Software Architect

MBDA UK; Stevenage; Hybrid; GBP 72,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus up to 21%

Pension up to 14%

Flexible working

Enhanced parental leave

Healthcare plan

Free parking

Job summary

MBDA UK is seeking a Software Architect with strong software design experience to take the next step in their career. You will define and monitor the software architecture, working with delivery teams to shape interfaces and ensure real-time performance, safety and security requirements are met.

You will mentor engineers, apply modern architecture techniques and design patterns, and influence technology strategy across the product lines. This role offers hybrid working and a competitive package.

Qualifications

• Strong technical practitioner capable of architectural decisions.
• Knowledge of software architecture techniques and design patterns.
• Experience with model-based engineering.
• Able to mentor and communicate architecture clearly.
• Able to communicate with stakeholders at different levels.

Responsibilities

• Define and monitor the software architecture for the product.
• Define interfaces and architecture drivers to meet requirements (real-time, safety, security).
• Collaborate with other architects and engineering teams to support design activities.
• Influence Software Engineering Technology Strategy and tooling decisions.

Skills

Software architecture

Design patterns

Model-based engineering

Mentorship

Communication

CI/CD

Architecture trade-offs

Software abstraction layers

Tools & frameworks

Programming languages

Job description

This is a fantastic role for a Software Architect or someone with strong software design skills looking to take the next jump in their career to becoming a Software Architect!

Salary

Up to circa £80,000 depending on experience.

Dynamic (hybrid) working

Typically 3 to 4 days per week on-site, due to workload classification.

Security Clearance

British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship. Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply. As a minimum and after offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), which are managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.

What we can offer you

• Company Bonus: Bonus of up to 21% of base salary
• Pension: maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%
• Flexible working: We welcome applicants who are looking for flexible working arrangements
• Enhanced parental leave: offers up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave -enhancements are available for paternity leave, neonatal leave and fertility testing and treatments
• Healthcare Cash Plan: The Healthcare Cash Plan benefit provides the option to claim cash back on everyday healthcare expenses such as optical, dental, health and wellbeing and more.
• Facilities: Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and much more

The opportunity

As a Software Architect, you will be the author of the full software architecture working with the software delivery teams to define and monitor the Structural and Temporal Architecture including the Internal/External interfaces of the product to meet requirements. Identify, document and be responsible for the design drivers for the software solution e.g. real‑time performance, safety, security, user experience, simplicity, reusability, flexibility. Produce derived and emergent requirements capturing the assumptions and rationale. Define the architecture to a point where the implementation decisions do not affect the integrity of the architecture. Collaboration is critical within this role from working closely with other Architects, Technical Specialists and wider engineering key contacts, supporting the wider design activities and reviews. You will also have the opportunity to influence the Software Engineering Technology Strategy, Software Product Lines, new technologies, obsolescence, new methods and tools, by considering longer‑term architectural strategies by being part of special interest groups and communities of interests. You would be working with technology that is at the forefront of European missile system design, helping to develop safe, secure and reliable products that our customers can depend upon!

What we're looking for from you

• A strong technical practitioner, comfortable with making important architectural and design decisions.
• Knowledge of modern and established software architecture techniques and design patterns.
• Experience of model based engineering.
• Able to provide technical mentorship, clearly articulate software architecture solutions and collaborate with software developers.
• Able to communicate clearly and accurately at different levels, including influencing collaborators and internal customers.
• An advocate for the benefits of key software engineering practices like continuous integration and good design.
• Able to assess and communicate the trade‑offs between various aspects of a Software Architecture with a focus on design rationale.
• An understanding of software abstraction layers and the software stack.
• The experience to define and influence the tools, frameworks and technologies used.
• A strong programming background, preferably with experience in more than one language.

Our company

Peace is not a given, Freedom is not a given, Sovereignty is not a given MBDA is a leading defence organisation. We are proud of the role we play in supporting the Armed Forces who protect our nations. We partner with governments to work together towards a common goal, defending our freedom. We are proud of our employee‑led networks, examples include: Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity, Disability and more. We recognise that everyone is unique, and we encourage you to speak to us should you require any advice, support or adjustments throughout our recruitment process.

Follow us on LinkedIn (MBDA), X (@MBDA_UK), Instagram (MBDA_UK) and Glassdoor or visit our MBDA Careers website for more information. What we do matters. Because defence matters. As a leading company in the defence industry we support our nations by delivering essential military capabilities, both for today and the future. We are proud to be an award‑winning employer and are proud of the growing diversity of our workforce. Our people are the ones who drive our constant innovation and deliver against challenging targets. Whatever your background, we welcome your application to MBDA UK and look forward to speaking with you soon.