Technical Architect

Harvey Nash; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading tech consultancy is seeking an experienced Contract Technical Architect with a strong background in software engineering to support the delivery of complex digital services for a UK Government department. This role requires active SC Clearance and expertise in defining technical architectures, as well as hands-on leadership in fast-paced environments. The successful candidate will work closely with delivery teams to ensure solutions are robust, secure, and align with strategic goals.

Qualifications

• Must have active SC Clearance.
• Strong experience as a Technical Architect in software-focused environments.
• Solid foundation in software engineering (Java, .NET, Node.js, Python).
• Deep understanding of architectural patterns (microservices, containerisation, API design).
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP).
• Familiarity with DevOps tooling and CI/CD pipelines.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Define and document technical architectures for new and existing services.
• Provide hands-on technical leadership and guidance to development teams.
• Ensure solutions adhere to government standards, security policies, and best practices.
• Collaborate with Solutions Architects to align technical designs with business needs.
• Evaluate and select appropriate technologies, frameworks, and tools.
• Identify and mitigate technical risks early in the delivery lifecycle.
• Support integration, testing, and deployment strategies.

Skills

Strong experience as a Technical Architect in software-focused environments

Active SC Clearance

Solid foundation in software engineering (e.g., Java, .NET, Node.js, Python)

Deep understanding of architectural patterns (e.g., microservices, containerisation, API design)

Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP)

Familiarity with DevOps tooling and CI/CD pipelines

Strong problem-solving and communication skills

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Contract Technical Architect - Software Focus (SC Cleared)

Location: Hybrid (Remote & Ad Hoc Leeds/Manchester/London)

Contract Type: Contract

IR35: Inside

Duration: 6 Months +

Rate: £450-£525 (DOE)

Clearance Required: Active SC Clearance

About the Role

A UK Government department is seeking a skilled Technical Architect with a strong background in software engineering to support the delivery of complex digital services. This is a contract opportunity to work on high-impact public sector programmes, helping shape the technical direction of modern, scalable systems.

You'll work closely with delivery teams, product owners, and other architects to ensure technical solutions are robust, secure, and aligned with strategic goals. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in fast-paced environments and has a passion for designing high-quality software systems.

Responsibilities

• Define and document technical architectures for new and existing services.
• Provide hands-on technical leadership and guidance to development teams.
• Ensure solutions adhere to government standards, security policies, and best practices.
• Collaborate with Solutions Architects to align technical designs with business needs.
• Evaluate and select appropriate technologies, frameworks, and tools.
• Identify and mitigate technical risks early in the delivery lifecycle.
• Support integration, testing, and deployment strategies.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Active SC Clearance (must be currently valid).
• Strong experience as a Technical Architect in software-focused environments.
• Solid foundation in software engineering (e.g., Java, .NET, Node.js, Python).
• Deep understanding of architectural patterns (e.g., microservices, containerisation, API design).
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP).
• Familiarity with DevOps tooling and CI/CD pipelines.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills.

Desirable

• Experience working within UK Government or public sector.
• Knowledge of GDS service standards and technology governance.
• Exposure to Agile and iterative delivery models.
• Understanding of security and data protection requirements in government systems