to consider the whole system and understand the impact of software outside of the software system i.e. system level requirements and behaviour and hardware requirements and behaviour
• Able to describe and hold detailed conversations at every level from development, component interaction and architecture, hardware interaction, system interaction, and business strategy.
• Able to balance the short term goals of the project with the longer term goals of the product roadmap

The following technical skills are mandatory:

• C++, Java, Python (Detailed knowledge of C++, with an appreciation of Java and Python)
• Networking (routing, firewalls, switch configuration)
• Linux (ideally Red Hat)
• Hardware (Basic knowledge of the components, connectors and hardware architecture of a solution)
• SW development and architecting of real‑time systems

Experience or an appreciation of some of the following technical skills would be greatly beneficial:

• Containerisation (podman / kubernetes)
• Security (SELinux, STIG / CIS lockdown, cryptographic principles, TPM)
• Software build process (Make, CMake, Maven, Gradle, Jenkins, git, artifactory)
• Embedded SW Development
• Rhapsody or Enterprise Architect

The ideal candidate would also have some of the following experience in Industry:

• Experience in the Defence, Telecommunications or other Engineering industry
• Experience of Radio Communication systems

The Software Architect is responsible for the definition of a feasible, maintainable and scalable software architecture consistent with the solution/system architecture. They ensure that design takes into account performance, robustness, safety, and cybersecurity constraints. They support the development team in their rise in competence in architecture fields and coding.

We encourage you to apply even if you feel you don’t meet every single qualification, as we value diverse experiences and potential.

UKEO (UK Eyes Only)

Due to the nature of the work that we do at Thales, many of our roles are subject to security restrictions. This role requires you to be a UK National and achieve Security Clearance (SC) without any caveats. It would be advantageous if currently held, however, if not currently held, it is a requirement that the successful applicant undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance prior to commencing employment. If approved by the MOD, a dual national from a Non‑ITAR country may be considered. Please visit the UKSV website for further guidance. To be eligible for full SC, you generally need to have resided in the UK for the last 5 years. In some circumstances, a minimum of 3 years’ residence in the UK over the last 5 years may be accepted, with additional overseas checks.

#LI‑MC2

In line with Thales' Baseline Security requirements, candidates will be asked to provide evidence of identity, eligibility to work in the UK and employment and/or education history for up to three years. Some vacancies may require full Security Clearance which can require further evidence to be provided. For further details of the evidence required to apply for Baseline and Security Clearance please refer to the Defence Business Services National Security Vetting (DBS NSV) Agency.

At Thales we provide CAREERS and not only jobs. With Thales employing 80,000 employees in 68 countries our mobility policy enables thousands of employees each year to develop their careers at home and abroad, in their existing areas of expertise or by branching out into new fields. Together we believe that embracing flexibility is a smarter way of working.

Thales UK is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier‑free recruitment process. We will provide reasonable adjustments and support to ensure neuro‑diverse applicants or those with a disability or long‑term condition can be their best during the recruitment process. To request an adjustment, if you need this job advert in an alternative format or if you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Resourcing Ops for mid to senior roles, or the Early Careers Team for graduate and apprentice roles.

Great journeys start here, apply now!