Software Architect

Software Architect

Kettering Full-Time 60000 - 85000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead software architecture design and provide expert guidance across multiple projects.
  • Company: BAE Systems is a leader in defence innovation, shaping the future of radar technology.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, competitive pension, health perks, and shopping discounts.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in an inclusive culture that values diversity and empowers your potential.
  • Qualifications: Experience in programming, software development lifecycle, and a degree in Computer Science or related field.
  • Other info: Flexible working options available; accessible location with ferry services.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 85000 £ per year.

Job Title: Software Architect

Location: Isle of Wight – Cowes or Portsmouth – BroadOak

Salary: Up to £85,700 depending on skills and experience plus bonus scheme. Part time & accruing hours available’ Please let us know if you would like to discuss these options.

What you’ll be doing:

  • Provide Software Subject Matter Expertise: Working across multiple projects with various programming languages, architectures, and lifecycle models, offering specialist technical advice and guidance to peers and projects
  • Define and Develop Architectural Artefacts: Creating, assessing and reviewing software and data processing architectures to meet software and system requirements and support future re-use of software, ensuring alignment throughout the engineering lifecycle
  • Establish and Maintain Design Processes: Enhancing transformational activities and tools used to develop and manage software design artefacts, ensuring robust, resilient, scalable and secure middleware and applications architectures on modern hardware
  • Ensure Toolchain Compliance and Integration: Collaborating with DevOps to ensure tools are licensed, OSS-compliant, interoperable, and integrated into the build process
  • Lead Technical Governance: Conduct peer reviews, leading technical design reviews, verify and sign off software designs, and uphold Maritime Services’ software processes
  • Promote Continuous Improvement and Knowledge Sharing: Supporting skills development within the team, maintain awareness of industry trends, and ensure architectural awareness of Security, and Safety Integrity Levels (SILs)

Your skills and experiences:

  • Extensive experience with at least one high-level programming language and a high-level design methodology such as UML
  • Deep understanding of the software development lifecycle and familiarity with various models, including Agile and Waterfall
  • Proven experience in leading software development activities and mentoring engineering teams
  • Solid knowledge of relevant software standards (e.g. ISO/IEC/IEEE 12207), including software safety and Safety Integrity Levels (SIL)
  • Comprehensive understanding of configuration management practices and tools. Strong Technical Background, Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related numerate discipline, with Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or working towards it

Benefits:

As well as a competitive pension scheme, BAE Systems also offers employee share plans, an extensive range of flexible discounted health, wellbeing and lifestyle benefits, including a green car scheme, private health plans and shopping discounts – you may also be eligible for an annual incentive.

The Future Radar team:

Join us in shaping the Future of Radar Technology. We are evolving our radar portfolio by enhancing our existing products and developing brand-new radar products to address emerging and future threats in the realm of Future Air Dominance. With strong collaboration from our customers and investment in talent, our strategy is to keep the UK at the forefront of defence innovation.

As the Software Architect you will act as the technical focal point and design authority, developing and maintaining software architectures that meet challenging complex Radar requirements. Using modern operating systems, tools, and design patterns, you will create robust, resilient, scalable and secure middleware and application layers for hardware. You’ll leverage both licensed and open-source tools, ensuring compliance with OSS guidance, and work with the wider team to ensure a smooth implementation, integration and test process.

Our workplace in Cowes is an easily accessible commute from Southampton with a regular foot passenger ferry and BAE shuttle service from the ferry terminal to site.

As the world has evolved, so has the way we work. Our working approach, will enable you to have flexibility with your working hours, depending on your role and location. This could include accruing hours as well as flexibility around start and finish times, ensuring you can balance life at work, on site and life at home.

Why BAE Systems?

This is a place where you’ll be able to make a real difference. You’ll be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity of thought, rewards integrity, and merit, and where you’ll be empowered to fulfil your potential. We welcome people from all backgrounds and want to make sure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible. If you have a disability or health condition (for example dyslexia, autism, an anxiety disorder etc.) that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.

Closing Date: 22nd August 2025

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

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Software Architect employer: BAE Systems

BAE Systems is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of inclusivity and innovation, particularly in the dynamic field of radar technology. With flexible working arrangements, competitive benefits including a pension scheme and health plans, and a commitment to employee development, you will find ample opportunities for growth while contributing to cutting-edge projects in a supportive environment on the beautiful Isle of Wight.
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Contact Detail:

BAE Systems Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Software Architect

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific programming languages and design methodologies mentioned in the job description. Being able to discuss your experience with UML and high-level programming languages during an interview will demonstrate your expertise and alignment with the role.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare to showcase your understanding of the software development lifecycle, especially Agile and Waterfall models. You might be asked to provide examples of how you've applied these methodologies in past projects, so have some relevant experiences ready to share.

✨Tip Number 3

Highlight any leadership or mentoring experiences you have had in software development. This role requires leading technical governance and peer reviews, so demonstrating your ability to guide teams and uphold software processes will be crucial.

✨Tip Number 4

Stay updated on industry trends related to software architecture and safety standards. Being knowledgeable about ISO/IEC/IEEE 12207 and Safety Integrity Levels (SIL) will not only help you in interviews but also show your commitment to continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.

We think you need these skills to ace Software Architect

Proficiency in high-level programming languages
Expertise in UML and high-level design methodologies
Deep understanding of the software development lifecycle
Experience with Agile and Waterfall models
Leadership skills in software development activities
Mentoring and coaching engineering teams
Knowledge of software standards (e.g. ISO/IEC/IEEE 12207)
Understanding of Safety Integrity Levels (SIL)
Configuration management practices and tools
Strong technical background in Computer Science or Engineering
Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or working towards it
Ability to create and assess software architectures
Experience in toolchain compliance and integration
Technical governance and peer review skills
Continuous improvement and knowledge sharing
Familiarity with modern operating systems and design patterns

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience with high-level programming languages and design methodologies like UML. Emphasise any leadership roles you've had in software development and mentoring, as these are key for the Software Architect position.

Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for software architecture and how your skills align with the job description. Mention specific projects where you’ve developed architectural artefacts or led technical governance to showcase your expertise.

Highlight Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on your understanding of the software development lifecycle, including Agile and Waterfall models. Provide examples of how you've ensured toolchain compliance and integration in past roles.

Showcase Continuous Improvement: Demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement and knowledge sharing. Mention any initiatives you've taken to support team skills development or how you've kept up with industry trends, particularly in security and safety integrity levels.

How to prepare for a job interview at BAE Systems

✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise

As a Software Architect, it's crucial to demonstrate your deep understanding of programming languages and design methodologies. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've applied your skills, particularly in high-level design and software development lifecycles.

✨Prepare for Architectural Discussions

Expect to engage in conversations about architectural artefacts and design processes. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in software architecture and be ready to share your insights on how to create robust and scalable systems.

✨Highlight Leadership Experience

Since the role involves leading technical governance and mentoring teams, be sure to provide examples of your leadership experience. Discuss how you've successfully guided teams through complex projects and fostered a culture of continuous improvement.

✨Understand Compliance and Standards

BAE Systems places a strong emphasis on compliance with software standards and safety integrity levels. Brush up on relevant standards like ISO/IEC/IEEE 12207 and be ready to explain how you ensure compliance in your work.

Software Architect
BAE Systems
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  • Software Architect

    Kettering
    Full-Time
    60000 - 85000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-08-01

  • B

    BAE Systems

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