Lead Software Architect

ALTEN Group; Manchester; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology firm in Manchester seeks an experienced Software Architect to design safety-critical software architecture. In this role, you will guide design decisions, mentor teams, and ensure compliance with safety standards. Ideal candidates will have over 8 years in software engineering, proficiency in C/C++ and Java, and a commitment to high-integrity coding practices. This position offers competitive compensation and various benefits.

Benefits

Private Medical Insurance

Pension Scheme

Cycle-to-work Scheme

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in software engineering and architecture.
• Strong knowledge of C/C++ and Java, including respective toolchains.
• Experience in designing safety-critical software in regulated industries.

Responsibilities

• Define and maintain the software architecture for a large distributed system.
• Oversee design reviews and mentor engineers.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards like DO-178, DEF STAN.

Skills

C/C++

Java

Safety-critical software

Unit testing

Software FMEA

Technical documentation

Leadership skills

Education

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

Tools

Atlassian toolsets

JIRA

Confluence

Docker

Jenkins

Job description

Job Description

Help design the next generation 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.

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.

Qualifications

• 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; not mandatory but beneficial. As part of onboarding, candidates will complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS).

Additional Information

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 efficient solution development. We are committed to sustainable growth and continuous improvement through mentoring programs, internal universities, and more. We offer opportunities to work on innovative projects with leading companies, prioritise career development, and provide personalised support plans.

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 huge diversity of engineering projects and industries.
• A competitive salary.
• Private Medical Insurance.
• Pension Scheme.
• Cycle‑to‑work Scheme and other benefits.
• Social atmosphere, regular gatherings, and team building events.
• Flexible working arrangements (role dependent).