At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the future of cloud-based services and design a unified architecture.
- Company: Leading scientific and engineering organisation in the UK.
- Benefits: £750 per day, flexible work arrangements, and impactful projects.
- Other info: Join a forward-thinking team with long-term strategic importance.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on advanced scientific workflows and data services.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in SOA and microservice architecture.
£750 Per Day, Inside IR35, 12 Month Contract, To Start ASAP. Based near Oxford (3-4 DAYS ONSITE INITIALLY).
Your new company: 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.
Your new role: 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.
What you'll need to succeed: 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.
What you'll get in return: 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.
What you need to do now: 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 in Oxford 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 Service-Oriented Architecture, you'll enjoy a collaborative work culture that values innovation and technical excellence, alongside competitive compensation and the chance to influence long-term architectural strategies in a complex environment. This is an exceptional opportunity for professional growth, as you will work closely with engineers and stakeholders to drive meaningful change in one of the UK's most advanced technical settings.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Integration Architect (SOA / Cloud) - URGENT in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out before your interview. Research their projects, values, and recent news. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your technical skills and be ready to discuss your past experiences with SOA and cloud architectures. Be prepared to explain how you've tackled challenges in previous roles, as this will demonstrate your problem-solving abilities.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They can provide insights into the company culture and what they value in candidates, which can give you an edge during the interview process.
✨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 engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Integration Architect (SOA / Cloud) - URGENT in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience with Service-Oriented Architecture and cloud-based systems. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant projects!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about SOA and how your past experiences have prepared you for this role. We love seeing enthusiasm and a clear understanding of the challenges ahead.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, give examples of how you've tackled complex architectural challenges in the past. We’re looking for someone who can navigate tricky situations and provide clear direction, so let us know how you’ve done that before!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates directly from us. Plus, it’s super easy!
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 also have practical experience.
✨Understand Their Current Architecture
Before the interview, research the company’s existing architecture if possible. Familiarise yourself with common challenges in transitioning from monolithic to cloud-based systems. This will help you ask insightful questions and demonstrate your proactive approach.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face technical questions about distributed system design, messaging, and data interoperability. Prepare to explain your thought process when evaluating communication protocols and defining service boundaries. Use real-world scenarios to illustrate your points.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
This role requires guiding teams and influencing stakeholders. Be ready to share examples of how you've led architectural conversations in the past. Highlight your ability to challenge assumptions and provide clear direction, as this will be crucial for their future success.
