At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the future of cloud-based service architecture in a cutting-edge scientific environment.
- Company: Join a nationally significant organisation at the forefront of digital modernisation.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, impactful work, and a chance to influence long-term technical evolution.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration with top engineers.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by defining scalable, interoperable service architectures.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in SOA and microservices, with strong leadership and communication skills.
£750 Per Day, Inside IR35, 12 Month Contract, To Start ASAP Based near Oxford (3-4 DAYS ONSITE INITIALLY)
We are a nationally significant scientific and engineering organisation operating within one of the most complex technical environments in the UK. As part of our long-term digital modernisation, we are moving away from legacy monolithic applications and establishing a cloud-based, service-oriented ecosystem. This shift is essential to supporting the future of our experimental workflows, data services and operational capabilities.
As the transition progresses, a major challenge has emerged; while the services now exist in the cloud, they have not yet been shaped into a coherent, well-designed service architecture. Interoperability, service boundaries, communication patterns and data flow design all require firm direction. We are now looking for a Software Architect with deep SOA expertise to define the foundations of this environment, set the standards and guide our teams toward a mature, scalable and future-proof architecture.
This is a role for an architect who is passionate about Service-Oriented Architecture and has the experience to turn a fragmented system landscape into a unified distributed ecosystem. You will begin by gaining a deep understanding of the current architecture, identifying how services have been implemented, how they interact and where legacy monolithic behaviours are still influencing design. You will explore architectural gaps, risks and technical debt, forming a clear view of the changes needed to achieve a consistent, interoperable service environment.
Your focus will be on shaping and maturing the organisation's SOA. You will define how services communicate, how data moves across the environment and how service boundaries should be drawn. You will determine whether a message bus or event driven architecture is appropriate, and you will examine the complex mix of real-time, configuration and scientific data to establish reliable and predictable data flow patterns.
Throughout the assignment, you will develop the next level of architectural detail, diagrams, logical models, communication patterns, service contracts, API standards and integration principles. You will work closely with engineers, product teams and scientific stakeholders to ensure every service is aligned to SOA best practice and built on a foundation of scalability, clarity and long-term sustainability. Your ability to challenge assumptions, lead architectural conversations and provide clear direction will be central to moving the organisation confidently into a service-oriented future.
You are an experienced Architect with a track record of designing and governing service-oriented or microservice-based systems. You understand distributed system design, messaging, data interoperability and the practical realities of breaking down monolithic patterns. You are comfortable evaluating communication protocols, establishing service contracts, defining service boundaries and designing integration approaches that balance performance, resilience and maintainability. You are equally confident guiding development teams, influencing stakeholders and navigating environments where the architectural direction is not yet fully defined.
Alongside a competitive daily rate, you will have the opportunity to shape the architectural foundation of one of the UK's most advanced scientific and engineering environments. Your work will influence how services communicate, how data flows, how systems grow and how the organisation evolves technically for years to come. You will be part of a forward thinking, engineering-focused culture where your architectural leadership will have both immediate impact and long term strategic importance.
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
Integration Architect (SOA / Cloud) - URGENT employer: Hays
Join a nationally significant scientific and engineering organisation based near Oxford, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our digital landscape. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, we offer a dynamic work culture that encourages professional growth and the opportunity to influence cutting-edge architectural practices. As part of our team, you'll enjoy competitive compensation and the chance to make a lasting impact in one of the UK's most advanced technical environments.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Integration Architect (SOA / Cloud) - URGENT
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend meetups, and engage in online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio or a personal website where you can display your projects and achievements. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to SOA and cloud architecture. The more prepared you are, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Integration Architect (SOA / Cloud) - URGENT
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Integration Architect role. Highlight your experience with SOA and cloud-based systems, and don’t forget to mention any relevant projects that showcase your skills in designing service-oriented architectures.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this role and how your background aligns with the organisation's goals. Be specific about your experience with distributed systems and how you can help shape their architectural future.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, include examples of how you've tackled complex architectural challenges in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to navigate the intricacies of service boundaries and data flow design, which are crucial for this position.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates regarding your application status!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Know Your SOA Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your Service-Oriented Architecture knowledge. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've designed and governed SOA or microservice-based systems in the past. This will show that you not only understand the theory but can also apply it practically.
✨Understand the Current Landscape
Before the interview, take some time to think about the challenges the company might be facing with their current architecture. Consider how legacy monolithic behaviours could be impacting their service design and be prepared to suggest potential solutions or improvements.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to dive deep into technical discussions. Brush up on communication protocols, service contracts, and integration approaches. Be ready to explain how you would evaluate these elements to ensure performance, resilience, and maintainability in a distributed system.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
This role requires guiding development teams and influencing stakeholders. Think of examples where you've successfully led architectural conversations or challenged assumptions. Highlight your ability to provide clear direction and foster collaboration among diverse teams.
